COMPANIES and organisations that are making a positive contribution to the area are being rewarded in the inaugural Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

COMPANIES and organisations that are making a positive contribution to the area are being rewarded in the inaugural Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The awards are designed to recognise business success in the region and Essex and Suffolk Water are one of the large businesses supporting the initiative.

There are 18 separate categories covering all aspects of business life and the awards have already proven to be a hit with companies both large and small in the Lowestoft and Waveney area.

The awards ceremony itself is being held at the Wherry Hotel, Oulton Broad, on November 20 when television and radio personality Helen McDermott will be the compere.

The Journal is one of the event's sponsors along with Waveney MP Bob Blizzard.

And the Community Impact Award is being sponsored by Essex and Suffolk Water.

The company, which has its Suffolk headquarters at St Mary's in Rectory Road, Lowestoft, plays an active part in the community and takes its corporate social responsibility seriously.

Kelvin Curtis, of Essex and Suffolk Water's Lowestoft office, said: “We supply water to all the homes, schools and businesses in the Lowestoft area. Our own Suffolk HQ, is in the town and we manage a number of other sites around the region.

“Being part of the communities we serve is important to us and we take our responsibilities seriously - offering support, resources and funding where appropriate to a wide range of educational, sporting, charitable and environmental organisations and activities.

“So it is entirely fitting that we sponsor this particular award.”

Mr Curtis said he was convinced that companies across Waveney were making a positive impact on the local community.

“We are looking forward to learning more about the range of community support that is available,” he said.

Entries are being welcomed for the awards and details of all categories and an application form is available at the chamber's website www.waveneychamber.co.uk and click on Business Awards 2008 section.