The past 12 months has brought challenges and stresses that no one could have anticipated. However, despite the pandemic and the inordinate impact it’s had on businesses across Doncaster and the wider region, we have seen them adapt to find success and resilience amongst the chaos.
For this reason, the celebrated annual Doncaster Business Awards is returning for 2021 with the help and support of their fantastic sponsors. unLTD’s Matt Holmes caught up with Jade Dyer, assistant director of services at Doncaster Chamber to discuss what we can expect.
This year’s event will, like most things lately, look slightly different to usual. Instead of attendees celebrating together in one big room, the awards will be watched from home via a screen. But watching the awards is only one element of the night, as just because it is a virtual event, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty more to get involved with.
“We made the decision back in September / October to consider going virtual and postponing it till March. We had to run side by side a physical and virtual plan,” says Jade. “When we made the decision to go virtual it was on the proviso that it wouldn’t be a flat production and would include the interactive element.”
What exactly would that mean? Jade discusses how awards ceremonies are perfect places for high-profile networking, and this one shouldn’t be any different.
“It’s the biggest awards in South Yorkshire with 900 people usually in a room. Our members want to meet, and they all enjoy that experience.”
To replicate this, there will be a virtual platform where guests are all represented and sat around ‘tables’. If there is availability, guests can join a ‘table’ and participate in a video chat to talk about whatever they would if they were there in person.
Throughout the evening there will be a live vote where guests take an active part in picking the winner of the Doncaster Business Hero award, which will be presented live by Mayor Ros Jones on the night.
A big part of the physical event is the entertainment, and it is just as true this year. Jade says: “We know hospitality and tourism has taken a massive hit, so we wanted to make sure they felt included in this ceremony. The virtual platform will have different rooms that users can enter to watch pre-recorded performances from local artists in favourite venues around Doncaster.”
For anyone missing the food at Doncaster Racecourse, which Jade reminds us is “second-to-none”, VIP ticket holders even get a welcome drink and three-course a la carte meal to finish at home, all helping to create the same shared experience with other guests as if they were there together.
This year’s event has a very special new addition. It goes without saying we have all rediscovered our appreciation for our NHS and in-line with this is the inclusion of the NHS Recognition awards.
Jade said: “We are very close to our NHS partners in Doncaster. We wanted to give the business community the opportunity to say thank you back and celebrate the amazing work that they’ve done. These awards are nominated and voted for by NHS peers, therefore giving NHS staff the opportunity to show who they think deserves recognition.”
2021’s ceremony has the potential to be the biggest yet without the restraint of a set number of seats to fill, so more people than ever can get involved to celebrate the best of business in Doncaster.
Despite attending from home, it’s still very much a black-tie affair so guests can still get dressed up for the occasion. Although Jade does add: “It’s up to you if you wear your slippers!”
You can find more information about Doncaster Business Awards and buy your tickets to attend at www.doncaster-chamber. co.uk/doncaster-business-awards
