Deaf News: Shortlisted contenders revealed in Deaf Business Awards

The significant contribution that deaf entrepreneurs make to British life and the national economy is often overlooked, but the Deaf Business Awards scheme aims to change that with its celebration of top professionals with a hearing loss.

Run by the Deaf Business Academy (DBA), which offers knowledge and skills so that Deaf professionals can access the highest quality and most appropriate training, the successful and growing awards project is now in its fourth year.

And, this year, the organisation received a record 33 nominations across five different categories, along with more than 6,550 votes from supporters and customers UK-wide.

In each of the five categories, each shortlisted company was among the top three highest scoring businesses that people had voted for in their section, placing each one among Britain’s top-performing deaf-led organisations.

Winners will be revealed at a special awards ceremony to be held in Liverpool’s Foresight Centre on the afternoon and early evening of June 16^th.

The categories – and shortlisted nominees – are as follows:

Best UK Deaf Business

• Teach Me Sign
• SignLive
• Queesra & King Boutique

Best Business Start-Up

• Deaf Travel UK
• Deaf4Deaf
• Yumma Food

Outstanding Development

• Ayesha Communications
• Support the Deaf People
• Queesra & King Boutique

Best Creative Business

• Caro Sparks – Actress
• Alex Jobson – Magician
• Angel & Teresa’s Handcrafted Goods

Outstanding Contribution

• Remark! Community
• Terra Consultancy
• Support the Deaf People

DBA Director Dionne Thomas said: “Deaf people are under-represented in the business sector, and this awards scheme brings their valuable contribution some much-needed attention. We’re proud to put their commitment and hard work in the spotlight.

“This year is the event’s biggest so far, so massive congratulations are in order for everyone nominated. Because the public voted in the various categories, being nominated means that business has an impact of some kind on their community.

“The ceremony in June is open to anyone, and we hope those who support our nominees, young people and interpreters who want to get more involved in business will join us for the awards event in Liverpool. It’s very much a community event, so we want to encourage and inspire through celebrating winners chosen by members of the public.

“Our thanks to everyone who has supported this initiative, either by voting or anything else, especially our sponsors, Remark!, SignLive and A I Media.”

By Juliet England