THE business community in Waverley has proved that the borough is ‘open for business’ with a whopping 70 entries in the inaugural year of the Waverley Business, Innovation and Growth (BIG) awards.

The BIG Awards have attracted the finest calibre of entrants across many sectors, rural and urban, small and large, younger companies, and from long established businesses.

The four chambers of commerce from Cranleigh, Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere have been working together as Waverley Joint Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Waverley Borough Council to develop the awards.

The aim is to encourage businesses to locate to Waverley, to retain existing companies and help them grow, to promote Waverley as a ‘the’ place to do business south of London, and to market the many skilled employment opportunities on our residents’ doorsteps.

Designed “by local businesses, for local businesses”, the awards recognise, promote and celebrate the achievements of the innovative and entrepreneurial business community in Waverley.

Jim Edwards, Waverley Borough Council’s economic portfolio holder, said: “Waverley Borough Council is delighted to be principal sponsor for the first ever Waverley BIG awards.

“Local businesses play a key part in our community, supporting the local economy, providing jobs and adding to the attractiveness of the borough.”

There are four Chamber Presidents Awards for Cranleigh, Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere which were open to all businesses, not just chambers members.

In addition, awards for customer delight, innovation, staff engagement and community partnerships make up the suite of eight awards.

This year’s Waverley BIG Awards are also supported by Dunsfold Park, Edwards Greene Accountants, Downs Solicitors, Blink, Taybridge Consulting, SI Capital, Cornmeter, Blue Dot Display, PAAC IT, Marley Flowers, The Remarkable Studio, Angus Lyon Action Coach, Lythe Hill Hotel, Surrey County Council, Farnham Town Council and Haslemere town council.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony next Friday, October 19, at the Lythe Hill Hotel, Haslemere.

Finalists

Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce President’s Award: Hans Christmas Andersen, Idyllic Beauty and Day Spa, Taurus Wines.

Farnham Chamber of Commerce President’s Award: Branston Adams, CGJ Mathias & Son, Kall Kwik Farnham.

Haslemere Chamber of Commerce President’s Award: Dylan’s Ice Cream, Haslemere Chiropractic Clinic, Haslemere Hall.

Godalming Chamber of Commerce President’s Award: Innovation Visual, Munro Studios, Ritual Coffee UK.

Award for Customer Delight: Atrainability, Dylan’s Ice Cream, Wedition.

Award for Innovation: ClickIQ, Download Learning,

SI Capital.

Award for Staff Engagement, Education & Empowerment: Carbon Six Digital, Innovation Visual, PAAC IT.

Award for Community Partnership: Baker Law LLP, Branston Adams, Marley Flowers.