‘New look’ Merton Best Awards to launch at BookFest
‘New look’ Merton Best Awards to launch at BookFest
The 2021 Merton Best Business Awards will kick off in style as part of Wimbledon BookFest in September. We caught up with Diana Sterck, CEO of Merton Chamber of Commerce and the organiser of the MBBAs, to find out why we need this year’s awards more than ever.
Diana, tell us a bit more about the Merton Best Business Awards.
The MBBAs have been running since 2012 and they are a real highlight of the local business calendar. Every year, we are supported by some wonderful sponsors and judges and, usually, it all culminates in a black-tie awards ceremony at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. For obvious reasons, we had to cancel the 2020 MBBA’s, but I’m delighted that we are able to reinstate them this year. They will look a little different, but the intention is still the same – to celebrate and recognise all that is great about Merton’s business community.
What will be different for 2021?
The theme for this year’s awards is ‘Survive, Revive and Thrive’. It has been a difficult period for so many businesses – but despite the ongoing challenges, we believe that there is a great deal to reflect upon and celebrate. Businesses in Merton have shown incredible stamina over the past 18 months, constantly adapting to survive, revive and thrive. The 2021 MBBAs will seek to recognise that, and we have designed some new categories to shine a light on their flexibility, resilience and achievements against the odds.
Can you give us the inside scoop on any of the new awards?
All I can say at this stage is that they have been designed with the changing business landscape in mind. There will be new awards for Leadership, Team Spirit, Arts & Culture, and Star of the Year; and members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite Local Business Hero. We’re also making the application process much simpler and quicker. All will be revealed at our launch event as part of Wimbledon BookFest on 16th September, so to find out more you’ll have to come along to that!
What happens at the launch event and how can people get tickets?
We’re very excited to be part of BookFest this year. The semi-open-air venue will enable us to gather the business community together again and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone in person for the first time in many months. It will be a great opportunity to meet our award sponsors; hear from past winners; and chat to our team about the application process. Tickets are free but should be booked in advance via mertonbestbusiness.co.uk.
Applications for the 2021 Merton Best Business Awards will open straight after the launch event on 16th September. You can stay in the loop by registering for updates at mertonbestbusiness.co.uk and following @MertonBest on social media.
