Awards and Entries
Each year, the Business Awards honour companies and individuals who are driving success, championing innovation, and making a real difference in our region. Whether you’re a thriving start-up or a well-established employer, there’s an award for you.
This year's finalists
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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, customer accessibility, environmental sustainability, staff development, sales & marketing initiatives, and future plans.
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Small Business of the Year
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, environmental and social responsibility, long term business sustainability, and future growth plans.
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Medium Business of the Year
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, environmental and social responsibility, long term business sustainability, and future growth plans.
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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 2023). The judges will be looking at all aspects of the manufacturing process including product design, testing, development, production, environmental performance, 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 Use of Innovation or Technology
Recognising innovation and/or technology within a business or organisation within the past 3 years (since July 2023). 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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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 2023). 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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Most Promising New Start Up Business
Celebrating a new business or company that has started within the past 3 years (incorporated after July 2023). 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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Young Employee / 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 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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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 inclusive recruitment, training and development, communication, equal opportunities, employee wellbeing and work-life balance, engagement with young people and community outreach. Success should be evident in staff feedback, retention, accessibility and overall business performance and, where applicable, participation in recognised schemes, accreditations or standards.
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Charity of the Year
Recognising a registered charity that has made a significant and positive impact within East Staffordshire or South Derbyshire over the past three years (since July 2023). The judges will be looking at the charity’s achievements, measurable impact, effective use of resources, volunteer and staff engagement, partnership working, financial sustainability and future plans. Achievements will be considered relative to the charity’s size and available resources.
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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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