Published: Tuesday, 26th August, 2008 12:30pm
Scottish Borders Awards 2008
Finalists announced
THE finalists in the 2008 Scottish Borders Awards have been revealed, after the judges scrutinised over 80 entries in the seven hotly-contested categories.
Finalists in each category have been selected, and the winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony and dinner on Friday 3 October at Springwood Hall, Kelso. The event is all about celebrating achievement, good work and what the Scottish Borders has to offer.
Panels of judges met last Friday to discuss the entries, with the unanimous opinion that the standard of entries was higher than ever.
Sarah Glendinning, New Ways Co-ordinator said: 'The feedback from the judges was that the competition was extremely closely-fought. Those who have been selected as finalists can feel justifiably proud of their achievements, while I would like to encourage those who haven"t made it this year to try again next year.'
Patrick Haynes, Senior Client Director at main sponsors THUS plc said: 'Everyone who has reached the finals of this year"s awards can be assured that they are there on merit as there were difficult decisions to be made in every category. We congratulate them on their success in becoming finalists and wish all good luck in the finals themselves.'
The finalists in each category are:
Business of the Year – Award for Business Excellence, sponsored by New Ways:
Award for Best Community Project, sponsored by Sykes Global Solutions
Award for Innovation in Environmental Improvement, sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission
Award for Excellence in Skills and Learning, sponsored by Heriot Watt University, learndirect Scotland and Borders College
Award for Promoting Health and Wellbeing, sponsored by Borders Sport and Leisure Trust
In this category the judges wished to endorse the application from Borders Green Team Enterprises as an employability project that has a positive impact on health and well-being.
Award for Best Use of IT in a Tourism-related Business, sponsored by THUS
Award for Young Ambassador, sponsored by TESCO
Winners of the awards will be presented with a handcrafted trophy made in the Borders by sculptor Sam Wade, and will also benefit from a range of prizes from local companies.
The organisers would like to encourage entrants, finalists and anyone else who is interested in attending one of the highlights of the Borders social calendar to book their places as soon as possible. Shortlisted finalists will receive a complimentary ticket and additional tickets can be purchased.
Last year"s event was very warmly received by attendees including local businesses, village hall committees, Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce and local groups such as Selkirk Rally. All agreed that it was a wonderful evening, very enjoyable and a great way to showcase all the great work going on in the Borders.
The awards are held at Springwood Hall, Border Union Showground Kelso. Individual tickets cost £45 plus VAT and a table of 10 costs £450 plus VAT. The ticket price includes a drinks reception on arrival, a 3-course dinner with coffee and wine and after dinner entertainment.
Places are still available at the dinner, and tickets can be obtained by contacting Victoria Miller at The BIG Partnership on 01224 615015 or events@bigpartnership.co.uk.
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