Nominations close next week for the preliminary phase of the new Leamington Business Awards which recognises Covid resilience across the region.

The seventh – and newly named - Leamington Business Resilience Awards, introduces three additional categories recognising Business Resilience, Business Pivoting and Lockdown Hero.

Established in 2014, the LBAs champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations while also raising vital funds for local charities, culminating with, pandemic willing, a glittering black-tie ceremony next year.

While the main awards categories are set to be announced in the new year, nominations have been pouring in for the first new-look ceremony celebrating a year of resilience, entries so far ranging from educators to bakers and dog trainers to inventors.

Organiser Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, said: ''We have been delighted at the fantastic response to these special awards.

"With over 30 entries so far across all the categories we are truly humbled by the stories being shared.

"We have heard of Business Pivots where tens of thousands of PPE visors have been produced for frontline workers and the wonderful Lockdown Heroes where over 70,000 meals were provided to NHS staff.

"What has been particularly noticeable is the number of public nominations where people have been so impressed by what the local businesses have done for their communities and have felt compelled to put them forward."

The COVID-friendly interactive event will be broadcast live online from Noisegate Media Studio in Leamington on December 11, hosted by local DJ and professional event host, Kirsty Leahy and featuring a special message from Matt Western MP for Warwick and Leamington.

The three finalists from each category will receive an Awards Night Hamper at home containing food, drinks and goodies to help make the night extra special for everyone.

Jonathan added: "To make sure everyone enjoys the celebration and has a wonderful experience, the organisers are working on a special Awards Night Hamper' for each finalist which will include food and drinks and a few extra surprises!"

Nominations for the following categories are still being accepted until Friday, November 20:

2020 Business Resilience Award: This award will go to a business that has demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the pandemic and tackled challenges head-on.

Business Pivot Award: This category is open to any business that can demonstrate how they have 'pivoted' their product or service during 2020, ie. adapted their offering for new or existing customers, thus allowing their business to survive – and even thrive.

Lockdown Hero Award: This award recognises the Leamington business that has gone 'above and beyond' during 2020. The business may have provided products to vulnerable groups free of charge, offered their services pro-bono to struggling local businesses or individuals, or spread positivity during challenging times. In this category, one can either self-nominate, or nominate another business.

Award sponsors already include chartered accountants and financial advisors Harrison Beale & Owen, Lodders solicitors and The Box Factory but more are invited to get onboard by contacting Jonathan Smith at: [email protected] or [email protected]

He is also interested in hearing from businesses willing to donate items for the award hampers.

Jonathan said: ''With the challenges and restrictions that the current COVID crisis has given us we decided to postpone the main full Business Awards to early 2021 but felt it was perfect timing to recognise the inspiring effort and achievements many have made with their businesses and their communities."

Nominations for the main Leamington Business Awards will open on January 21 2021 when businesses have the opportunity to enter 12 categories: New Business of the Year; Business and Community Award; Customers Service Excellence Award; Young Person of the Year Award, Employer of the Year; South Warwickshire Achievement of the Year; Innovation of the Year; Outstanding Achievement of the Year; Independent Business of the Year; Property Business of the Year, Warwick District Charity of the Year and The People's Choice Award.

A winner from all the categories will also be selected for the prestigious Judges' Choice Award – Business of the Year.

To nominate a business visit the LBA website.

Nominations close on Friday, November 20 and finalists will be contacted by email and via the website and social media.