SME recruitment agencies invited by AXA to star in Business Oscars

Small and medium sized recruitment agencies across the country have until 22 March to enter the regional AXA SME of the year award within their respective region.* This forms part of the National Business Awards programme that Gordon Brown calls the ëBusiness Oscarsí.

The AXA ëBusiness Oscarí will recognise businesses for their entrepreneurship and innovation, in a business climate that is often perceived as being unfriendly towards smaller companies. A recent small business report found that nearly half of respondents (48%) believe the UK is not supportive of SMEs.**

The AXA SME of the year award also seeks to highlight the importance of management excellence in maintaining a successful business today and continuing to grow it in the future. Considering a startling 80% of businesses affected by a major incident either never re-open or close within 18 months, therefore it is vital that SMEs have a business continuity plan in place, as part of their overall management strategy. This will equip businesses to manage any form of disaster from flooding and fire to loss of key staff.

The judges are looking for companies that can demonstrate innovation, substantial growth and strong financial performance. To enter the AXA SME of the year award businessesí can register interest via: www.axa4business.co.uk, where they can also find tips on how to produce a winning entry.

Businessesí must act quickly to be eligible for the award, as all regional entries must have been submitted by 22 March, with the final judging taking place in May. Regional winners will be announced in July, with the exception of Scotland which will take place in August, and will then be entered into the National competition. The AXA SME of the year will be crowned at the national ceremony at The Grosvenor Hotel on 8 November.

Mark Cliff of AXA, said: ìThe AXA SME of the year award will identify Englandís most innovative and dynamic business. Running a successful company that is both financially and commercially strong requires a solid business strategy and consistent hard work.

ìWe are very pleased to be sponsoring this award to support businesses, and we strongly encourage small and medium businesses to review their strengths and successes and enter the award.î

To increase the chances of succeeding, AXA is offering the following business tips to help small and medium businesses: