Deaf News: There’s still time to vote in the Deaf Business Awards

It’s perhaps not that often, or at least not often enough, that the contribution of the Deaf business sector is fully recognised.

Now in its second year, the Deaf Business Awards aims to change that by honouring members of this community which display excellence in what they do, and how they run themselves.

In 2016, winners in three categories of this awards scheme will be announced at a special ceremony to be held in Liverpool on 30 June at the International Festival of Business, taking place at the Exhibition Centre in the city until July 01.

The evening presentation event will follow a special day at the conference, aimed specifically at Deaf entrepreneurs, where seminars will be made accessible with sign language interpreters.

There are three categories in the scheme, including Best UK Deaf Business for a consistently excellent organisation. This may be a business which is significantly improving Deaf lives, or it may be a Deaf-run business which is competing on an even playing field with mainstream competitors.

The Outstanding Contribution award is for an individual or organisation which, again, has made a strong contribution in their field or to the Deaf community. It could be someone who has given their time to others, or a successful campaign.

Finally, the Outstanding Development award is open to any business – and it could be won by an organisation which has successfully overcome challenges. Or a company that has grown from being a sole trader after expanding their business.

The Deaf Business Academy’s Dionne Thomas says:  “These awards aim to shine a light on some of our most inspiring members.”

One business that’s up for an Outstanding Development Awards is cSeeker (who are also a supporter of this site), a Birmingham-based communication support agency specialising in education. Director and co-founder Guy Orlov, who is hosting the ceremony, said: “This means a lot to us as a young business, as we were only set up a couple of years ago, so we couldn’t be more pleased.

“We’re really looking forward to being up in Liverpool for this event. We hope as many people will support this scheme by going online and voting, not even necessarily just for us!

Voting is open until June 28, and you can vote and buy tickets for the awards event, which will be followed by an after party at stylish Albert Dock venue Circo, by clicking here.

By Juliet England.