Categories

This award will go to an organisation that can best demonstrate that it has the customer at the heart of the business.  Applicants should demonstrate:

A description of your customers, the customer journey and why their experience with you is unique

How the company measures ongoing customer service 

Steps taken to improve the customer experience across the organisation

Evidence of customer engagement through data and testimonials

This award celebrates innovation; of products, services, business models or initiatives. If you are doing something different that is creating change or making a positive difference to your clients, customers or staff, then this award is for you.  Applicants will need to demonstrate:

An overview of your innovation

The process implemented to research, develop and launch it

The positive impact of your innovation; covering any or all of the following - business, team, clients, stakeholders, wider community.

Future plans and how innovation plays a part in them

Open to any restaurant, hotel, café, pub, retail, leisure facility, visitor attraction or similar business excelling in its field and driving positive economic impact for the area. Applications should demonstrate:

Overview of your business and top achievements in the last 12 months

Approach to team, staff retention and training

Approach to customer experience and loyalty

Involvement in the local community

This award is open to start-up businesses operating for under two years and have gone from 0 to 100mph. Please provide:

An overview of why the business launched and the gap in the market at that time

Evidence of your business success and progress to date

How your business/service/product compares to other start-ups, particularly those in your business sector

Vision and plans for future growth

This category is aimed at independent businesses in the region that employes 26+ employees

This could be a privately owned business, a sole proprietorship or a business owned by a very small group of individuals. Entrants will need to:

Explain the ethos and background of the independent business, including its profitability and the unique selling points which make it a success

Outline the difference the business has made in its sector and how it has overcome any challenges 

Detail any future projections or plans for the business

This category is aimed at independent businesses in the region with 1 - 5 Employees

This could be a privately owned business, a sole proprietorship or a business owned by a very small group of individuals. Entrants will need to:

Explain the ethos and background of the independent business, including its profitability and the unique selling points which make it a success

Outline the difference the business has made in its sector and how it has overcome any challenges. Detail any future projections or plans for the business

Aimed at businesses providing professional services such as legal firms, accounting practices, estate agents or consulting agencies. 

Judges will be looking for those businesses who excel in service delivery and customer satisfaction.

This award will be presented to a business that puts sustainability and the environment at
the heart of its business. In no more than 1000 words, describe your company’s
commitment to:
Ensuring its environmental impact is kept to an absolute minimum, for example through
recycling, carbon offset, water conservation or sustainable energy schemes.
Sustainability achievements in the last 12 months
How you are helping to drive wider progress in the green economy
Demonstrate your business growth and financial success whilst delivering social and
environmental benefit.

Open to a business employing 6 - 25 employees.

This category is aimed at independent businesses in the region. This could be a privately owned business, a sole proprietorship or a business owned by a very small group of individuals. Entrants will need to:

Explain the ethos and background of the independent business, including its profitability and the unique selling points which make it a success

Outline the difference the business has made in its sector and how it has overcome any challenges

Detail any future projections or plans for the business

This award recognises an outstanding charity or charitable organisation that has made a significant positive impact within the community. Judges will be looking for evidence of dedication, innovation, and measurable achievements in delivering services, raising awareness, or securing vital funds. The winner will demonstrate a strong commitment to their cause, inspiring others through their work and making a lasting difference to the lives of those they support.