Dionne Thomas & Janice Crossland-Jones: Why we run the Deaf Business Awards! (BSL)

Posted on October 5, 2017 by



Deaf Business Academy is delighted to be hosting the 3rd Deaf Business Awards in June 2018.

So far awards have been won by a total of 9 innovative and successful Deaf entrepreneurs. Each award celebrates their hard work, dedication and success in business… not an easy task!

To watch this information in BSL click play below:

The Deaf Business Awards were born out of recognising that deaf people in business are still excluded from mainstream business.

From the many, many national business awards held in the UK; how many deaf-led businesses are nominated? And how many win?

To our knowledge, the number is very low and mainstream business events are still very inaccessible. That is why we decided to do something about it! Deaf business people are just as talented and successful and we want the world to know.

Our awards are for D/deaf-led business only, bridging the equality gap with mainstream business awards. Our events are fully accessible and allow Deaf business owners, entrepreneurs and the self-employed a rare opportunity to network, support and celebrate each other in style.

Over the 4 years since its inception the Deaf Business Awards has continued to grow in popularity and attendance and we are growing again!

We are proud to include 2 new categories of award this year. We know that there are some wildly talented people in the community and we want our awards to reflect that!

Here is the awards list:

  • Best UK Deaf Business
  • Best Creative Business
  • Best Business Start-up
  • Outstanding Development
  • Outstanding Contribution

Do you know a deaf person or Deaf-led business who deserves to be celebrated for their achievements? Well now you can! You can nominate them to win a Deaf Business Award. It’s easy just visit our website, click on ‘Deaf Business Awards’ and everything you need will be there.

The awards event will be hosted in Liverpool this year and is open to everyone. We hope you join us in celebrating Deaf-led business in the UK!

To get the full nomination criteria for each award (BSL & English), just visit our website www.deafbusinessacademy.co.uk – Nominations close on 28th January 2018.

Janice Crossland-Jones is Director at Deaf Business Academy CIC and sole proprietor for Fylde Coast BSL Centre. She has 23 years experience as a BSL teacher and over 10 years running a successful business. She now works all over the UK with schools, police (PLOD) and is a qualified A1 Assessor. Janice won the title of Best UK Deaf Business 2016, which has seen her business grow considerably. As a deaf business leader, she is now a key figure leading Deaf Business Academy.

Dionne Thomas is Director and co-founder of Deaf Business Academy CIC as well as being a fully qualified BSL interpreter and translator. She has worked in the Deaf community for nearly 20 years and works freelance in TV, Media and business. As the co-founder, Dionne has worked tirelessly to improve access to training and better opportunities for Deaf people in business. Together Janice & Dionne are the driving force behind the organisation and are currently working with partners to further develop specialist resources for deaf business people. 

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