THE second Hunts Post Cambridgeshire Recruitment Awards, for which nominations close on January 22, aim to raise the profile of recruitment in Cambridgeshire and to celebrate the talent and hard work of people in the profession. The awards are organised b

THE second Hunts Post Cambridgeshire Recruitment Awards, for which nominations close on January 22, aim to raise the profile of recruitment in Cambridgeshire and to celebrate the talent and hard work of people in the profession.

The awards are organised by Archant Herts & Cambs, owner of The Hunts Post, and will culminate in a glittering awards evening on February 23 at the Huntingdonshire Marriott Hotel.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the professional assoc-iation that represents the dynamic and fast-growing recruitment industry in the UK, is once again the overall sponsor of the event, with other sponsors supporting the individual categories.

The success of this event last year, and the encouraging feedback we received from entrants and people attending the event, give us a great platform from which to launch the awards for this year.

We have added some additional categories this year, and we are looking forward to even more companies getting involved to highlight and reward the excellent work within the recruitment and HR industries that is going on in Cambridgeshire.

A few changes have made to the event this year with the inclusion of a People Growth Award, the Rising Star Award and Unsung Hero Award.

These new categories have been introduced to recognise some of the companies and individuals that have made great progress over the past 12 months.

We hope that they will also profile the current success and future of the recruitment industry.

Free entry to the awards is open to any recruitment company or recruitment or HR department based in Cambridgeshire, providing a unique opportunity to gain prestige and kudos in their local market, raise their profile through extensive media coverage and help boost staff morale.

Entries can be made online at www.cambs24.co.uk/recruitmentawards or by contacting Carol Gray on 01763 245241. Contact Carol also for involvement in the awards and for sponsorship opportunities.

There are 10 categories:

Recruitment Company of the Year - sponsored by Recruiting People, and open to companies that offer complete recruitment solutions and that can show successful trading and demonstrate commitment to their customers and staff.

Best Recruitment Practice - sponsored by Interaction Recruitment Plc.

This award seeks to reward a team/person for outstanding commitment to the role of HR ensuring both employees' and employer's needs are met with respect to people management, staff welfare and compliance with legislation.

Special Recognition Award - sponsored by Cooper Lomaz. This aims to recognise an individual who has made an impact in the field of recruitment, with nominations for this award welcome for and on behalf of an individual.

The Best Induction Programme award is to recognise the company that provides the most comprehensive induction and offers the best early support to new employees.

Best Recruitment Website - sponsored by Studio 24: recognises the website that makes job hunting and application the easiest and most effective. Nominations from candidates are also invited for this category.

Consultant of the Year - sponsored by Jark Recruitment. This award seeks to reward an individual for dedication towards customers and clients, someone who can demonstrate excellence in the field and is a role model for the industry.

The Best Recruitment Advertisement - sponsored by Cavill Robinson - recognises originality, visual impact and the success of the advertisement, which must have appeared in an Archant Herts and Cambs publication.

Unsung Hero - nominations for this award are welcome for and on behalf of an individual who has made a sustained contribution to the business or recruitment process over a period of time.

This award is not intended for recruitment consultants.

People Growth Award - sponsored by BDO Stoy Hayward: this category is open to any company or recruitment agency that has been in operation in Cambridgeshire and can demonstrate consistent staff growth and development over the past three years or more.

Rising Star Award - sponsored by HSBC: nominations for this award are welcome for and on behalf of an individual who has joined the recruitment or HR industry within the past 12 months and has shown true promise in their role.