Let's get back to business – enter the Grantham Journal Business Awards 2020
There’s never been a more important time to recognise the businesses that go the extra mile – and with that in mind we encourage you to enter/nominate in the 21st annual Grantham Journal Business Awards.
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown, launching the awards is a little later than planned, but here at the Journal we are determined to press ahead and pay tribute to the hard-working firms across the Grantham area, and their staff.
We are delighted to be presenting the 21st Grantham Journal Business Awards at a prestigious gala dinner in the marquee at Arena UK, Allington, on Friday, February 5, 2021 (we know that’s in 2021 but don’t worry, we’re already making plans to hold our 2021 event next November!).
Those previously involved with the business awards will know the event is usually held in St Wulfram’s Church. However, Covid restrictions prevent us holding the awards at the venue.
There are once again 12 awards up for grabs, so no matter what your line of business there’s bound to be a category for you.
Editor of the Grantham Journal Marie Bond said: “2020 has been tough all round. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses to think outside the box to find a way to survive.
“Because it’s been such a hard year, we thought it more important than ever to put local businesses and their achievements in the spotlight.
“It really is a pleasure and a privilege to host the business awards every year, and I can’t wait to hear the many success stories.”
Tickets to the Grantham Journal Business Awards 2020 will soon be on sale. If you want to find out about sponsorship opportunities, email sharron.marriott@iliffepublishing.co.uk
HOW TO ENTER / NOMINATE
Our dedicated awards website – www.granthambusinessawards.co.uk – is open for nominations and entries made by completing a simple form.
Each nominee/entrant will then receive a comprehensive application pack, which they will be asked to complete and return. These applications will be scrutinised by our judges in order to draw up their shortlist.
Three shortlisted finalists in each category will go forward.
They will be interviewed by judges from our expert panel and will later be filmed – videos will be shown during the awards presentation on the big night.
This is an opportunity not to be missed, the chance to place your business – and the people who are important to it – in the spotlight.
Any business within the Grantham Journal’s news coverage area is eligible.
Businesses can enter a maximum of three categories and readers can also nominate, giving as much information as possible.
The deadline for entries/nominations is 5pm on Friday, November 6.
Completed comprehensive applications must be returned by Friday, November 13.
To put your business forward for an award, or to nominate a business or person, go to www.granthambusinessawards.co.uk
CATEGORIES
Business of the Year, sponsored by Oldrids and Downtown
This award is open to a business trading for more than three years with a minimum of five employees that can show evidence of business growth, a commitment to the local community, a business strategy and vision for the next three to five years, proven success and achievement during the past two years, management with the ability to drive the business forward and a genuine commitment to staff.
Businessperson of the Year, sponsored by Chattertons
This award will go to an individual who stands out from the crowd, has an entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrates outstanding achievement and inspires others around them. They will have been instrumental in the success of their business and growing the reputation of their business.
Manufacturing and Engineering, sponsored by Viking Signs
The judges will be looking for an organisation which has made a significant contribution to the local area’s manufacturing and engineering base, with a focus on excellent and innovative products.
Employer of the Year
We are looking for employers who can best demonstrate how their leadership and human resource policies support staff development, engagement and satisfaction, creating a positive and supportive workplace with a well motivated and well trained team. The winner will be more than just a good company to work for, their culture will deliver commercial results and they will be an inspiration to others.
Employee of the Year
Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by their employers or colleagues. The judges will be looking for an outstanding contribution, not only to the organisation and its success, but also to colleagues’ welfare and enhancing the working environment and customer experience.
Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Rocket Exhibition Services
This award is for the rising stars of tomorrow within a company apprentice scheme, who have made an exceptional contribution to their workplace and can demonstrate commitment to personal development, dedication to career progression and outstanding levels of success.
Business Innovation, sponsored by SKDC
This award celebrates new ideas, processes, products, services, technologies and applications that have had an impact on an organisation’s success. This award will go to the organisation that can best demonstrate an ability to create, grow and develop innovations or processes that substantially improve the commercial performance or prospects of the company.
Independent Retailer of the Year
This award is open to all independent retail businesses and will be awarded to the business that can best display ‘first class’ customer service, market and customer engagement excellence, product and services innovation and differentiation, the ability to adapt to consumer/ trading trends.
Best Social Enterprise
This award is open to charities and social enterprises who can demonstrate significant commercial and social impact of their activities. Judges will want to see clear evidence of commercial awareness and innovative strategies that complement the altruistic aims of the organisation.
Best New Start-up
Has your business been a roaring success in its infancy? Has it exceeded all your expectations or is it exactly on the right track, looking strong and with excellent prospects for the future? You may be a one-man band looking to expand, or you may have started at a larger scale and already proved your ideas work. This award is open to companies in business for up to three years at the date of launch (September 18, 2020)
Customer Care
This award will recognise the organisation, irrespective of size or sector, that can prove the customer really does come first. You will need to be able to demonstrate commercial success and strategies for growth whilst achieving excellence in looking after customers. The organisation must have high quality customer service and clear methods of evaluation standards.
Great Taste
This award is for a local hotel, restaurant, café or pub that can demonstrate outstanding creativity, customer service and top quality dining/food.
Judges’ Prestige Award
This award is not eligible for entry. The recipient will be chosen by the judges and will receive an engraved plaque, sponsored by Pentangle Engineering, to keep until the next business awards in
2021.
