This year, the district's leading business awards will take on a slightly different format in an effort to be even more representative and responsive to the demands and expectations of businesses in Huntingdonshire. The first stage of that is this section of the newspaper's website which will enable more people to become more directly involved. But more of that later. To start with, I would like to welcome you here and thank-you for your interest in these awards, which are now entering their fourth successful year. The aim of the awards and their sponsors, without whom they could not take place, is to recognise and celebrate business success within the circulation area of The Hunts Post newspaper, itself recognised as one of the leaders in its field.
Businesses today have to be able to differentiate themselves form the competition they face.
Each has to work hard to achieve optimum results for its customers and staff, who are integral to its success. The Hunts Post Business Awards seek out that achievement and applaud it at our popular gala dinner, where leading local business figures mingle and enjoy an evening of celebrating success stories while identifying the rising stars of the district's business community. The winners, and we regard all those nomiinated on the galal dinner night as winners, because competition is so tough, enjoy the immediate lift of being awarded one of our distinctive awards, plus recognition for the valuable contribution staff, suppliers and stakeholders have made. The awards are also a year-long celebration leading to raised profile, competitive advantage and a reputation which will be the envy of many others in the area. The Hunts Post Business Awards haved raised the aspirations of local businesses and stimulated healthy competition.