Nominations open for University's 5th annual Vice-Chancellor’s Enterprise Awards

The search to find the most enterprising people and businesses in the South West has begun with the launch of Plymouth University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Enterprise Awards for 2013.

The University is inviting nominations from across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset for both individuals and organisations – whether companies, social enterprises or voluntary groups – who are making a difference to people’s lives through enterprise.

And this year the process has been changed to enable people and businesses to nominate themselves, via a new and more simplified entry system.

Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice-Chancellor, launched the Enterprise Awards five years ago. Since then, they have received nearly 1,000 nominations and recognised 96 winners – from the region’s major employers to young start-up businesses, and from innovative teachers and researchers to students and alumni of Plymouth.

Professor Purcell said: “Since their launch in 2009, the Vice-Chancellor’s Enterprise Awards have become firmly established as a showcase event in the University and City calendar, not just because of the prominent location in which the ceremony is held, but also because of the very public recognition they provide.

“Now as we look to our future, we have an opportunity to demonstrate enterprise in action by making some exciting and innovative changes that will ensure our awards remain current and continue to inspire others.”

Among a number of changes to the process this year will be the reveal in June of an Enterprise Top 50 – a long list of enterprise champions chosen by the judges from the nominations. In July, the 18 winners will be announced one at a time during a ‘Winners Week’, before a gala dinner, held in the
Graduation Marquee on the Hoe in September, will showcase their achievements.

Professor Purcell said: “This year’s awards will throw the spotlight firmly back on enterprise, and celebrate the achievements of those individuals and organisations who are changing lives and creating opportunities through teaching, research, and innovation, whether in business or in our communities. And by removing specific categories, the nominations process should be more inclusive, encouraging more people than ever to get involved and nominate.”

The nominations process is open until May 27, and entry forms can be downloaded from the University website.