FOR 2013, the Nottingham Post Business Awards offer the region a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the commercial progress being made by so many businesses within the county.
Following a period of economic difficulty that has seen many of the country's retail businesses experience huge changes in structure and size, this year's sponsor of the Retail Business of the Year Award is delighted to be sponsoring an award that recognises those that have continued to be successful.
Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Vision Express, spoke of his organisation's involvement with the awards:
"Vision Express is head quartered in Nottingham, and we understand the importance of supporting other businesses in the region.
"The financial climate has becoming increasingly challenging for businesses and the ones sustaining and growing have had to become resilient to trading conditions, adapting where necessary. Celebrating the companies that have had been successful over the last 12 months is incredibly important."
As one of the country's best-known optical retailers, Vision Express has a large amount of expertise to lend to its sponsorship category, participating in the judging process.
Jonathan said: "Being a leading optical retailer, we feel Vision Express is perfectly placed to sponsor the Retail Business of the Year Award, especially as in 2013 we are celebrating 25 years of trading. We're proud of reaching this landmark anniversary and pleased to support other expanding businesses within the region. "
He explained the importance he places in awards such as the Nottingham Post's, a process that helps to reinforce the county's status as one of the United Kingdom's leading commercial districts. "Showcasing the successes over the last 12 months with the Nottingham Post Business Awards not only raises awareness of the thriving companies in the area but also helps promote the area to the whole of the UK, showing that Nottinghamshire is an innovative region for business and a valuable hub for businesses to base."
The awards are so important for Nottinghamshire's overall growth and go a long way to highlight the steps that have been taken to guarantee the future for the business community. Having continued to overcome the difficulties facing many retail businesses, the winner of this award will fly the flag for the county's commercial strength.
Jonathan remains cautiously optimistic for the business future of the region.
"Having recently announced a second consecutive year of sales and profit growth, we clearly feel that businesses can thrive in the toughest of environments. However, we should not expect the economy to do us any favours for some time to come."