Get ready for 'the greatest show'

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has officially launched its annual business awards – promising to lay on ‘the greatest show’ for the competition’s 25^th anniversary.

More than 150 business people attended the official launch of this year’s event at Hatfields Land Rover in Shrewsbury.

Entries are now open for the showpiece awards, which will be presented at a glittering black-tie ceremony at Telford’s International Centre on June 20.

Click here to access the awards website

The competition is free to enter, and open to any business with an operational base in either the county of Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin – whether or not they are a Chamber member.

It includes the return of long-running categories including Company of the Year, Best New Business, Best Small Business and Outstanding Customer Service.

There are also new categories this year including an Inspirational Adult Learner award – and a special Champion of Champions trophy to be contested by previous Company of the Year winners over the past 25 years.

Shropshire Chamber chief executive Ruth Ross said: “It is always a highlight of the calendar when we recognise the amazing businesses we’re so fortunate to have in our county – but it will be even more special this year as we celebrate the event’s 25^th anniversary.

“Our role at Shropshire Chamber of Commerce is to help businesses of all sizes to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and celebrate their success.

“The business awards are such an important part of this – championing the incredible businesses we have across all corners of our county. We are determined to lay on ‘the greatest show’ this year; an awards night that no-one will forget.”

The closing date for applications this year is April 4, and the shortlisted finalists will be revealed at Shropshire Chamber’s business expo on April 10 at the Mercure Telford Centre Hotel.

Judging will take place in May, and the winners will be announced at the black-tie awards night on June 20.

Tickets are now on sale through the awards website, with 10% ‘early bird’ booking discounts available until the end of February.

Here is the full list of categories for 2025, and the criteria that will be used by the judging and shortlisting panel. Companies can apply for a maximum of three awards:

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Judged on:

• Evidence of financial success
• Creativity, innovation and ambition
• Leadership and customer service excellence
• Training, people development and marketing strategies
• Giving back – showing a commitment to Shropshire
• Effective response to economic challenges
• Awards, testimonials and accolades
• A commitment to diversity, wellbeing and sustainability

BEST NEW BUSINESS

For start-ups in any sector, formed since the start of 2022. Judged on:

• Strength and originality of business vision
• Clear and dynamic business plan
• Financial objectives, and evidence of progress
• Creative and ambitious marketing and growth strategies
• Testimonials, case studies and accolades

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers. Judged on:

• Ways of consistently exceeding customer expectations
• Measuring customer satisfaction, and acting on feedback
• Training and development in customer handling and service skills
• Awards, accolades and testimonials
• Evidence of going the extra mile to deliver five-star service

BEST SMALL BUSINESS

For small or micro businesses in any sector, employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff. Judged on:

• Innovation, and forward-thinking strategies for growth
• Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage
• Commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
• Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
• Accolades, testimonials, and evidence of financial success

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING

Celebrating the contribution being made by companies of all sizes in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Judged on:

• Innovation and customer satisfaction
• Quality control processes, and use of new technology
• Effective leadership and management
• Testimonials, and evidence of financial success
• Wellbeing and sustainability policies and processes

COMMUNITY CHAMPION – BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

For businesses which believe in ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:

• Top-to-bottom ‘buy-in’ from staff at all levels, above statutory requirements
• Examples of projects which have made a real difference to local people’s lives
• Supporting Shropshire suppliers by ‘buying local’
• Fostering links with schools, colleges and community groups
• Case studies, endorsements and testimonials

RETAIL, LEISURE & HOSPITALITY ACHIEVEMENT

For companies making a positive contribution to some of Shropshire’s most important sectors. Judged on:

• Established market position and strong financial performance
• Overcoming challenges to gain a competitive advantage
• Commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
• Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
• Awards, accolades and testimonials

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS GROWTH

For companies who can demonstrate sustained success over the past three years. Judged on:

• Evidence of strategic and profitable expansion including accounts and payroll growth, new products/services and expansion into new markets
• A dynamic and scalable business model
• Profitability, plus a growth in staff numbers and/or turnover
• Ability to break into new markets, at home or overseas
• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability

THE TRAILBLAZER INNOVATION AWARD

For companies who spot a gap in the market, and think outside the box to fill it. Judged on:

• Your USP: What makes you stand out from the competition?
• Innovation in products, services or processes
• Evidence of profitability and effective leadership
• Testimonials, awards, and potential for future growth
• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability

THE ECO AWARD

For environmentally aware businesses which promote innovative practices, processes or technology. Judged on:

• Embracing green technology to lower the carbon footprint
• Promoting or producing eco-friendly products and services
• A cross-company commitment to ‘make a difference’
• Substantial and quantifiable improvements in environmental and commercial performance
• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON

Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2025, who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit. Judged on:

• Evidence of a significant influence on the business
• A commitment to training and personal development
• Entrepreneurial attitude, reliability and work ethic
• Strong people skills and maturity beyond their years
• Testimonials from managers, colleagues, and/or customers.

INSPIRATIONAL ADULT LEARNER

For anyone aged 19 and above who can demonstrate a positive or life-changing experience from adult learning, and has studied with a Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin training provider. Nominees need to show:

• A passion and commitment for lifelong learning which will inspire others
• A determination to improve by broadening their skills base
• Ways in which the development of essential skills have made a positive impact on job satisfaction and/or employment prospects
• Achievements which will inspire other adults to return to education or take up learning for the first time.
• Awards, accolades or testimonials from training providers and/or their employers

THE JOHN CLAYTON AWARD

For an individual who has given an outstanding contribution to the Shropshire business community. They need to have:

• Championed the Shropshire business community over a significant number of years
• Made a significant positive impact on the lives of others
• Given back to the county through either mentorship, volunteering or charitable actions
• Been an inspirational role model who has inspired their colleagues or peers

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Open to all previous Shropshire Company of the Year winners. Judged on:

• Progress made since being named Company of the Year
• Strong leadership, customer service and financial performance
• Engagement with suppliers and stakeholders to support the local community
• Promoting diversity and inclusion, and commitment to sustainability
• Innovation in products, processes or services to drive the business forward

Pictured: At the launch of the awards, from left, are Ruth Ross, Owen Fyfield and Kelly Riedel of Shropshire Chamber