Categories and Judges

A brief description of each of the nine categories is given below to help you decide which one or ones to enter - there is no limit on the number of entries you can submit.  Click on the category title to see the five questions to be answered and some information about the judges.  Click on the judges name to go to the judges web site. Don't forget to register before you enter.

Be aware that some categories are very hotly contested while others are less so - the top two are usually Best Growing Business and Customer Care and Service.  We will be ranking the interest in each category from the end of March under "News" so make sure you keep an eye on this.  You will increase your chances of success by also entering some of those categories lower down the list.

The information contained in your entries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Best Growing Business

Sponsored and judged by Handelsbanken

Is your company experiencing significant growth in turnover versus prior years and/or business targets?  Have you increased the range of products or services offered or perhaps grown in personnel or created strategic alliances with partners?  To enter this category you must have been trading for at least two years at June 2012.

Community Award

Sponsored and judged by Essex and Suffolk Water

This award is aimed at recognising the excellent work that companies, charities and other organisations do to help improve their local communities.  This could be by improving the quality of life of particular groups of people who are perhaps disadvantaged in some way, or by supporting projects that benefit the community as a whole. Entrants will compete in separate groups; one for businesses and one for charities/not-for-profit organisations.

Customer Care and Service

Sponsored and judged by Bird Luckin

Does your company policy place the customer at the very core of everything it does? Do you strive to do more for your customers than other companies in your line of business? This award is aimed at companies who are truly focused on the customer, who listen to customer feedback and act upon it, and who respond positively to customer complaints.

Essex Enterprising Business

Sponsored and judged by The Printing Place

This award will go to businesses that can demonstrate initiative and imagination in the products they offer or in the way they go to market.  As examples, 2011 finalists included a fun food caterer for private and corporate functions, a low-cost no-nonsense PR company specifically for SMEs  and a company that converted  vacant land into temporary car parks. 

Excellence in Marketing

Sponsored and judged by FRP Advisory LLP

Have you created innovative and original marketing ideas that have led to sales growth for you or your clients within the past two years at June 2012?  This could be related to the development of an overall marketing strategy or the implementation of a specific campaign.  We are looking for an imaginative approach and some measurement of success.

The Green Award

Sponsored and judged by Birketts

A corporate sustainability strategy not only helps to protect the environment but also makes sound economic sense.  What is your company doing to reduce energy consumption, waste and unnecessary packaging, or to increase recycling, improve efficiency and introduce more cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials?

Innovation

Sponsored and judged by Pursuit Recruitment and Finance

Innovation comes in all shapes and sizes.  It could be that your innovation is a sophisticated hi-tec solution to a complex process or very simple idea along the lines of some of those that are presented on the ever popular Dragon's Den programme.  Alternatively, some companies may have developed imaginative process improvements to an administrative, commercial, manufacturing or other system.

Outstanding Business Person

Co sponsored and judged by Systematic Logistics International Ltd and A.P.T. Event Management Ltd

Are you that special kind of leader who is dynamic, pushes obstacles to new ideas aside, is prepared to take calculated risks and have you achieved success against the odds? Do you motivate your staff? Are you inspirational yet approachable and willing to listen to the ideas and inputs of others?  If so, don't "be British" and hide your light under a bushel; enter and serve as an inspiration to others.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsored and judged by Colchester Institute

Are you between 16 and 30 years of age at June 2012?  Do you already have a track record in business?  We are looking for young men and women who have already set up successful businesses, who demonstrate flair and enthusiasm, see opportunities where others see problems, and can already demonstrate success.

Essex Business of the Year

Sponsored and judged by Bird Luckin and Birketts

The Essex Business of the Year cannot be entered direct.  This coveted award is presented to the company who, in the opinion of the judges, stands out from the rest across a range of disciplines including growth, innovation, customer service and financial strength.

Ambassadors

We are delighted that the awards are supported by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chelmsford Borough Council and the Institute of Directors.  Please click here to read more about them and their involvement.