AS the countdown to the Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence heads towards single figures, thoughts are inevitably turning to who will win in each category.
Isle of Man Bank is sponsoring the Company of the Year category and there is a strong shortlist – with Trade Distribution, NK Construction and The Claremont: a Sleepwell Hotel, all appearing.
The Isle of Man Bank’s director of business and commercial banking Chris Mitchell is looking forward to finding out whose name will be called out on the night.
He explained why the bank was keen to sponsor this particular category.
‘The Isle of Man Bank is the number one bank for businesses in the Isle of Man,’ he said. ‘It has a long tradition of supporting local businesses.
‘I think it’s important to recognise individuals and companies who have done something for the island and I think a lot of the companies based in the Isle of Man do a lot of excellent work for the community.
‘Recognition is important, even if they don’t win.
‘We’ll be looking for something innovative, bringing something new, somebody who has raised the profile of the island or themselves.
‘But it doesn’t have to be a major company, we are looking at the smaller companies too.’
The Isle of Man Bank, part of RBS International, is a long-term sponsor of the Awards. RBS International is the event’s title sponsor and has been since its inception.
‘The Isle of Man Bank is a well-known local brand and we are keen to continue our support for the Awards,’ said Chris. ‘A lot of companies we speak to like the Awards and without our sponsorship they wouldn’t happen.
‘People should come along and see what it is on the night. It’s a great evening, it’s an opportunity for people to support and applaud companies and individuals across the island.
‘There are a wide range of awards and it’s an opportunity to find out what’s going on.
‘I think a lot of people don’t know the breadth that we have here in the island, from the big manufacturers to small businesses and volunteers.
‘It’s well worth supporting and it’s a really good night that people will enjoy.’
It is the seventh year the Awards have been run and this year they will be hosted by Clive Anderson.
The popular comedian and television presenter has been behind many shows but is perhaps best known for hosting comedy improvisational quiz Whose Line is it Anyway?
The ceremony, which begins at 8.30pm, will also feature the talents of 11-year-old musician Lauryn Anderson, the David Holland Orchestra and female electric violin duo Red Hot Strings.
The Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence will be streamed live around the world on our website, {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/afe|www.iomtoday.co.im/afe}.