THE deadline for the 2021 Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Awards by the Telegraph and Argus has been extended so individuals and businesses may be recognised for going above and beyond during an incredibly difficult year.

In partnership with The Broadway and Bradford BID, the awards will celebrate all the district has to offer and put a spotlight on those who have worked tirelessly to make a difference through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Categories in this year’s events will showcase the best of the Bradford district - from those who went the extra mile to help key workers to the essential retailers who kept things going in the country’s time of need.

Steve Lowe, sales director at LocaliQ Bradford, said: "Due to the fantastic response, we've decided to extend the deadline for entries to give everyone enough time to recognise an individual or business.

"Our ten award categories are designed to celebrate retail, leisure and hospitality venues from across all BD postcodes. We have a fantastic list of categories this year."

Here is an example of a few of them: Frontline Manager of the Year: This award recognises a manager who went above and beyond during the pandemic. It is open to all store managers regardless of store or business size. The judges will be looking for how the store manager led their team and store during the pandemic; excellent retail skills; inspirational leadership and the ability to deliver the brand’s customer values in unprecedented times.

Frontline Colleague of the Year: This award recognises an exceptional store colleague who went above and beyond during the pandemic and is open to all store colleagues regardless of store size or business. Judges will be looking for how the colleague served customers and their business during the pandemic; their passion for retail and their customers and going above and beyond their role.

Key Worker Supportive Business of the Year: This award recognises a local retail, leisure or hospitality business that set out to support NHS and other key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic whether it be through special opening hours, priority service, special offers or added value. Judges are looking for evidence of a local business that has put the NHS and other key workers first.

Healthy Workplace of the Year Award: The award, which replaces the Frontline Team of the Year category, is apt in the current climate, after "extremely challenging times" in business and people's personal lives over the past year-and-a-half. The award will recognise a local retail, leisure or hospitality business that has gone beyond expectations to support the health and wellbeing of its staff.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said: “Health at work is so important. This is an exciting award which celebrates the incredible work put in by businesses across Bradford district over the last 18 months."

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner on Sunday, November 14, under the Christmas lights in The Broadway’s main concourse.

Entries for all categories are open until Sunday, October 3. Click here to enter your nominations.