Search is on for South West’s Top Business Leaders

Businesses across Devon and Cornwall are being urged to enter one of the South West region’s top award schemes recognising excellence and enterprise.

The South West’s Institute of Directors Awards 2014 seek to recognise outstanding business people and focus UK-wide attention on the region's success.

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.

Categories include: SME Director, Large Company Director, Family Business Director , Young Director, Public Sector Director, including charities and not for profit, and Corporate Responsibility.

A panel of experts will judge the entries and the winners will be announced at a dinner later in the year.

Last year’s winners included Sarah Trethowan, of Pool-based Trac Services, Cornwall, who won Director of the Year and Ellen Rodger, of Sungift Energy renewable energy installers in Exeter, who was named Young Director of the Year.

Ellen said:  "Winning the IoD award not only boosted my own professional integrity, but also provided further proof to SunGift customers that we are very much a high-quality, credible business.  As renewable energy is still relatively young in comparison to some more traditional industries, there’s often a misguided perception that we lack the necessary experience and professionalism to provide exceptional customer service.  Winning the IoD award is yet more reassurance for our customers that we are on an equal standing and can serve their needs in a highly capable manner." 

IoD South West chairman Richard Ayre said: “We had a very high standard of entry last year, reaffirming that there’s a huge amount to celebrate within our region’s business community.

“There’s a great deal of expertise and excellence in the region which is leading the way in many sectors, helping the economy regain momentum.

“We want to hear more stories of enterprise, leadership and innovation and continue to celebrate leadership in the South West.”

South West winners automatically qualify to go forward to the UK Director Awards in London in the autumn. Entry form and more details are available by calling  0117 3707785, by emailing, iod.southwest@iod.com or by clilcking here.

Entry deadline is 31 March.