'Hopefully the last one we'll be doing online'.
The finalists of the seventh annual Niche Business Awards - Mad Hatter's tea party in theme - have been revealed for 2021.
More than 400 individuals and businesses were put forward across 15 categories when nominations opened in April. They were whittled down to six semi-finalists.
Property agency Fraser Stretton is this year's headline sponsor. Co-Director Narinder Nijjar said: "We're the proud headline sponsors of this year's fantastic Niche Business Awards. A massive well done to all the semi-finalists who have got this far. Tonight is a really exciting occasion!"
Judges decided upon three finalists, which were revealed last night. Those in the running for an award will no doubt be eagerly anticipating the ceremony on Friday, September 24, held at Athena.
Best New Business sponsor Amanda Daly said: "The nominations that came through are fantastic examples of inspirational leaders for the future."
Last year's ceremony was held virtually for the first time ever and provided a much-needed uplift to spirits across the county.
This year, there are two new categories introduced: Community Impact and Entrepreneur of the Year.
Jenny Cross, CEO of Cross Productions, which runs Niche Magazine and the Niche Business Awards, said on Tuesday night as part of the announcement: "As much as we were hoping to be with you in person, we're still in a position where unfortunately we're not able to do that. So, finally, these finalists announcements are hopefully the last one we'll be doing online.
"It's been a really tough year this year for so many businesses but we've also seen so many absolutely take to the stage and reshape and take advantage of the opportunities that have been presented in front of them.
"Our judges stated what a tough job it's been; I appreciate this is something we hear time and time again but it just proves that each year business are getting stronger and stronger."
Here are the finalists.
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Sponsored by HOLLINGSWORTHS SOLICITORS
Truinvest
Louise Rose Aromas
Steven Mather Solicitor
BEST FAMILY BUSINESS
Sponsored by ER RECRUITMENT
Mo Bro's
Fraser James Blinds
Charles Bentley
BUSINESS GROWTH
Sponsored by TORR WATERFIELD
Truinvest
Scope Construction Ltd
Michael Smith Switchgear
BEST SMALL BUSINESS
Sponsored by BARRATT SMITH & BROWN
BP Legal
Imperial Roofing Supplies
Randalls
DIGITAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by TAKE ME
HEAL.MED
Anicca Digital
Trident
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Sponsored by MR H IT
Mission:Foodbank
ER Recruitment
HQ Recording Studio
RISING STAR
Sponsored by PPL PRS
Herpreet Kashb - BP Legal
Jenna Leigh - JL Mentor
Rob Spence - Paragon Sales Solutions
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by GROWTH PARTNERS
Pattersons Commercial Law
Michael Smith Switchgear
PPL PRS
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Sponsored by PHIL NASSAU ACTION COACH
Fabric Recruitment
Bushra Ali Solicitors
Jodi Kate Skillen
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by MORNINGSIDE PHARMACEUTICALS
Midland Langar Seva Society
Shama Women's Centre
The Bridge
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by KAZZOO IT
Bushra Ali - Bushra Ali Solicitors
David Hunter - Take Me
Mark Smith - Truinvest
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Sponsored by LEICESTER CASTLE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Generation Youth
PPL Cover
The Crucible Project
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Sponsored by THE MILLER PARTNERSHIP
Ninja HR
Firetree Visual
Bushra Ali Solicitors
BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by BP LEGAL
Sean Smith - Michael Smith Switchgear
Mark Smith - Truinvest
Romail Gulzar - Pukaar News
BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by TILTON CONWAY
Lola Ojomo - Pure Homecare
Emily Smith - Micheal Smith Switchgear
Nicki Robson - Breedon Consulting
