The Institute of Directors (IoD) North West has today announced it will go ahead with its 2020 Director of the Year Awards, opting to host the event virtually using video conferencing technology.
With hundreds of entries submitted by North West-based directors earlier in the year, the organisation had feared that the ceremony would have to be postponed but now, in a commitment to celebrate the huge success of entrants, the IoD will host the event online, with unlimited free tickets available.
Claire Ebrey, regional director for the IoD said: “The unforeseen events and economic impact of 2020 have of course been a cause for concern, but this event is a chance to do something positive and celebrate inspirational leaders and achievements that have had a great impact on our North West business community in the past year.
“Now, more than ever, businesses need to be heard – and it is right to focus on the positive stories, and to bring leaders together to celebrate. We have worked tirelessly in recent weeks to find a solution for this year’s awards and are delighted that they can now go ahead online, ensuring that the winners will be rightly crowned as planned.”
The event will be hosted by Claire, and IoD regional Chair Mike Blackburn; together they will virtually welcome hundreds of ‘attendees’ who will safely watch the event from their own homes or workspaces. Thirteen awards will be presented on the night including to directors of start-ups, family businesses, charity organisations, as well as the coveted Chairman’s Award for Excellence – which has been won in the past by Geoff Thompson MBE – the inspirational leader of the Youth Charter – and Neil McArthur of the Cadishead-based Hamilton Davies Trust.
Claire added: “Past winners acknowledge the impact and significance of these awards, which have reinforced their work within and beyond their sectors, and across the North West. It is only right that this year’s winners are celebrated in similar fashion – especially as they navigate perhaps the most challenging business environment in their careers.
“We hope that the ceremony will give leaders a chance to come together to reflect, to celebrate the people we have shaping business in our outstanding region, and to be inspired as we plan for the future.”
The IoD has announced the event will be free with unlimited tickets available here: https://www.iod.com/events-
