THE inaugural Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards ceremony is continuing to capture much imagination locally.And today a call is going out to local businesses, proactive companies and successful entrepreneurs to enter this showcase of special talents, which will be honoured at a glittering ceremony at the Wherry Hotel, in Oulton Broad, on November 20.

THE inaugural Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards ceremony is continuing to capture much imagination locally.

And today a call is going out to local businesses, proactive companies and successful entrepreneurs to enter this showcase of special talents, which will be honoured at a glittering ceremony at the Wherry Hotel, in Oulton Broad, on November 20.

The awards have been designed to recognise and reward business success in the area. Launched a fortnight ago, there are 18 categories recognising the vast array of business organisations in Waveney.

George Swietlik, president of the Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber, said: “We shall be looking to showcase the energy and optimism that we at the chamber know is abundant in our area. The awards will provide us with a great opportunity to present the positive benefits of both living and working in such an industrious region.”

Echoing these sentiments, one of the main sponsors of the event, Jeld-Wen, will be sponsoring the prestigious Manufacturing Award 2008.

Tom Horne, general manager of the site in Waveney Drive, Lowestoft, said: “As a global manufacturing company with a commitment to both quality and reliability, Jeld-Wen sees the importance of manufacturing to both the local and wider economies.

“The manufacturing sector has constricted sharply since the late 1970s and it is now time to resurrect it and drive forward, striving for competitiveness and market share.

“This and only this will enable us to re-build our local economy and bring success and higher living standards to all.”

“With this in mind, the winner of the category for the company or business showing outstanding manufacturing, will go 'to a company that excels in its field'.

“It will be one that has grasped and utilised the modern concepts and tools available in today market environment,” Mr Horne said. “But most importantly it will go to a company that can demonstrate the total involvement and commitment of its workforce. A company that brings success to the local community in terms of jobs and one that truly contributes to the economy as a whole.

“In short, a company of the future and a role model for all,” he

added.

The Journal is also one of the main sponsors for the awards evening, which will be hosted by television and radio personality Helen McDermott.

To enter go to the chamber's website at www.waveneychamber. co.uk/ and click on the Business Awards 2008 section.