We are currently accepting nominations in the following categories:

Business of the Year
This award will go to the business that has not only increased its own profitability and potential but has also had a positive impact on the economy of the region as a whole.
The size and age of such an enterprise will be considered against the financial performance.
The judges will also be interested in innovative products, services or processes and expansion into new markets and areas of business activity. Annual turnover must be in excess of £2 million. Audited accounts are required.

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Small Business of the Year
This award will go to the business which has increased its profitability and potential over the latest financial year.
The size and age of such an enterprise will be considered against the financial performance. The judges will also be interested in innovative products, services or processes and expansion into new markets and areas of business activity.
In addition, the judges will wish to hear about the 'personality' of the business.
Turnover must not exceed £2 million in the year under consideration. Accounts are required but such information will be treated in absolute confidence.

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Business Innovation
This award will go to the company that has introduced a new product or process, invention, idea or design that has made a significant contribution to the business.
The judges will be interested in innovation that has improved an existing product or manufacturing process, but equally they would wish to hear about innovation that has led to the development of new products and services.
They will also be interested in how innovation is handled within the culture of the company.

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Workforce Development
This award will be made to the company that can demonstrate a real commitment to the training and personal development of staff.
The judges will be interested in the company's training policy and any training initiatives that have been introduced. They would also wish to hear about the adoption of strategic training and development policies that have resulted in benefits to the business, the extent to which these benefits can be measured in productivity/performance improvements and how any post-training assessment was carried out.

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Family Business of the Year
This award is open to first generation, family-owned companies, multi-generational firms and publicly-owned companies in which founding families still hold a significant stake.
The judges will be interested in how the business has increased its profitability and potential over the last financial year.
The size and age of such an enterprise will be considered against the financial performance.
The judges will also wish to hear how the business has demonstrated best practice in aspects such as working with non-family members, developing younger family members and future leaders and implementing successful generation transitions.

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Environmental Business Award
This award will be given to the company which has shown outstanding concern for the environment and which has taken steps to introduce improvements which protect the quality of life.
Improvements could cover action to reduce emissions, waste or noise, to improve raw material use or transport efficiency, to clean up land or reduce the impact of business activities on neighbours.
The project or initiative must have been completed or reached a meaningful stage within the last twelve months.

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e-Business Award
This award will go to the company most successfully and effectively applying an ecommerce solution to meet its business needs.
The award will recognise companies that have used broadband technology to deliver key areas such as turnover and profit enhancement, cost reduction, quality improvements and customer satisfaction.

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Tourism/Leisure Business of the Year
This award is open to any business or organisation that provides a rewarding experience, along with excellent facilities that encourage visitors to return to the region.
The judges will be interested in facilities or activities that meet visitors' needs and offer them value for money.
They will also wish to hear about marketing and promotional activities that have increased visitor/guest numbers and differentiated the entrant from their competitiors.

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Young Businessperson of the Year
This award will go to the man or woman who has made a significant personal contribution to the success of the company they run or in which they are employed.
Their personal involvement in the company's growth or expansion, its move into new products or services or new markets or areas of business activity, will be considered, along with any other pertinent contribution made by the individual concerned.
Entrants should be aged 40 or under on January 1, 2008.

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Design Excellence
This award will go to the company or individual that has delivered design excellence in any sphere, be it construction, an innovative product, multi-media productions, or design solutions in manufacturing.
The judges will be interested in designs that feature quality of materials, attention to details and an empathetic approach to the end design.
There are no restrictions on the type of product but entries must have visual appeal, be comfortable to use, economic to make and deliver a significant contribution to business success.

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International Trade
This award will be made for outstanding achievement in international trade, selling goods or services in world markets.
Entries are welcome from new or established exporters and from companies involved in overseas strategic alliances or manufacturing partnerships and also from providers of financial services, training, consultancy, professional services etc.

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Start-up Business of the Year
This award will be given to a company that has been launched within the past two years. The judges will be looking for an enterprise that has evolved from an entrepreneurial approach applied to a creative business idea.
They will wish to see evidence of early financial success together with a sound business plan that is likely to ensure continued growth and sustainability.

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Communicator of the Year
This award will go to the organisation judged to have communicated most effectively with its target audience (internal or external) over the past year.
The initiative may have been part of an on-going programme or a one-off campaign. It may have used a variety of channels such as media relations, public relations, the internet or other media.
The judges will be interested in the business benefits that have resulted from these activities.
Applications are welcome from companies or organisations in the private, public or voluntary sectors.

Click here to submit a nomination