Categories

This special award will be given to an individual who has shown a lifetime of commitment to their field, sector, industry or business.

This award is open to start-up businesses operating for under two years. In no more than 1000 words, 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 award recognises a dynamic contribution a company has made to the local community by supporting local charities, initiatives or other community events. This category is not open to charities, CICs or community focused organisations. In no more than 1000 words, entrants will 

• Explain the company’s strategic mission to engage with the local community and why this was important to the business
• What the strategy involves and how this is implemented
• The positive impact the strategy has on the community; people, places, purpose
• How the business works with the community in relation to employee engagement, marketing, training and support.

To recognise outstanding performance by a company with a workforce of 250+ staff who is excelling in their field. In no more than 1000 words, entrants must demonstrate:

• Evidence of clear strategy and vision, aligned with financial growth and/or team
• How you have overcoming challenges and turned difficult situations around
• Excellence in your field and commitment to customer service
• Investment in training and performance
• Innovative or effective marketing

To recognise outstanding performance by a company with a workforce of 1-249 staff who is excelling in their field. In no more than 1000 words, entrants must demonstrate:

• Evidence of clear strategy and vision, aligned with financial growth and/or team
• How you have overcoming challenges and turned difficult situations around
• Excellence in your field and commitment to customer service
• Investment in training and performance
• Innovative or effective marketing

This category is aimed at retail businesses excelling in their field and driving positive economic impact for the area.  In no more than 1000 words, entrants will need to:

• Explain the ethos and background of the retail 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
• 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 category recognises businesses that have made a significant commitment to supporting health and wellbeing in the local area. In no more than 1000 words, please explain:

• What action you are taking to promote health and wellbeing
• The positive impact implementing a health and wellbeing strategy has had on the area and how this will benefit future communities
• Ways your strategy is different to other companies in your field
• Testimonials from customers and clients about their experience. 

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.

This award recognises a business that can demonstrate an efficient and innovative approach to manufacturing. In no more than 1000 words, applications should show:

Growth and consistent commercial performance, increased market share and operational effectiveness
Approach to training, team and future talent
Approach to sustainability and positive impact on the environment.
Any investment in R&D and the ROI it has generated

Open to any restaurant, hotel, café, pub or similar business excelling in its field and driving positive economic impact for the area. In no more than 1000 words, applications will 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