Business Awards 2012

Entries have closed for the Express & Star Business Awards 2012. Finalists featured in-paper on March 13 and the winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday, March 22.

Green Business Award

Sponsored by

The challenge for any business is to balance today’s commercial demands with an awareness of the impact on the environment. The judges will be looking for organisations that, through leadership and innovation, have achieved this balance, who are eco-friendly, have addressed issues such as waste cost and re-cycling, and know exactly how their energy bills are spent. Companies should be able to demonstrate how these kinds of initiatives have had a positive impact on the business.

Export Award

Sponsored by

This award is set up to recognise the achievement of companies, regardless of size, which have coped with the challenges of dealing in international trade and built a sustainable business. The judges will be looking for evidence of a considered strategy that has lead to expansion into new markets, or growth in a current one, for clear signs of leadership at the top level and how innovative thinking has brought something fresh to the organisation. They will be looking for confirmation that growth in trade has been achieved internationally and the organisation has improved its market position.

Manufacturing Champion

Sponsored by

Is your business innovative, organised and producing goods to meet a demand that has been clearly identified? Is it investing in people and developing their skills? Is it embracing new technology? Is there a policy of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing at the heart of the business? The judges will be looking for evidence of commitment in all these areas, plus a comprehensive marketing plan, information about effective processes and a positive customer service policy in operation. They will also be looking for examples of environmental responsibility and evidence that measures are in place to ensure sustainability.

Young Business of the Year

Sponsored by

The judges are looking for a young business, five years old or less at January 2012, that can demonstrate qualities such as dynamic leadership, innovative product/service development and a robust marketing strategy, along with commitment to the region. The people at the top will need to provide evidence of ambition and business acumen, having achieved a tangible level of success, and demonstrate how the commitment of their staff is supporting the drive of the business towards further growth. The winning organisation is likely to be a strong all-rounder, already a leader in its own chosen area of expertise, with a clear and deliverable vision for the future.

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by

 If your business employs between 10 and 100 people and is outstanding in a number of ways, this could be the category for you. Innovative marketing, first class customer service and a committed workforce are the type of strengths being sought. The judges are looking for a coherent business plan that offers a competitive advantage, delivers positive results and includes a strategy for future expansion and growing market share. The ultimate winner is likely to be an innovative company that is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Innovation Award

Sponsored by

This award is looking to celebrate those businesses which have developed a new product or idea, a process or way of working, that is fresh, different and effective. Evidence will be sought by the judges of how the market for the product or idea was established in advance, how it has enhanced the performance of the business in terms of daily operation and the impact this has had on commercial performance. It is anticipated the winning organisation will embrace innovation and new technologies as part of their long-term strategy and also illustrate their potential for high growth.

Best Place to Work

Sponsored by

Have you created an environment in which employees thrive and are committed to the company’s aims and ambitions because it is a better place to work? Does that mindset translate into positive benefits and achievements for the business? The judges want to hear how you have brought this about, the impact it has had on your staff and the organisation, and how it sets you apart from your competitors. This may include elements such as an outstanding commitment to professional and personal development, evidence of corporate social awareness and environmental addressing issues. The judges will want to know about the investment needed and how the positivity that has been created has had an impact on the company performance.

Business of the Year

Sponsored by

The judges are looking for an established, successful business that has displayed an outstanding performance across the company and become an example of best practice in the region. Areas such as product/service innovation, creative marketing, smart use of new technologies, investment in staff and a first class commitment to customer care must be shown. In addition the judges are looking for evidence of internal and external social responsibility allied with an awareness of environmental issues. The winning company will combine inspirational leadership with a dedicated workforce to create a business that deserves to win the blue riband award.