 THERE are just two weeks to go before nominations close for Merseyside's most prestigious business awards. The Daily Post Regional Business Awards, already widely regarded as the most important event on the business calendar, will be extra special this year as the Daily Post celebrates its 150th anniversary. Veteran journalist and broadcaster Peter Sissons, who was born and raised in Liverpool, will present the prizes at a ceremony to be held at St George's Hall. One of the eight prestigious accolades is the KPMG Business of the Year award. This will be presented to the business that shows all-round excellence, clear forward thinking and strong leadership. The category has been a key part of the awards since they began. Last year, the award went to discount retailer TJ Hughes, and since winning, the company has gone from strength to strength. Finance Director Andrew Goody said: "I think we take our Merseyside roots very seriously, and we are very passionate about being a large local employer in the city. "It meant a lot to us to get that sort of local recognition." Last month we reported how the firm was opening six new stores across the UK, comprising 160,000 sq ft of floorspace and creating around 400 new jobs. Chief executive Robin Dickie told the Daily Post this was just the beginning of an expansion drive that could see outlets in every town and city in the UK. It is to open out of town branches for the first time, departing from its traditional high street locations. New outlets have opened in King's Lynn and Bolton, as well as the south of England and Scotland. Mr Goody said: "We are very excited about what we can do to the business. Christmas was pretty tough for the retail sector, but we managed to meet all our targets. The winners will all be announced on Thursday June 16, 2005. Companies can enter the awards by completing an entry form, available from the events department. Telephone 0151 472 2711 or email regionalbusinessawards@icliverpool.net Or enter online at www.icliverpool.co.uk/regionalbusinessawards adrianbutler@dailypost.co.uk Time to recognise our achievements >>> | 
