Awards & Finalists

There are 11 different categories that businesses and organisations can enter. Entries into multiple categories is encouraged, as long as sufficient evidence is provided. Businesses can enter into more than one category but each entry should be completed separately using the online entry form (which will be live from Wednesday 10th July).

Most Promising Start-Up Business

Celebrating a new business or company that has started within the past 3 years (incorporated after July 2021). The judges will be looking at all aspects associated with a successful new business, including: Innovation (identification of an opportunity and development of a product, strategy and business plan), Launch (delivery of the product to market & successful business performance), and Growth (strategy for expansion and further development).

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Small Business of the Year (less than 20 FTE’s)

Recognising excellence within a business or company of less than 20 employees (including FTE contractors). The judges will be looking at all aspects of the business including financial performance, leadership and management, staff development and training, innovation, social responsibility, long term business sustainability, and future growth plans.

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Medium Business of the Year (21-100 FTE’s)

Recognising excellence within a business or company between 21-100 employees (including FTE contractors). The judges will be looking at all aspects of the business including financial performance, leadership and management, staff development and training, innovation, social responsibility, long term business sustainability, and future growth plans.

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Best Use of Innovation or Technology

Recognising innovation and/or technology within a business or organisation within the past 3 years (since July 2021). The judges will be looking for an idea, product, method, or process that is new to the business and preferably new to the business sector too. The benefits should be clearly evident within some aspect of the business, e.g. commercial performance, operational efficiency, product enhancement, or customer experience.

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Manufacturer of the Year

Showcasing manufacturing across our region, and specifically businesses that have excelled in this sector over the past 3 years (since July 2021). The judges will be looking at all aspects of the manufacturing process including product design, testing, development, production, marketing, sales and overall business performance. This may relate to a new product or product range, or an existing product that continues to lead the way within its field.

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Best Customer Service Performance

Celebrating businesses or organisations that have delivered an outstanding level of customer service for clients and customers over the past three years (since July 2021). The judges will pay particular attention to feedback and surveys, especially where these have been unprompted. Particular emphasis will be placed on customer service that goes above and beyond that expected by the customer or client relative to the service, product and sector.

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Leisure, Hospitality & Retail Award

Celebrating excellence in a consumer facing business that operates in the entertainment, tourism, leisure, retail, or food and beverage sectors. The business can be independent or part of a national chain, but in all cases the entry should relate to local activity in East Staffordshire or South Derbyshire, including product and service, commercial performance, staff development, sales & marketing initiatives, and future plans.

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Young Employee or Apprentice of the Year

Recognising outstanding individuals under the age of 25 that have been working within a company for between one and three years (including as an apprentice). The judges will be looking for somebody who has shown exceptional dedication, advancement and contribution within their role and the business as a whole. This includes personal development through study, educational courses, additional training and qualifications.

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Rising Star Award

Recognising outstanding employees over the age of 25 who have progressed significantly over the past 12-24 months. The judges will be looking for somebody who has developed both as an individual and also contributed to the performance of the business. This may include professional development, management responsibility, innovation, or any other performance criteria relevant to their role within the organisation.

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Employer of the Year

Showcasing businesses or organisations that have applied their human and supporting resources to deliver sustained commercial and competitive success. The judges will be looking at all aspects of the employment strategy including recruitment, training, development, communication, equal opportunities, employee working practices (including work-life balance), and community outreach. Success should be evident in staff feedback, retention, and overall business performance.

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Business of the Year

The ultimate award of Business of the year is selected by the Steering Committee and judges from all the entries across all categories. The winner will be announced at the Awards Evening, and is recognition of truly outstanding business performance.

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