Date 3 December 2007

After the remarkable success of last year’s 2007 Watford and North London Business Awards, SA Law has further strengthened its commitment – not only by sponsoring a category, but by jointly taking the helm of the awards event itself alongside chartered accountants and business advisors Alliots.

Now in its 7th year, the prestigious regional business event is also benefiting from a dramatic facelift. It recently launched with a new name – the “Business Excellence Awards” – and entirely new branding.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity of a driving seat,” comments Julie Gingell, Head of Marketing at SA Law and Co-Chair of the 2008 event. “We have always been great believers in the value of the awards and the huge benefits it presents to the local business community. We’ve had a chance to hear from the nominees and winners over the past few years – all of which have enjoyed greater success for their business as a result.”

“Every eligible organisation should enter because it’s a win-win situation,” comments Managing Partner Steve Ryan. “Whilst nominees and winners are presented with exceptional PR opportunities, all shortlisted businesses benefit from an independent assessment by a panel of commercial experts – delivering a unique opportunity to benchmark their business against peers and competitors. And of course it’s free to enter.”

The 2008 Business Excellence Awards are open to organisations of all sizes and individuals across South Hertfordshire, North London and North West London – regardless of industry or sector. There are eight award categories: Growing Business, SME of the Year, Entrepreneur, Success through People, Graduate of the Year, Business of the Year, Innovation and International Trade and Export.

“For 2008, we very carefully chose to sponsor the “Success through People”category as we have enjoyed some significant developments in this area over the last 12 months,” adds Vanessa James, Co-Head of Employment and a member of the panel. “Our Employment team has more than doubled over 2007 to meet a higher level of day-to-day client requests, whilst our recently-introduced Employer Protection Scheme is already delivering significant benefits. It made sense for us to focus our energies on finding an organisation that places greatest commercial value on the endeavours of its staff.”

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 Business Excellence Awards. To learn more, visit the website at www.bea2008.co.uk or contact Margaret Anderson on 020 7759 9393 or by email at margaret.anderson@bea2008.co.uk