Business Awards celebrate heroes of industry

The Border-Kei Chamber of Business Awards is getting closer, with an esteemed panel of judges having already selected finalists, soon to be announced to the public.

The second annual BKCOB 2024 business awards will honour businesses and organisations whose workplace achievements positively impact the economy of the Border-Kei region. 

A glamorous gala dinner under the theme “A Night in Africa” will celebrate the winners on November 28.

BKCOB executive director Lizelle Maurice said the awards were to recognise phenomenal "achievement against all odds". 

Maurice said: "We came out of Covid-19, We've had load-shedding, interest rate hikes, the cost of living went up — it was announced that the Eastern Cape was in a technical recession.

"And yet our businesses showed resilience — we need to recognise that. 

"This is also an encouragement to continue and a  thank you for the contribution that they make towards our local economy and adding value to the success of East London as a city." 

The awards received  65 nominees across six categories -- Emerging Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur, Businesswoman of the Year, Corporate Gold, Corporate Platinum and Business Legend.

"When you showcase and highlight people, and you showcase their businesses, you showcase their brands, it really contributes towards their own success." 

Nominees were all registered SA businesses or individuals (depending on the category)  based and residing in the Border-Kei region and paid-up members of BKCOB. 

"The public nominated the business people and we went through a pre-adjudication panel where candidates had to submit certain criteria before we conducted in-person interviews.

"First, we had to make sure the nomination was accepted!"

Winners will be announced from the pool of finalists at the glitzy gala evening. 

"It was a tough final selection because the calibre (of entrants) was so high. It's an honour and privilege for the chamber to showcase all these phenomenal businesses," Maurice said. 

The chamber's emerging entrepreneur winner will be an innovator whose initiative and grit have made a significant contribution in their local economy, possibly through job creation or some other form of social impact.

"Like the people of East London, the business sector needs hope. It hasn't been the easiest year. It hasn't been the easiest three years.

"These awards just give people courage and inspire up-and-coming entrepreneurs too." 

"For the first time this year, we're going to have a posthumous Business Legend Award to honour those who may have passed on but their contributions  towards the economic upliftment of the city were perhaps not recognised." 

Daily Dispatch general manager Ryan Megaw said: "The Daily Dispatch is excited to be media partner for this year’s BKCOB business awards.

"We recognise the vital role that BKCOB and the business community plays in our region, and it is fitting that achievers in the business community are recognised for their achievements and excellence.

"As one of the judges for this year’s awards, it is wonderful to see the level of business acumen and innovation in our region.

"The Eastern Cape continues to produce world class businesses and leaders," he said.

"The process of judging is very intensive, with evaluating businesses and finalists from different perspectives, including financial performance, marketing, compliance, social responsibility, innovation, strategy and how they manage and develop their people.

"In many categories the results were very close, making challenging to select winners.

"The BKCOB Business Awards are a testament to the resilience, innovation, and excellence of the Border-Kei business community," Megaw said.

"The Daily Dispatch is proud to be a part of this celebration and looks forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the region's businesses," he added.

The 2024 Annual Dinner/Business Awards evening will take place at the East London International Convention Centre on Friday, the 29th of November 2024. 

Guests are invited to arrive at 6pm for a 6.30pm start to an evening's entertainment themed "A Night in Africa". 

The ticket price for a seat is R550.00 per person (member fee) or R650.00 (non-member fee).

Sponsorship packages are available if you are able to partner.

Kindly contact Volenti at members@bkcob.co.za for more information on partnering options and any queries you may have to book your seat/table.

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