The Search is on for Devon’s Best Business Leaders

Award nominations are open to anyone working at director level in any type of business or organisation– they don’t have to be an IoD member. This year there are three new categories, recognising Inclusivity, Innovation and the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice. Existing categories include Family Business, Public Sector, Not for Profit/Third Sector, Global, Emerging and Corporate Responsibility.

A panel of experts will judge the entries and the winners will be announced on 14 June at a ceremony in Exeter at Sandy Park Conference Centre.

Last year’s winners included Louise Mitchell, CEO of Bristol’s Colston Hall, who won the Third Sector Award and Simon Brown, founder of tax credit specialists ForrestBrown, who was named Young Director of the Year.

IoD South West chairman Nick Sturge, a winner in 2014 and Director of Engine Shed, Bristol, said:

“These awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the role of enterprising leaders in both the private and public sectors and their contribution to the economy of the South West. This region is known for its rich diversity, from aerospace, technology and tourism through to our reputation in the creative industries and social enterprise, and we need to celebrate it.”

“I am particularly pleased at the inclusion of a new category recognising good governance which is critical to a successful organisation and is at the heart of everything the IoD stands for.

”As a former winner, I can talk from experience about the privilege of winning one of these awards as you are always up against a competitive field. I urge directors across the region to consider applying and to receive recognition for the great work you are doing.”

South West winners are eligible to go forward to the UK Director Awards in London in the autumn. Entry deadline is February 28th. The entry form and more details are available: http://www.iodawards.com/southwest