Charities and social enterprises urged to enter Newark Business Awards 2019

The Newark area has hundreds of wonderful charities and social enterprises doing fantastic work in the community, in a whole host of sectors.

Now there is the chance to give your organisation the recognition it deserves at The Newark Business Awards 2019.

The social enterprise category is new for 2019 and is part of the Advertiser’s aim to open up the awards to as many businesses and organisations as possible.

“This is your chance to shout the success of your charity from the rooftops,” said event organiser Sharron Marriott.

“Entries are already coming in for the category but I know there are many more out there that also deserve public recognition.

“It is a simple process to nominate your charity and the promotional benefits are huge.”

The social enterprise category at the awards is open to any charity or social enterprise in the Newark area.

Judges will be looking for the organisation that can demonstrate the commercial and social impact of their efforts.

They will be looking at the fundraising process and activities.

But successful candidates must also show how that fundraising has benefitted the communities they serve.

Nominations for the 2019 Newark Business Awards are now open.

The ten categories, and the requirements for each, are listed below.

When you have decided which category/categories you want to enter, simply visit the dedicated website newarkbusiness awards.co.uk

You can either enter your own business, or can be nominated by others.

There are two stages to the nomination process.

Initially, you will be asked to give basic details on the website.

Each nominee will then be sent an electronic entry pack to fill in and send back.

The closing date for entries is Friday, March 21.

Independent judges from the sponsors and other relevant organisations will look over the nominations and select three finalists in each category.

These will be announced in the Advertiser on April 11.

Following the announcment, the judges will visit each finalist and carry out interviews to decide the overall winner in each category.

These will be announced at the grand final at the Lady Eastwood Pavilion, Newark Showground, on Friday, June 21.

The Newark Showground is an associate sponsor.

Categories:

Best 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, sponsored by Newark and Sherwood District Council is open to companies in business for up to three years from the date of the launch.

Large Business Of The Year: This award, sponsored by Duncan & Toplis, is open to any business trading for more than three years with more than ten employees. It must demonstrate business excellence, a commitment to the local community, a business strategy and vision for the next three to five years, proven success and achievement, leadership with the ability to drive the business forward, and a commitment to its staff.

Small Business Of The Year: THIS award, sponsored by Business Doctor, is open to a business trading for more than three years and with up to ten employees. The company must be able to demonstrate success, excellence, and innovation in its field, leadership with the ability to drive the business forward, and funding arrangements and investment plans for the future of the business. It must show it understands its market and is capable of responding to change.

Customer Care: This award, sponsored by Chattertons, will recognise the firm, irrespective of size or sector, that can prove it really does put the customer first. Has your business excelled to help one customer in particular, or perhaps you have introduced new ways of working to help every customer? The organisation must have objectives for high quality customer service and clear methods of monitoring and evaluating standards.

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-motovated and well-trained team. The winner of this award, sponsored by Southwell Racecourse, will be more than just a good company to work for; its culture will deliver commercial results and will be an inspiration to employees and other businesses.

Independent Retailer: This award celebrates the independent shops and restaurants that make the Advertiser area special. It will be judged on financial performance, and product and store innovation, as well as excellent customer service.

Businessperson Of The Year: The winner will be an individual who stands out from the crowd, has an entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrates outstanding achievement and inspires others around them. The winner of this award, sponsored by Newark Business Club, will have been key to the success of their enterprise, as well as encouraging and contributing to the overall business success of the region.

Best Social Enterprise: This category is open to charities and social enterprises that 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.

Employee/Team Of The Year: This award, sponsored by Reflect Recruitment, celebrates dedication and commitment to the business. The title will go to the employee or team who always goes the extra mile and exceeds expectations within their company. From aspiring apprentices to experienced veterans, the judges will be looking for an employee or team who can demonstrate how their attitude, commitment and dedication to their job has delivered significant benefits to the company they work for.

Business Innovation: This award, sponsored by DB Wood, will go to the organisation that can best demonstrate an ability to create, grow and develop innovations or processes that improve performance, service, and profits.