Frequently Asked Questions

What are the judges are looking for?

Essentially the judges are looking for a well structured, easy to read entry.

It should contain no more than a maximum of 500 words (fewer are perfectly acceptable) which should provide an overview of what it is that you or your company does that makes you or your company excel in the category you are entering.

You will also need to provide answers to a maximum of five specific questions set by the judges.

Where possible please attach supporting materials such as photos, leaflets, testimonials, etc. to back up your entry. If you are entering on-line you can add up to six attachments.

Where do I send my registration and entry?

If you are completing a registration or entry on-line, simply follow the on-screen instructions under the On-line Entry tab.

For postal entries there is a combined Registration/Entry Form. To register your interest in a category, send the Registration/Entry Form to Sandra Carter, 2008 West Kent Business Excellence Awards, Courier Media Group Ltd, Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3HL. Keep a copy of the form for attaching to your entry when you send it in. To request an Entry Brochure click here.

Remember to keep a copy of your entry in case of postal difficulties.

Regardless of whether you are entering on-line or by post you must complete a separate registration/entry form, and a separate entry for each category you enter because they go to different judges.

How many categories can I enter?

As many as you like, so long as you complete a separate registration form and entry form attached to your entry to each category. This is essential because each of your entries is forwarded to a different judge.

When is the closing date for entries?

The very latest date by which your entries must be received is Friday June 27th, 2008. But, don't delay. Just by submitting an entry in April or May could get you a quarter page feature with photos in the Kent and Sussex Courier and Sevenoaks Chronicle.

How will I know if I have reached the shortlist?

If you have reached the shortlist you will be contacted by the judges mid to late July who will want to arrange to visit you. During the visit, which will last approximately 1½ hours, you should plan to "present" your entry to the judges and be prepared to answer questions on it.

If you have not reached the shortlist you will receive a letter confirming this towards the end of August.

How will I know if I have reached the finals, and what happens if I do?

Each business category is split into small/medium and large divisions based upon employee/contractor count and there will be two finalists in each division. There will be three finalists in each of the individuals categories of Entrepreneur of the Year and Outstanding Business Person.

Finalists selected from the shortlist in each category will receive a letter of confirmation in the second half of August along with two complimentary tickets to attend the awards gala dinner to be held at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on October 23rd when the winners will be announced.

You will also be given the option of purchasing additional tickets on a first come, first served basis. Tickets cost £75 per head plus VAT and are fully inclusive of champagne reception, gourmet dinner, plus four bottles of wine and two bottles of mineral water per table. The awards ceremony will be followed by dancing until midnight.

Each finalist will be the subject of a quarter page feature with photo in a special 'Meet the Finalists' publication going out in the newspapers September 12th so, if you are a finalist, expect to be contacted by the Courier Media Group business journalist!

Finalists will also be listed in the Roll of Honour on the web site www.thisiscourier.co.uk/businessawards

What do I win if I am successful?

In addition to the benefits of being a finalist, a photo of you receiving your award will be shown in the newspapers in the special Winners feature to be published October 31st and again on the web site.

You will also receive a superb plaque and a commemorative photo and the opportunity to tell all your clients and customers about your success!

Who are the Judges?

The judges are appointed from within each sponsor's management team. Each sponsor has been carefully selected to ensure they are experts in the field they are judging.

When and where is the awards event being held?

The gala dinner and awards presentation will be held at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on October 23rd.