The East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire Business Awards are now in their 13th year and have gone from strength to strength.

They are overseen by a Steering Committee consisting of representatives from the two partner councils and several of the sponsors. The Steering Committee are responsible for reviewing all entries and selecting the finalists in each of the categories. Judging Panels then visit each finalist to further understand the business and ‘story’ behind their entry.

The 2023 awards will officially launch and be open for entries from Monday 22nd July. Full details and the online entry form will be available from that date.

Please use the Contact form below if you have any questions or want to get involved as a partner or sponsor.

Timeline for the 2023 Awards:

Mon 22nd July: Launch of awards, online entry form available, entries accepted

Fri 22nd Sept: Deadline for entries (5pm, must be on official online entry form)

Wed 27th Sept: Steering Committee review all entries & select finalists

Thurs 28th Sept: Finalists announced, judging visits commence

Mon 2nd Oct: Tickets on sale for finalists & guests

Thurs 9th Nov: Gala Awards Evening (sponsored by Playtonic Games) at Pirelli Stadium, Burton on Trent (home of Burton Albion FC)

The Award Categories

There are 11 different categories that businesses and organisations can enter. Entries into multiple categories is encouraged, as long as sufficient evidence is provided. Businesses can enter into more than one category but each entry should be completed separately using the online entry form (which will be live from Monday 22nd July).

Most Promising Start-Up Business

New businesses that have started within the past three years (after July 2020). Criteria include Innovation (identification of an opportunity and development of a product/service), Launch (successful delivery to market), and Growth (strategy for expansion and further development).

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Small Business of the Year (less than 20 FTE’s)

Excellence within a business of less than 20 employees (including FTE contractors). Covers all aspects of the business including, leadership, management, staff development and training, innovation, social responsibility, financial performance, future growth plans, and business sustainability.

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Medium Business of the Year (21-100 FTE’s)

Excellence within a business with 21-100 employees (including FTE contractors). Covers all aspects of the business including, leadership, management, staff development and training, innovation, social responsibility, financial performance, future growth plans, and business sustainability

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Best Use of Innovation or Technology

Utilising technology or innovation within the past 3 years (since July 2020) to enhance an aspect of business performance. This should be new to the business and preferably to the sector too. The benefits should be clearly evident within some aspect of business performance.

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Manufacturer of the Year

Recognising businesses that have excelled in this sector over the past 3 years (since July 2020). Covers all aspects including product design, testing, development, production, marketing & sales, & performance. Can relate to a new product, product range, or modification of a product.

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Best Customer Service Performance

Outstanding customer service for clients and/or customers over the past 12 months. Includes surveys and feedback from customers and clients (especially where unprompted), and where above and beyond that expected relative to the service, product and sector.

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Leisure, Hospitality & Retail Award

Excellence in a consumer facing business that operates in the entertainment, tourism, leisure, retail, or food and beverage sectors. The business can be independent or part of a national chain, but in all cases the entry should relate to local activity in East Staffordshire or South Derbyshire, including product and service, commercial performance, staff development, sales & marketing initiatives, and future plans.

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Young Employee or Apprentice of the Year

Recognising individuals who are under the age of 25 (on 1st July 2023) and have been working within a company for more than 12 months. Includes personal development through study, training, qualifications, and a proven contribution to the business as a whole.

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Rising Star Award

Recognising an outstanding employee over the age of 25 who has progressed significantly over the past 12-24 months. This may include professional development, management responsibility, innovation, or any other performance criteria relevant to their role within the organisation.

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Employer of the Year

Showcasing human resource and staff engagement strategies. This includes recruitment, training, development, communication, employee working practices (including work-life balance), environment, community outreach & corporate social responsibility.

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Business of the Year

The ultimate award of Business of the year is selected by the Steering Committee and judges from all the entries across all categories. The winner will be announced at the Awards Evening, and is recognition of truly outstanding business performance.

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