Pictured above: Chris Taylor, managing director of Smith Cooper in Nottingham

One of the Midlands' leading accounting and business advisory firms, Smith Cooper, is headline title sponsor of this year's unique set of Awards that recognise family-run or owned businesses, the Midlands Family Business Awards.

The firm is one of a number of regional and national businesses operating across the Midlands that have already pledged their support of the Awards, which launched in 2010 and is underwritten by Nottingham insurance and and financial advisory firm The Wilson Organisation, itself a third generation family business.

Aviva, Barclays, Roythornes and Positive Outcomes is each also confirmed as an individual category sponsor in the 2011 Awards, which will once again run as a charitable, not-for-profit initiative, with The Children's Society, The Willow Foundation and The Venture Foundation named as beneficiaries for the second year.

Details of the 2011 Awards ten categories, including the overall Midlands Family Business of the Year title award, and the full portfolio of sponsors, are to be unveiled in April at the Awards' launch events in Nottingham and Birmingham.

Annabel Prow, CEO of Wilsons comments: "The contribution family businesses make to both the regional and national economy is all too often underestimated. Independent surveys indicate that family businesses account for 65 percent of private sector enterprises in the UK - that's three million firms employing in the region of 10 million people, or 42 percent of the UK's total employed.

"These credentials prove the enormous contribution family businesses make to the UK economy, and this year, the Awards will continue its work towards changing perceptions, as well as shine a worthy spotlight on the great work of the Midlands' family owned and managed businesses."

Hilary Campton, Project Manager of The Midlands Family Business Awards, adds: "This year's Awards aim to build on the success of 2010, the first year of the Midlands Family Business Awards, when we received almost 130 entries, ranging from start-up businesses through to international operations turning over in excess of £150m. The Awards also raised a little over £7,000 for the three charities.

"Once again we will do all we can to ensure as many of the Midlands' family businesses and their leaders have a chance to enter and gain recognition for their hard work, innovation and commitment. All Award entries are free, and businesses can enter more than one category. As well as the online Award submission process, this year we are introducing a paper entry option.

"We have to pay particular thanks and acknowledgement to all our sponsors; without them, the Awards wouldn't be possible."

Smith Cooper's Chris Taylor, the firm's managing director in Nottingham, adds: "Smith Cooper is both delighted and excited to be involved as headline sponsor of this year's Awards. The objectives and demographic of the Awards fits well with the firm's core client base of predominantly Midlands-based OMB's and family businesses, and will represent a key focus for our business development activities throughout 2011. We have enjoyed a long professional relationship with Wilsons which adds to our anticipation and delight over being involved with the Awards this year."

Annabel Prow adds: "Over the past year we have met some inspirational and amazing people, who are working hard to make their family businesses a success against a backdrop of difficult economic conditions. We hope that the Midlands Family Business Awards have helped to cast a spotlight on our region's most talented and committed family business leaders and their achievements, and the 2011 Awards will continue to do so."

The 2011 Midlands Family Business Awards officially launch at events in Birmingham and Nottingham in April, with nominations open from the Spring. For more information and details of all ten categories, sponsors and how to enter and get involved, visit www.familybusinessawards.co.uk, or contact Ped Briggs, The Wilson Organisation, Tel: 0115 942 0111, email: pbriggs@wilorg.com. 

All Award finalists and winners will be unveiled at a prestigious ceremony at Birmingham's Town Hall on Thursday 17th November 2011.

The Wilson Organisation, based in Nottingham, is underwriting the Midlands Family Business Awards. The company provides professional independent insurance, financial, risk management and corporate finance solutions to businesses and individuals both regionally and nationally. It is a Top 100 UK independent broker and has developed innovative solutions through strong relationships with insurers and financial services providers. For more information, visit: www.wilorg.com, or Tel: 0115 942 0111.