Countdown begins to business awards 2024

Well, there's no excuse this year!
We are going to give you plenty of time to enter the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards 2024 - by launching them now... well, within a few days or so!
The glittering finals night for shortlisted winners has already been pencilled in for Thursday June 13, 2024.
The venue will be the same, the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay, where around 200 guests enjoyed a great night of inspiration and celebration at this year's awards ceremony.
Entries for 2024 will open on Monday November 27 and will close on Friday April 5. That gives you 15, yes, 15 weeks to make sure you submit your entry in time for Judging Day which is set for Monday April 8.
Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker said: “I must admit that it felt like we were taking a huge gamble when as a young newspaper we launched our first awards right after Covid two years ago. But they were a huge success.
“This year's awards were even bigger and better with such emotion and a good-feel factor in the room. We want 2024 to be the best yet. Wouldn't it be great to fill the room with 400 guests? That is why we are planning well ahead and giving people plenty of time to enter.”
Paignton-based hi-tech firm QLM Technology were the 2023 overall Business of the Year winners as tech came together with tourism in the same setting for the first time.
QLM Technology, with a base at the EPIC Centre off the Torbay Ring Road in Paignton, is carrying out world-pioneering work in the battle against climate change after developing a new type of laser imaging, detection, and ranging camera based on quantum technology that can see and accurately quantify greenhouse gas emissions.
QLM, who also won the Best New Business category, were one of several companies from the hi-tech' cluster to taste success on the night with Bay Photonics (Innovation) and Spirent Communications (Inspiring Employer) also picking up awards.
Casting Support Systems won the Environmental Award.
The tourism and hospitality sectors were also celebrating success. Splashdown water park and award-winning Beverley Holidays were joint winners of the Best Tourism Business category. And Lorraine Arnold, from Pier Point in Torquay, was named James Wright Inspirational Business Leader of the Year - an award nicknamed the 'Jimmy' award in memory of the late James Wright from Majestic Holidays and presented by his son Mark
Digital marketing specialist Gina Franchi was named Young Business Person with training firm Essential 6 winning the Small Business category and Sound Communities were recognised with the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez's award for its work out in the community and with young people.
Special Lifetime Achievement awards were also given to Tanny Stobart for her inspirational work championing young people, and Nick Powe, of UNESCO Geopark fame and former owner of the pre-historic Kents Cavern caves.
One of the most moving and inspirational moments was listening to guest speaker and B&B owner Andy-Banner Price tell of his tough yet successful fight against cancer.
Keep an eye out for confirmation of the categories and how to enter in the coming days. If you would like to sponsor a category please contact jim.parker@clearskypublishing.co.uk or chris.coward@clearskypublishing.co.uk