Business Hero or Heroine

Sponsored and judged by Circle Services Group (visit website)

The category

Not to be confused with "Outstanding Business Person" or "Best Business in the Community" this category is designed for those individuals in business - employers or employees - who give up their personal time and are committed to, for example, helping charities and/or local community groups meet the needs of those who depend upon them.

If this sounds like someone you know why not nominate them for an award. Alternatively, why not enter on your own behalf and publicise the needs of your chosen charity?

What the judges are looking for

Individuals in business who regularly work to benefit charities and/or on behalf of local communities. Those who have also given up personal time to make a difference to other peoples' lives, either directly or working with a charity or improving community life.

If you work with a colleague, or are a charity or an individual who knows of such a person within the workplace who you believe should be recognised for an award then why not nominate them by submitting an entry on their behalf.

Specific questions to answer

1. Is the nominee able to identify particular beneficiaries of his/her charitable work?
2. To what extent has the nominee attempted to publicise/attract others to assist in the cause?
3. How much have the lives of the recipients been positively affected by the efforts of the nominee?
4. How much of his/her time has the nominee given up to the cause outside of their business?
5. Can the nominee supply at least two testimonials from charitable and/or community contacts?

About the judges

Circle Service Group has been established since 1952 and been a family run business since conception. The company's foundation is based upon giving clients traditional service and values coupled with all the latest technology.

Based in Southend-on-Sea, the company's 20,000 square foot factory has all the facilities required to complete printing projects from design concept through to final print and finishing, all under one roof.

Business Hero/Heroine nominations will be judged by Steve Bucke and Roger Froment.

Steve has many years experience in the printing industry and this has proved to be invaluable. This was particularly so on recent projects where he personally handled a wide range of literature and publicity material for two very large internationally known charities. Steve is also closely associated with the Alzeimers Society and Muscular Dystrophy organisations.

Roger has extensive experience in the sports and leisure, clothing and printing industries and has now been with Circle Services for thirteen years. Roger is a Director of the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation whose aim this year is to raise £1million for the Stroke Buster Appeal. Roger says "Strokes cause the third most deaths in the UK and the Stroke Buster Appeal is very much needed and worthy of support".