Pendle Business Awards
Awards categories and criteria
How to apply
Please complete and submit your entry form online or by post.
If you're applying using the online form, you can save and return to it at a later date by registering your details on Pendle Council's website and setting up an account.
- Completed applications must be submitted by 10th February 2012.
- You can enter a maximum of two categories per business
Use the criteria below to complete the application form. Please provide figures where possible as it will enhance your application. We understand that this may not always be possible.
Rules of entry
All categories are open to businesses located in Pendle. The judging panel will short-list entries to three in each category. Each short-listed entry will be visited at their business premises by the judges. The judges may request further supporting information if necessary. The judges' decision is final. Any information supplied in relation to your entry may be used in event publicity. Information clearly marked as confidential will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Categories
1. Business Person of the Year
Don't be too modest. There are many outstanding business leaders in Pendle and we want to hear about your business activities.
- Give examples of leadership and entrepreneurial skills and how they have improved sales and net profit.
- How have you motivated staff (fun or seriously) and led by example?
- What key projects have you implemented?
- What is your forecast for increase in sales, net profits and jobs for the next two years?
2. Environmental Business of the Year
Whether you're a small or large business we want to recognise the environmental improvements that have been made within your company.
For example:
- Briefly outline your environmental policy.
- What environmental impacts of your business have you identified?
- What procedures do you have in place to manage these?
- Illustrate how you 'reduce, reuse, recycle'.
- Demonstrate how you 'plan, do, check, act'.
- What are your aims for the next 12-24 months?
3. Pendle Business Technology & Innovation of the year
(Technology and new products/processes)
We're looking for business which demonstrate innovative products, services, processes, design or technology.
For example:
- Which new products or processes have you developed over the last two years?
- What technology has been used to achieve this?
- What increases in sales and net profit have resulted from these developments?
4. Most Outstanding Medium/Large Business of the Year
(31 or more employees)
We're looking for businesses which demonstrate a wide-range of excellence in business. Financial and business growth is seen as a key factor for this category.
For example:
- Which new products or processes have you developed over the last two years?
- What strategies have driven business growth and how do you plan to develop your business in the future.
- Provide evidence of commercial success, innovation and staff development.
- What is the % increase in sales, net profits and jobs over the last two years?
5. Most Outstanding Small Business of the Year
(10 - 30 employees)
We're looking for small companies which demonstrate business flair and a range of growth across operations. Financial and business growth is seen as a key factor for this category.
For example:
- Which new products or processes have you developed over the last two years?
- What strategies have driven business growth and how do you plan to develop your business in the future?
- Provide evidence of commercial success, innovation and staff development.
- What is the % increase in sales, net profits and jobs over the last two years?
6. Most Outstanding Micro Business of the Year
(1 - 10 employees)
Some of the fastest growing and the most exciting businesses in the country are micro-businesses. We're looking for examples of the flair and initiative Pendle micro-businesses use to break into the marketplace.
For example:
- Which new products or processes have you developed over the last two years?
- What strategies have driven business growth and how do you plan to develop your business in the future?
- Provide evidence of commercial success, innovation and staff development.
- What is the % increase in sales, net profits and jobs over the last two years?
7. New Business of the Year
(For businesses trading for less than five years at the date of the awards)
We want to know the inspiring business opportunity you've taken to form a successful new start-up business. What's driven you to start a business and how have you created a flourishing company?
For example:
- Did you see a gap in the market? If so how did you capitalise on this?
- How has your business grown through the increase in sales, net profits and jobs since you started trading?
- Have you developed a new product/process and brought it to the market?
- How have you driven business growth and how do you plan to develop your business in the future?
8. Small Retailer of the Year
(Up to 10 employees)
Pendle has a delightful range of independent retailers, ranging from established family businesses to beautiful boutiques. We're looking for retailers who can demonstrate business growth and excellent customer service.
For example:
- Which new lines have you introduced over the last two years?
- How have you driven business growth and how do you plan to develop your business in the future?
- Provide evidence of commercial success, improvement to your retail premises, customer care and staff development
- What is the % increase in sales, net profits and jobs over the last two years?
9. Young Entrepreneur of the Year
(For people aged under 30 on the date of the awards)
Young people are the spark for many new business ventures and play a valuable part in commercial activity. We're looking for individuals who have shown enterprising skills in the workplace.
For example:
- Have you set up a new business venture?
- Tell us how you've used your leadership and entrepreneurial skills and how they've improved sales and net profit.
- What training/learning have you completed?
- How do you plan to develop the business in the near future?
