Barking and Dagenham businesses are being encouraged to nominate themselves for an annual awards scheme.

The Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023 aims to celebrate the best of the borough’s businesses and seeks out new and up-and-coming businesspeople and businesses.

The deadline for entry is midnight on Tuesday, May 2.Barking and Dagenham Post: Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce president Jamie Banks welcomed those at the launchBarking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce president Jamie Banks welcomed those at the launch (Image: Sandra Rowse)

The Post is supporting the awards, which culminate in a black-tie dinner and ceremony at Dagenham & Redbridge FC on June 29.

The three finalists for each category will be invited to attend.

Categories, which are free to enter, include green business, employee of the year, innovation through the use of digital media, and best new business.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Businesses are encouraged to nominate themselves for as many categories as they wishBusinesses are encouraged to nominate themselves for as many categories as they wish (Image: Sandra Rowse)

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Steve Thompson MBE, managing director of Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club, said: “The Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards showcases the best of local business and is the pinnacle of local networking.”

Barking and Dagenham Post: Businesspeople were invited to the launch event to networkBusinesspeople were invited to the launch event to network (Image: Sandra Rowse)
 

He added that “there are no downsides to entering” and he “urges all to take a look at entering to help to raise their profile and to trade locally”.

The Chamber of Commerce launched this year’s awards on Wednesday (March 22) at Dagenham & Redbridge FC, where businesspeople had the opportunity to network.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Speakers at the launch included Laura Iosifescu, who runs Laura I. Art Gallery CIC in Barking, who won in the Innovation and Diversification in the Use of Digital Media category in 2022Speakers at the launch included Laura Iosifescu, who runs Laura I. Art Gallery CIC in Barking, who won in the Innovation and Diversification in the Use of Digital Media category in 2022 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Chamber president Jamie Banks said: “Entering the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards is an excellent way to promote your business and gain recognition for your achievements.

“The Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are a wonderful platform for celebrating and generating business success.”

Barking and Dagenham Post: A cake commemorating the launch of the 2023 awards was cut at the launch eventA cake commemorating the launch of the 2023 awards was cut at the launch event (Image: Sandra Rowse)

He continued: “There are twelve categories of awards that can be won, and whilst there is a focus on businesses located in Barking and Dagenham, there are also categories for those businesses based outside our area which are doing business in Barking and Dagenham.

“And there are plenty of opportunities for entry [which] is free for all businesses.”

Barking and Dagenham Post: Businesses are encouraged to enter the awards free of chargeBusinesses are encouraged to enter the awards free of charge (Image: Sandra Rowse)

There are also categories open to businesses both based in the borough and located outside it but which are doing business in Barking and Dagenham.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Categories are open for entry from businesses within the borough and there are other categories for those based outsideCategories are open for entry from businesses within the borough and there are other categories for those based outside (Image: Sandra Rowse)

To enter, contact Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce by email info@bdchamber.co.uk or telephone 020 8591 6966.