Entering business awards can bring lasting benefits, says Appetite for Business director Sheryl

03/03/2017

With entries currently open for this year’s Elevator Awards, one former winner has encouraged other businesses and entrepreneurs to put themselves forward for honours.

Sheryl Newman, managing director of Appetite for Business, received the Spirit of Enterprise Award at the 2016 event in recognition of her courage in overcoming adversity.

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The accolade represented the culmination of a lifelong journey for Sheryl, who has suffered from chronic ill health since childhood. Despite numerous business, personal and health-related setbacks, Sheryl has built a successful business which she runs today.

Sheryl said: “During these challenging times for the north-east, it has become all too easy to lose sight of the hard work, commitment and success of companies and individuals that continues to happen every single day. There is a wealth of talent in this area which deserves to be highlighted and Elevator, among others, has been outstanding in providing a vital platform to showcase experiences and knowledge through the awards.

“The application process for entering a business award can often force you to look at your company from a different perspective. We are often too busy to stop, think and reflect about what we actually achieve in business as it’s a question of always keeping moving forward.

“For me, it was an opportunity to consider how much had been achieved over a prolonged period and the chance to be recognised by my peers, but equally to celebrate the team for their constant support and commitment. The process also helped us consider ways we could be doing things better and identify areas for improvement, which was equally as valuable as the honour of winning itself.

“Since receiving the Spirit of Enterprise Award at last year’s event, the business has changed significantly. We have rebranded, moved premises and have been working with some great clients helping them improve efficiency and upskill staff through new and existing technology systems. Over the next 12 months, along with the dedication and support from the team, we will be looking to keep the momentum going to drive Appetite forward in achieving not only our goals but, most importantly, those of our customers too.”

The winners of the Elevator Awards 2017 will be announced at a black-tie ceremony to be held on Thursday, June 29 at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel. The closing date for completed entries to be submitted is Friday, March 10, while more information can be found at www.elevatorawards.com.

Based in the city’s Bridge of Don area, Appetite for Business is a specialist IT technology and learning consultancy. It works with firms, including oil and gas operators and international service companies, to increase productivity, achieve cost savings and empower their respective workforces through the adoption of the latest technology such as cloud-based software, automated business process and learning.

Sheryl Newman is the co-founder of Girl Geek Scotland, a bespoke community which supports women working in the country’s technology sector. This led to her invitation to join Intellect’s Women in IT Forum, the UK trade association for the IT, telecommunications and electronics industries.

In 2014, Sheryl also received the Business of the Year honour as part of the ASB National Business Awards, organised by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen. She is currently an vice president of the organisation.

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