Award-winning airline boss Selim Ozturk reveals why he believes entering the Birmingham Post Business Awards is good for your company.

The regional general manager for Turkish Airlines backs the awards as his firm his headline sponsor and also supporting the Contribution to Community category.

The last chance for companies to enter this year’s prestigious awards ceremony is Friday, July 29.

Here are Mr Ozturk’s 13 reasons for entering BPBA 2016

Endorsement

Business award recognitions or wins act as endorsements for your business.

Approval

A win offers a seal of approval to your company’s business – acting as a sign of quality to potential customers and can help to build relationships with suppliers.

Postive message

It is a great way of differentiating your company from competitors and will send out a positive message to the market.

Heart of the region

Birmingham city centre is the heart of the region’s financial and professional services sector.

Valuable subjects

A significant number of students study valuable subjects including business and law in the West Midlands region.

Medical research

There are also medical research facilities and clinical trial programmes centred around the University of Birmingham.

Service sector

Birmingham’s economy is dominated by the service sector.

International commerce

The city is a major international commercial centre, it’s also an important transport, retail, events and conference hub.

2nd largest economy

Its metropolitan economy is the second largest in the UK

Universities

Its universities make it the largest centre of higher education in the country outside London.

Affordabilty

Birmingham’s connectivity and “international status” are a major operational benefit, along with its affordability. You can set up a business, grow it organically, and still be able to afford a great living.”

Growing tourism

Birmingham’s tourist numbers and visitor economy is growing at a faster rate than any other major UK regional city.

Culture

The city has a year round world class cultural offering with some of the best theatre, music, dance, and visual arts companies in Europe. It’s this kind of creativity that is inspiring many people to work, visit and travel to Birmingham.”

All about Turkish Airlines

Selim Ozturk, Birmingham General Manager for Turkish Airlines
Selim Ozturk, Birmingham General Manager for Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has been voted the ‘Best Airline in Europe’ for six consecutive years, by airline and airport ranking website Skytrax in their 2016 World Airline Awards.

The airline has also just been chosen Best Airline in Southern Europe as well as being awarded Best Business Class Lounge Dining, and Best Business Class On-Board Catering thanks to its exclusive menu and ‘flying chef’ service on all medium and long haul flights.

Mr Ozturk also revealed why Turkish Airlines is keen to contribute to Birmingham’s business community.

He said: “Turkish Airlines is keen to promote large investments in Birmingham, from businesses at home and abroad. We therefore choose to reward the companies leading the way and spreading the spirit of enterprise across the region.”

All about BPBA 2016

Birmingham Post Business Awards 2015 Editor-in-Chief Marc Reeves
Birmingham Post Business Awards 2015 Editor-in-Chief Marc Reeves

The Birmingham Post Business Awards honour the stunning entrepreneurial triumphs which have helped our region to thrive.

Judges are looking for firms eager to highlight their achievements to add their names to the long list of victorious ventures.

BPBA has grown in popularity to become one of the most important events in the region’s professional calendar with 650 in attendance last year and a record number of entries from more than 100 businesses.

This year’s gala will be held on Wednesday, October 26 at ICC Birmingham.

Hosts will be comedian and TV personality Dominic Holland and ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson.

How to enter BPBA 2016

To nominate your company go to the dedicated website and follow the instructions here

The categories are:

Company of the Year

Small Business of the Year

New Business of the Year

Business Entrepreneur of the Year

Professional Services Award

Sales & Marketing Award

Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Excellence in Science & Technology Award

Retail Business of the Year

Creative Communications & Digital Business of the Year

International Trade Award

Contribution to the Community Award

Not-For-Profit Organisation Award