Still time to get your entries in for Hunts Post Business Awards

The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards 2017. Pictures: ROB MORRIS (Image: Archant)

If not you need to act quickly as the September 7 deadline is fast approaching.

Organised by the Hunts Post the highly-regarded awards celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and since its conception has recognised the best and the brightest in the district’s business community.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Burgess Hall, in St Ives, on November 2 and all winners will be announced on the evening.

The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards 2017. Pictures: ROB MORRIS (Image: Archant)

There are 12 award categories that can be directly entered.

Business in the Community

This award is designed to recognise significant achievement and major contribution to local communities without the expectation or direct commercial benefit.

Employer of the Year

Staff are the most important asset of any business. This category will find businesses which demonstrate strong commitment to staff and assess how employees benefit the business.

Business person of the Year

Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by their employers or colleagues.

The judges will be looking for a business owner, manager who has made an outstanding contribution to the success or survival of the company.

New Business of the Year

This category is open to any company of any size, including sole traders that have been set up since January 1, 2017.

It does not have to be registered for vat.

Small Business of the Year

Open to any business within Huntingdonshire employing typically 10 people or fewer. Being a very small business is no bar to success in this category. The judges will be looking for performance against business plan and proven success in adapting to market movements.

Retailer of the Year (shop front and/or online)

The ability to sell is vital whether you have a shop front and/or online. This category will focus on sales performance, plus how the relationship between the business and the consumer is developed.

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

To be considered for this category the applicants will need to demonstrate how they have exceeded expectations, how the apprenticeship has shaped their career, personal life, confidence and self-esteem and any obstacles the person has had to overcome.

The Innovation Award

Entrants should show how they have introduced new ideas, techniques or technology into the organisation or marketplace or how creative ideas are being turned into business success stories.

Online Marketing Award

This category highlights the achievements of those who have embraced the opportunity to develop their business through the use of online tools. You should be able to demonstrate a good internet site and a strong, innovative online presence through social media, with examples of how this has improved or affected your business.

Business Development Award

Judges will reward businesses that can demonstrate a proven ability to improve performance or prospects through making the most of opportunities available.

Training and Development Award

This award will recognise organisations or individuals who treat training and development of staff as a priority and provide it to a high standard.

The Judges’ Award

(Not directly entered)

This award is not directly entered but chosen from the finalists. It is awarded to the business that the Judges feel shows great potential for 2019 and is “one to watch”.

Business of the Year

(Not directly entered)

This award is not directly entered but chosen by the judges from the winners.

To find out more about entering, log on to : http://www.huntsbusinessawards.co.uk