Categories

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

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 and/or team growth
• How you have overcome 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 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. In no more than 1000 words, 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 is open to charities and social enterprises who can demonstrate significant commercial and social impact of their activities. Judges will want to see clear evidence of commercial awareness and innovative strategies that complement the altruistic aims of the organisation. Budgetary Control and a sound Balance Sheet will be factors as will measurable success in achieving its goals and in building strong links to businesses and the local community.

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. 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

This award will recognise any apprentice or trainee who has gone that extra mile and exceeded the expectations of their trainer or mentor. In no more than 1000 words, provide evidence of how your apprentice:

• Has shown exceptional drive and commitment to their apprenticeship, learning and personal development
• Is an inspiration to other apprentices and employees in the business
• Demonstrates an ability to overcome obstacles and barriers in learning or at work
• Has brought an idea into the business which has had tangible results to the company

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 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.  In no more than 1000 words, 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

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. 

This award recognises the businesses that have shown commitment to the development and welfare of its people, by encouraging communication, creativity and proactivity throughout the organisation. In no more than 1000 words, please demonstrate:

• Evidence of a fulfilling and stimulating work environment
• Employee engagement and training
• Great staff relations and good staff retention
• How you show appreciation, genuine commitment to, and trust in, your people 
• Testimonials from staff 

This award celebrates a business leader or entrepreneur who shows outstanding drive, commitment and results. In no more than 1000 words, applicants should demonstrate how the individual excels in the following areas;

• Enterprising qualities and sound management practices
• Approach to sustainable growth and commercial acumen 
• Entrepreneurial skills and inspiration to others
• Leadership skills and ability to bring their team into their vision and future plans

If your business has undergone significant transformation over the last 2 years we want to hear your story. In no more than 1000 words, please share evidence of the following:-

• Challenges overcome and how you have adapted to change in order to manage this and be successful
• Demonstrate flexibility, innovativeness, and nimbleness 
• How you have on boarded your team to adapt to the changes 
• Future plans and strategies to manage change going forward

Winners of each category will be automatically entered into this award and it will be announced on the evening. Judges will be looking for exceptional results, impact and fortitude, backed by solid plans for growth and an exceptional commitment to their team and industry. 

This special award will be given to an individual who has shown a lifetime of commitment to their field, sector, industry or business. In no more than 1000 words, please provide:

• Description of the individual and career history
• Overview of their career highlights and achievements
• The impact they have had on their business or sector, on their peers, employees, the wider community 
• Supporting testimonials