Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2024 ICON Awards with a vibrant launch event at Gourock Golf Club on Thursday 2nd May 2024. The evening featured networking, inspiring speeches, and a preview of the year ahead.

Sponsored by AdSmart from Sky, the event brought together business leaders, past ICON Award winners, sponsors, and chamber members. Attendees enjoyed a welcome drink and a networking buffet, creating a lively atmosphere for connecting with local businesses. The evening also outlined plans for the 2024 ICON Awards, including the award categories and entry process.

The 2024 ICON Awards feature 11 categories that recognise a wide range of business achievements and community contributions. Among them, the Rising Star Award stands out for its focus on young talent under the age of 25. This award celebrates emerging leaders who are making a significant impact in their fields. The other categories include:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Entrepreneurism
• Diversity
• Tourism
• Internationalism
• Business Growth
• Community Benefits
• Sustainability
• Business Resilience
• Skills Development

To apply for any of these categories or to learn more about them, visit the Inverclyde Chamber website, where you'll find application forms and detailed descriptions.

One of the event's notable highlights was the announcement that Ocean Youth Trust will be this year's charity partner for the ICON Awards. Chosen based on nominations from chamber members, Ocean Youth Trust focuses on empowering young people through sailing and other challenging activities

Hazel Wisemann, CEO of Ocean Youth Trust, expressed her excitement about the partnership: “We are thrilled to be the chosen charity for this year’s ICON Awards. Inverclyde is a supportive, generous and thriving local community, and we have been proud to deliver our youth work voyages out of the area for 15 years.”

Previous ICON Award winners Liz Rankin, who won the 2023 Business Growth Award, and Corey Beaton representing Safe Harbour, who secured the 2023 Health and Wellbeing Award, took to the stage to share their journeys to success. Their stories were both inspiring and motivating, emphasizing the importance of celebrating business excellence in Inverclyde.

Andrew Burns, Yield Manager for Diodes, spoke about the company's role as headline sponsor for the 2024 ICON Awards. This marks the third consecutive year that Diodes Incorporated has sponsored the awards, demonstrating the company's support for Inverclyde's business community and the significance of the ICON Awards.

With the launch event complete, Inverclyde Chamber is now accepting entries and nominations for the 2024 ICON Awards. Local businesses are encouraged to participate and showcase their achievements.

For press inquiries, sponsorship information, or more details about the 2024 ICON Awards, contact Jenna Lynn, Inverclyde Chamber’s Marketing and Events Management Executive, at marketing@inverclydechamber.co.uk or visit www.inverclydechamber.co.uk