Making a profit is the goal of all businesses and so having the ability to sell your product is vital.

The Ely Business Awards recognise this with the Retailer of the Year Award - which is open to both shops on the high street or online.

This category is sponsored by RGP Security and focuses on the sales performance of entrants as well as looking at the relationship the business has developed with the consumer.

RGP Security is run by Rick Pridmore who has spent over 18 years in the security industry, beginning as a freelance store detective working for many high street retailers in the region.

In 2009 he started the firm as primarily a security NVQ assessor and continued with operational front line work.

In 2012 Rick expanded the firm and after securing a handful of contracts in door supervision and private functions, RGP Security entered the industry as a competitive and professional security firm, hiring well trained SIA licenced operatives and acquiring a wide range of clientele, and expanding the company’s portfolio diversifying into commercial, door supervision, events, retail, private investigation, surveillance and consultation.

The company has successfully secured a good foothold in the local areas and operate all the region becoming one of the most efficient security firms in Anglia. We have provided security services for Kensington Palace Winter Whites Gala in London in 2013 as well as Ely’s Party On The Hill in the same year.

We have worked for the charity Centrepoint in London, and regularly work with the City of Ely Council on functions, various engineering firms providing uniformed manned guarding at their sites, and local depots such as Masters Logistical in Stretham.

In addition we provide security for a couple of licenced premises in the city. We are now aiming to move further into the retail sector, after supplying trouble-shooters at various outlets during certain times of the year. We are proud to serve the community and are always looking into more projects to further broaden our expansion.

Rick said: “As a local business owner, I am very honoured to support this event again, and what it represents, identifying, recognising and rewarding people’s dreams and goals in my home community “The business awards celebrate businesses both in recognition for their contribution to the community and also by demonstrating the calibre of businesses we have locally and what they can achieve with hard work and endeavour.”

The deadline is for entries is Monday July 3. For the entry criteria see the details below.

• Last year’s winner of the Retailer of the year was winner was Interiors of Ely.

Interiors of Ely, which is based in Chequer Lane, Ely, offers a wide range of skills cabinet making,furniture restoration, professional spraying and much more.

All of this can be tailored to meet your needs. Their team will work with you to make your dreams a reality.

The judges said: “Great range of products, well laid-out retail space. A number of pieces of furniture are bespoke, can be made to order. Examples of great customer service and returning customers.”

Here Nigel Wright of Interiors of Ely gives an update on what’s happened since their win.

• Briefly what has happened at Interiors of Ely since winning the Retailer of the Year Award in 2016?

Our customer base has increased considerably since winning the award.

• What have been the company’s main challenges in 2017?

Finding the right staff to take the business forward.

• What has been your biggest success in 2017?

We have seen a big increase in footfall and customer base within Ely and the surrounding areas.

• What are Interiors of Ely’s plans for 2017 and beyond?

We are setting up a bed centre which offers a much larger range of beds, and overall we will be expanding on the ranges of furniture that we can offer.

• What did winning the awards mean to you and what would you say to businesses thinking about entering the awards for the first time?

Winning the award gave us pride in our business, and has motivated us and our staff to move forward - so it is well worth entering.