Nominations are being invited from today (Oct 9) to recognise COVID Resilience, as part of a new-look preliminary event for next year's Leamington Business Awards.

Newly named The Leamington Business Resilience Awards, the seventh annual event will see the introduction of 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 a glittering black-tie ceremony next year.

While the main awards categories are set to be announced in the new year, nominations have now opened for a first ceremony celebrating resilience.

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.

The COVID-friendly hybrid event, organised by Talk Business UK founder Jonathan Smith, will take place on December 11 at a venue to be announced.

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]

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.

"We have now designed a unique Awards program to celebrate these achievements which is likely to be a new Hybrid event involving a small live venue with online links to all the finalists and supporters.''

Nominations for the main Leamington Business Awards will open on January 21st 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.

Further details about the awards categories and how to nominate are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk

To nominate a business visit the business awards website.

Nominations close on Friday, November 13 after which a shortlist of three finalists for each category will be announced. Finalists will be contacted by email and via the website and social media.