Categories

This award is for a business that employs two or more family members and has achieved success in its field or industry. 

In no more than 1000 words, applicants will need to:

• Explain why the company represents a successful family business; how the family are involved and the benefits they bring to the success of the business
• Family values and how these have guided the development of the business
• Plans for growth, including product/service development, family representation, people development, and/or your commitment to the community
• Your future plans for the business, including how current and future generations will be involved

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

Open to any retail, restaurant, hotel, café, pub, 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

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

This award is open to young businesses operating for under five 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

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

This category recognises businesses that have made a significant commitment to supporting employee health and wellbeing. In no more than 1000 words, please explain:

• What action you are taking to promote health and wellbeing in the workplace
• The positive impact implementing an employee health and wellbeing strategy has had on the company and how this will benefit future growth
• Ways your strategy is different to other companies in your field
• Testimonials from staff about their experience.

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

Businesses will need to have a minimum turnover of £5M and have achieved impressive growth over the last three years to enter. They should be able to in no more than 1000 words tell an inspirational story that will encourage others and be able to motivate other companies to maximise opportunities for growth.  

The judges will be looking for evidence of:

• The development of an outstanding product or service through innovation
• Fresh markets having been identified and a great sales plan being put in place
• New customers gained and market share increased
• A commitment to exceptional service
• A strong management team that has sustainable development plans to build on its success in the future.

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

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

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

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

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

If your business employs up to 200 people and is outstanding in a number of ways, this could be the category for you.

 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

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

This is an individual award that singles out business owners, entrepreneurs and senior management for their leadership, contribution and for having a substantial impact on their business.

In no more than 1000 words, judges will be looking for evidence of:

• High levels of business skills and acumen

• An imaginative and inspirational manager

• Innovative and entrepreneurial leadership

• Someone who has given the business a competitive advantage

• A role model within their own business and beyond

Individuals may nominate themselves but anyone can put forward an individual for this category.

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

Open to all sectors of business, the judges will be looking for an outstanding organisation, whose track record sets them apart from the rest.

The blue ribbon award will go to the company with an impressive turnover that has delivered a topflight performance across every part of their business and sets the standard within their industry – the very best in the region. 

In no more than 1000 words entrants will need to show strength in the following areas:

• Commercial performance
• Leadership and management
• Outstanding commitment to customers
• Innovation
• Investment in staff
• Commitment to the local community

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.

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. 

Please note: The judges and sponsors of each category will arrange a site visit with each shortlisted finalist between 22nd April and 9th May. All finalists must have availability to facilitate this in order to be in with a chance of winning.