These are the categories which firms can enter for the Shropshire Business Awards 2009. Please study the criteria carefully to decide which categories to enter.

Company of the year

The showpiece award is or the most successful company in Shropshire, based on its all-round performance.

Entries will be assessed on:

• Financial performance.

• Pursuit of Excellence.

• Leadership skills.

• Customer service levels.

• Sales and marketing strategy.

• Staff training and development.

• Environmental policies.

• Innovation and ambition.

• Commitment to the community.

• Awards, testimonials and accolades.

Best new business

This award is for the best new Shropshire business formed on or after January 1, 2007.

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 it, and the progress made so far.

• Evidence of business planning, financial objectives and success to date.

• Ongoing marketing and product or service development strategy.

• Factors which give your business a sustained competitive advantage.
  
  

Manufacturing

This is an award for companies which “make things”, and remain the bedrock of the economy during challenging times.

Entries will be assessed on:

• A forward-thinking approach to creating business success.

• How your company competes in an increasingly global marketplace.

• Efficiency and reliability of products, and speed of delivery.

• Evidence of problem solving skills, research and development.

• How your products or processes have evolved to meet modern-day needs.
  
  

Customer Service

This award is for companies who go “the extra mile” in looking after

customer needs and provide levels of customer service ahead of their competitors.

Entries will be assessed on:

• Having a reputation for excellent customer service.

• Evidence of exceeding customer expectations in a cost-effective way.

• Training and development in customer handling and service skills.

• Measuring customer satisfaction, and acting on customer feedback and suggestions.

• Awards, accolades and customer testimonials.
  
  

Technology, Enterprise and Innovation

This award is aimed at companies keen to show how they are harnessing latest business thinking and technology to keep them at the cutting edge.

Entries will be assessed on:

• Evidence of successful innovation across the business.

• Problem-solving skills, research and development.

• A forward-thinking approach to creating business success.

• A determination to strive for continued success by pushing the boundaries.

• An appreciation of how new technology can deliver a competitive advantage.
  
  

Homeworkers

This is a new award for dynamic “kitchen table” businesses operating from home, formed on or after January 1, 2007.

Entries will be assessed on:

• The business idea and strength of vision which motivated you to set up a home-based office.

• The planning that went into launching it, and the progress made so far.

• Evidence of exploiting the advantages of working from a home-based enterprise.

• How your business competes with larger factory-based companies and corporate empires.

• Marketing, publicity and networking strategies.
  
  

Best employer

This award is aimed at companies which believe their people are the most important asset, use them to their full potential, and have a loyal and happy workforce.

Entries will be assessed on:

• Motivational leadership, promoting staff development and training.

• Employee involvement in finding and developing new business ideas.

• Measuring staff satisfaction, and acting on their feedback and suggestions.

• Staff retention rates, plus awards and accolades.

• Flexible working patterns to meet modern-day work-life balance.
  
  

Green Business

This award seeks to reward companies which realise their responsibility to help protect the environment, and take a proactive approach to eco-friendly issues

Entries will be assessed on:

• Evidence of clear and carefully monitored environmental policies.

• Promotion of an environmentally-aware culture among the workforce.

• Cost and efficiency savings from reduced waste or energy use.

• Complying with customer requirements for environmental performance.

• Sharing of best practice, plus awards, testimonials, and accolades.