Hunter Business Awards 2020

As we go to print, finalists for the 2020 Hunter Business Awards are about to be announced (not in time for our deadline sorry – but you can find the complete list of finalists at www.businesschamber.com.au). This year's awards will, of course, be COVID-friendly, boasting a new presentation format and a special award to recognise our region’s COVID Business Hero.

The Awards will be contested in 17 categories, with the winners to be presented with their awards at a live, COVID Safe gala ceremony at the Civic Theatre on Friday 20 November.

“We know how much the Awards mean to businesses in our region and, in the spirit of the times, we have been thinking outside the square to find a way to deliver an awards program with the prestige and excitement that our business community has come to expect,” said Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes.

“The new ‘people’s choice’ award will go to a business that has demonstrated innovation, resilience and goodwill in response to COVID. We want to make the 2020 Hunter Business Awards one to remember, despite current restrictions.

“We have created the COVID Business Hero Award to recognise the extra effort businesses have made to overcome adversity during the pandemic period and continue to support their employees, other businesses or their communities,” he said.

The gala ceremony will be a theatre-style presentation with ticketed seating and drinks and finger food service conducted in compliance with the venue’s COVID Safe plan. If COVID restrictions are tightened, there is a contingency to take the event online.

Mr Hawes said the Hunter Business Chamber was proud to be once again partnering with the University of Newcastle to present the Awards.

For ticketing information, visit www.businesschamber.com.au/Hunter/Events/Hunter-Business-Awards