Greater Manchester Employer Coalition Launches Nomination Process

Greater Manchester Employer Coalition Annual Award Programme began in 2004 and was established to recognise and celebrate employers who are making a difference to the local people of Greater Manchester. Employers that go the extra mile to give access to good jobs and careers to everyone in the area, particularly those that may be out of work or find themselves in challenging situations.

The campaign aims to highlight these local businesses, individuals and organisations and reward them with recognition through a GMEC Award. Over the past two years 200 local businesses have competed for the awards and this year promises to be even bigger. 2007 nominations are being taken for the following categories:

• Large Employer of the Year – Sponsored by the BBC
• Small and Medium – sized Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
• Workforce Development Employer of the Year – Sponsored by the National Employment Panel Ltd.
• Age Positive Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Age Positive
• Reducing Re-offending Through Work – Sponsored by IMPACT
• Partnership Award – Sponsored by Peel Holdings
• Individual of the Year – Sponsored by Greater Manchester Employer Coalition.

Each award encourages employers to make positive decisions about recruitment, for example; the Age Positive Award is for businesses of all sizes that are positive about age and challenge ageist attitudes. It aims to encourage businesses to recruit and develop people of all ages. It is about businesses valuing experience, and continuing to employ people beyond the usual retirement age.  Edward Moss, Stakeholder Manager of Age Positive comments; “Companies are realising that a successful workforce is made of all ages, including older workers. Employing people of all ages is good for business, bringing flexibility and a broader range of skills.”

The GMEC Awards will be hosted at Manchester’s newest landmark hotel, the Hilton, Deansgate on the 16th May 2007. The annual awards ceremony has not only become a key event in the business calendar for employers, partnerships and individuals but has also allowed them to enjoy and celebrate their success at the sell out gala dinner.

Speaking about this year’s awards, Colin Geering, Director of the Greater Manchester Employer Coalition commented; “Each year our Awards programme illustrates why Greater Manchester is such a great place to live; work and do business.  Our Awards are a chance to celebrate and recognise where employers are making a positive contribution to the local economy and indeed our entire community. Through good proactive recruitment investing in our most important asset, local people”

Nominations for this year’s prestigious GMEC Awards are now open and for the first time, company’s can be nominated online at www.gmecawards.co.uk.