Slough Chamber of Commerce Awards 2011 announces charity partner

Following the launch of the 2011 Slough Chamber Awards, Slough Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the charity partner for the event is Berkshire East and South Bucks Women’s Aid.

Gerry Lejeune OBE, CEO of the charity said: “We are thrilled and delighted that the Slough Chamber of Commerce has chosen to support our charity. As we move into 2011 we face challenging times ahead, whilst sadly the need for our work continues to grow.  The funds which are raised at the event will be used to support our work with vulnerable victims of domestic abuse including child victims who live within our community”

The charity will be the beneficiary of the Auction at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on March 24 2011. Items currently up for auction include some fabulous gifts kindly donated by  Foxhills, Champneys and RIM, makers of the word famous Blackberry smart phone.

Berkshire East and South Bucks Women’s Aid aims to provide temporary crisis emergency accommodation, advocacy, outreach and resettlement support to women and children fleeing domestic violence by providing a professional confidential service in a non-judgmental way, whilst maintaining professional boundaries at all times and empowering women to make their own decisions. The charity won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in June 2010 and a host of other awards.

Gavin Spencer, Senior Business Manager stated that 'Berkshire East Women's Aid is a fantastic charity and the hard work that Gerry and her team put in to helping the victims of domestic abuse on the resources they have is simply astonishing. As well as recognising the talents of local business at the prestigious Chamber Awards event, we are keen to encourage as much support as possible to auction prizes at the gala event where 100% of the funds raised will go to this very worthwhile cause.'

About the Awards

The Slough Chamber Awards will recognise and celebrate the achievements of businesses in the SL postcode area, from small sole traders to large blue chip organisations.

The nominations for the nine Award categories are now open with a closing date of February 28 2011. The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place at the Copthorne Hotel, Slough on the evening of March 24 2011.

The Slough Chamber Award sponsors and categories are:

• Telefónica O2 UK Limited - Business of the year (Headline Sponsor)
• Haines Watts Chartered Accountants - Entrepreneur of the Year
• HSBC Bank Plc - Achievement in International Business
• Kinnarps - Excellence in Customer Service
• SEGRO  - The Green Award
• Owen White Solicitors - Most Promising New Business
• Slough Skills Campaign - Award for Excellence in People Development
• Research In Motion - Award for Innovation
• Slough Trading Estate Enterprise Quarter - Micro Business of the Year

For details of how to enter the Awards visit www.sloughchamberawards.co.uk or email Slough Chamber awards@sloughchamberawards.co.uk