The Havering Business Awards are bigger than ever this year, with some exciting new categories!
Recognising everything from financial success to a company's commitment to the community, the Havering Business Awards are now in their eighth year of rewarding and recognising business excellence across the borough.
They encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and – for the first time this year – businesses growing through difficult times.
They also bring you:
This year's categories are:
· Apprentice of the Year. This award is open to an apprentice who has shown outstanding progress and commitment to their own personal development and their progression on a recognised learning scheme.
· Best Business in the Community (NEW). This award is open to companies actively engaged in putting something back into the local community e.g. helping out at the youth centres, clearing up rubbish, helping to renovate parks and woodlands, providing training or re-training, donating used equipment, the list is almost endless.
· Best Hospitality in Havering (NEW). This award will recognize the "best" of going out in Havering. Whether a pub, restaurant or family entertainment venue – if you pride yourself on your hospitality then we want to hear from you. You should be able to demonstrate popularity through high numbers of visitors and repeat visitors – and excellent customer feedback.
· Best Small Business (NEW). For a 'one-man band', which has punched above its weight in the local business community.
· Business Person of the Year. To acknowledge a managing director or owner/manager who has achieved significant success in his/her business during the past 12 months.
· Customer Care Award. The award to select the best retail or customer service business in Havering, open to retail outlets or service providers.
· Excellence in Marketing (NEW). This award is designed to recognise the development and implementation of successful marketing which has moved the business forward. It could be for an overall marketing strategy or for a specific successful campaign.
· Green Award. To recognise the most environmentally sustainable Havering company which manufactures an environmentally friendly product or service or incorporates environmentally friendly processes, or where environmental sustainability has been a key consideration in the design and/or construction of a new or refurbished building in Havering.
· Growing Business (NEW). This award is for companies who have been trading for a minimum of 3 years and who can show a high growth in turnover and profit over the last 12 months.
· Innovation Award. To acknowledge the use of technology and innovation within an organisation or the production of an innovative product or service.
· Young Entrepreneur (NEW). This award is for a young business person (18 - 30 years) who has demonstrated creativity and vision in their business. We are looking for someone who is a calculated risk taker, an innovator and someone who is already proving profitable.
· New Business of the Year. Acknowledging a new company that has achieved significant success within its first 2 years of trading.
· The Retailer of the Year Award (NEW). Focuses on the retail businesses and highlights the relationship with the consumer. Entrants should show high levels of customer care as well as an innovative or entrepreneurial approach to building the strength of the business
· Shining Through. This Award is designed to acknowledge those businesses that have encountered serious difficulties affecting performance during the past 12 months, and are able to demonstrate that the implementation of solutions lead to a turnaround in the business.
· The 2012 Havering Business of the Year. This is the biggest award of the evening, recognising the business, big or small, in Havering, which has performed the best during the year. We're looking for a business that stands out. It could be down to financial performance, social responsibility.
Category names and descriptions are subject to change.
To enter this year, call 01708 432047 or email katrina.gilbert@havering.gov.uk to put down your company's name for a registration pack, or watch this space for entry forms soon!