Shropshire Star

Today sees the launch of the eighth Shropshire business awards - and 2008 is set to be the biggest and best yet.

That’s the view of Shrewsbury businessman Tony Randall, president of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce which is organising this year’s event in conjunction with the Shropshire Star.

For full entry details and link see below and click here to see our awards launch video

A major coup is the signing of double Olympic silver medalist and British sporting icon Roger Black MBE.

The former world champion 400-metre runner turned BBC television athletics pundit will host the black tie and posh frocks event at the International Centre,Telford, on June 27.

He has been brought in as part of the evening’s Olympic theme to reflect this summer’s Games in Beijing and to celebrate the founding of the modern Olympic movement in 1850 by Dr William Penny Brookes in Much Wenlock.

“Any celebrity you can bring to one of these events obviously adds a great deal and Roger Black will certainly bring plenty of star quality,” said Tony.

“My wife tells me he has plenty of admirers among the ladies and I’m sure he’ll be a big draw to the event.”

Tony said it was hoped to attract 700 people to this year’s bash, following the huge success of last year’s evening which was attended by 540.

“We are putting so much energy into this year’s event and raising the bar still further. This has the potential to be the biggest and best yet.

“We are also thrilled that we have the two local authorities, Shropshire County Council and Telford & Wrekin Council, as our headline sponsors this year.”

So how do you fancy standing centre stage on June 27 collecting an award from Roger Black?

There are nine awards to be won, including the coveted Company of the Year title, which was scooped last year by Shrewsbury-based caravan sales company Salop Leisure.

Entries are being encouraged from businesses large and small, new and established. The only stipulation is that you must have a Shropshire base and employ people in the county. Entries are free and you can take part in as many categories as you like. Entries close at midday on Friday, May 2.

And if you are successful in winning an award, there is the possibility that your company could go on to win a £50,000 prize.

Winner of the Shropshire awards can enter the British Chambers national awards through a West Midlands “qualifier”. In the past Telford-based Lyreco, as Shropshire winners, have gone on to win both the regional and national award.

The drive for a bigger county awards event this year reflects a changing Chamber, said Tony.

“We have new people on the board and it is a more dynamic Chamber.”

The Chamber currently has 547 paid-up members - and is aiming to hit the 2,000-mark for affiliated members within the next three years, said Tony.

“We are doing 170 events this year as a Chamber. It’s all about networking and working hard for the people you represent,” he said.

Here are the categories:

Company of the Year

The showpiece award for the most successful company in Shropshire based on all-round performance. Entries will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Financial performance.
• Pursuit of excellence.
• Job creation in Shropshire.
• Customer service levels.
• Sales and marketing strategy.
• Staff training and development.
• Environmental policy.
• Innovation and ambition.
• Commitment to the community.
• Awards, testimonials and accolades.

Award for Innovation

This award is for a company recognised for being truly innovative, setting itself apart from its competition, able to demonstrate a record of successful investment and growth in Shropshire. Entries will be assessed on:

• Evidence of successful innovation across the business.
• Entrepreneurial leadership and a pioneering spirit.
• Evidence of problem-solving skills, research and development.
• A forward-thinking approach to creating business success.
• Employee involvement in finding new business ideas.
• A determination to strive for continued success by pushing the boundaries.
• A record of matching resource with financial success.

Technology Award

The award for the best use of new technology to improve competitiveness, efficiency and overall business performance. Entries will be assessed on:

• Evidence of investment in new technology to improve performance.
• An appreciation of how applied technology can maintain a competitive advantage.
• Staff training and development to get the best from your investment in technology.
• Collaboration with others to harness the latest technology-led improvements.
• Demonstrating the impact the application of technology has had on your business.
• Show how you intend to achieve continuous improvement through the use of technology.

The Export Award

The award for the Shropshire company able to show the best business growth over the past 12 months achieved by successfully selling to export markets. Entries will be assessed on:

• Clear evidence of financial success derived from export sales during the past 12 months.
• A structured plan to identify overseas business opportunities and sell in overseas markets.
• Demonstrating how your product or service may have been adapted for overseas markets.
• Foreign language skills and an appreciation of cultural differences when doing business overseas.
• Your plans for continued success in export markets.

Customer Service Award

This award is for companies who are recognised for going “the extra mile” in looking after their customers’ needs and providing levels of customer service well ahead of their competitors. Entries will be assessed on:

• Having a reputation for excellent customer service.
• Evidence of exceeding customer expectations profitably.
• Training and development in customer handling and service skills.
• Measuring customer satisfaction.
• Monitoring and action on customer feedback and suggestions.
• Awards, accolades and customer testimonials.

Best New Business Award

This award is for the best new Shropshire business formed on or after January 1, 2006. Entries will be assessed on:

• The business idea and strength of vision which motivated you to form a new business.
• The planning that went into launching the new business and the progress made so far.
• Evidence of business planning, financial objectives and success to date.
• Your ongoing marketing and product/service development strategy.
• What is it that will give your business a sustained competitive advantage.

Award for the Best Rural Business

This is a new award for a business which is not based in Telford or Shrewsbury but one which is making the greatest contribution to the development and success of the rural location which it serves. Entries will be assessed on:

• The rural location and nature of the business.
• The business planning process which exploited the rural aspects of the business.
• Evidence of creating rural based jobs and staff development.
• Why being “rural’ has given your business a distinct advantage.
• The use of new technology which sets your rural business apart from its urban counterparts.
• Evidence of business growth and success.

Award for the Best Sport & Leisure Business

In keeping with our Olympic theme, this award is open to any business or organisation based in Shropshire able to demonstrate a track record of success in the growing recreation, sport and leisure market. Entries will be assessed on:

• Exploiting the sporting, recreational and leisure advantages offered by Shropshire.
• A clear vision for delivering excellence in your chosen field.
• Distinct business planning and marketing skills.
• Proof that customers rate your performance ahead of the competition.
• Plans to develop and grow your business in Shropshire.

Enterprise Award for Chamber Members

• An exclusive award for enterprise, open to members of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. Entries will be assessed on:
• Being able to demonstrate how your business has benefited from membership of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce.
• Evidence of an enterprising and entrepreneurial approach to business which makes your business distinctive.
• Working in collaboration with other Chamber members to achieve business success.
• Staff training and development plans.
• A track record of continuous development and business success.

HOW TO ENTER

• Either use the entry form in today’s Shropshire Star or download an entry form from www.shropshirebusinessawards.org
• Entries close at midday on Friday, May 2, 2008. They may be submitted by email, fax or post.
• Email: entries@shropshirebusinessawards.org
• Fax to: 01952 293317 marked for Shropshire Business Awards.
• Post to: Network PR Ltd, Business Development Centre, Stafford Park 4, Telford TF3 3BA.