The Whitewed Directory has announced its judging panel for their annual awards for venue and supplier members. 

The Whitewed Directory, which is recognised as the home to the South West’s best wedding venues, suppliers and organisers, will stage the event on 7 February 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon. 

The judging panel comprised of three highly respected industry professionals: Sara Tye, Ian Larrard and Emma Richards. 

Sara Tye is an award winning, top 500 international PR, business and organisational development expert and serial entrepreneur. She is the founder and managing director of redheadPR, CEO of Etape Suisse and Swindon Triathlon Club chair.

Ian Larrard is director of Business West in Swindon and Wiltshire, a key voice for business via the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative. Ian has significant relationships with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), local MPs, Councillors and other key partners so that the Initiative can effectively represent the views of their members and the local business community.

Emma Richards is the sales director of DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon hotel. With over 10 years’ experience, Emma has a wealth of knowledge in the hospitality industry with key skills in catering, hotel management, and sales management.

For Natalie Lovett, founder and managing director of The Whitewed Directory, the event will be a very special occasion. Natalie said: "I’m delighted to have three industry leaders involved in the 2018 awards. They all have an incredible wealth of knowledge and I’m thrilled to have them judging the entries.”

Natalie adds, “Last year’s awards were hugely successful and I’m excited to see the entries this year. Each of our members provide an exceptional service, and I believe they deserve to be recognised for their passion and professionalism."

Nominations for The Whitewed Directory Awards are now open in the following categories: Business of the Year 2018, Most Inspiring Business Person of the Year 2018 and Start-up Business of the Year 2018.

New to 2018 is the Peers Award; over the last 4 years, The Whitewed Directory members base has grown, and so have the relationships within it.  Many members recommend each other and are often delighted to find out they will be working with each other, as they know they’ll be working alongside a professional and quality peer, and this award allows Whitewed members to nominate their favourite!

The Whitewed Directory Business of the Year recognises the individual or supplier that has provided a service that stands out for its excellence and attention to detail. 

In the Start-up Business of the Year category, judges will look for a start-up business with the most innovative service/product combined with strong turnover growth.

Finally, in the Most Inspiring Business Person of the Year category, the judges will be looking for an inspirational story from one individual who exceeded expectations. 

The Whitewed Directory members can self-nominate through their membership account. Non-members who wish to be involved in this prestigious award process can still become a member and should contact The Whitewed Directory on 01793 238921 or email hello@whitewed.co.uk.

Entries close on Sunday 30 September 2018. The shortlisted businesses will be announced on Thursday 1 November 2018 and the winners announced at the awards ceremony in February 2019.
 
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