Entries are open for annual business awards

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has officially launched its 2023 business awards with new-look categories, and new criteria to reflect the changes and challenges in our local economy.

A capacity audience attended Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury for the launch event to hear from organisers, judges, previous winners, and sponsors.

Entries are now open for the showpiece awards, which will be presented at an Oscars-style ceremony at Telford’s International Centre this summer.

Details can be found on the official website here.

The 2023 competition, which is free to enter, is open to all businesses with an operational base in 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, and Best Small Business.

There are also new-look categories this year for Global Business recognising international trade, Commitment To People, and a return of the Business In The Community award.

“The Shropshire Chamber Business Awards are firmly established among the largest events of their kind in the country, with a history stretching back more than 20 years,” said Ruth Ross, who takes over as the Chamber’s chief executive in April.

“We know that Shropshire businesses are going to be facing significant challenges over the coming year, so it’s more important than ever to celebrate and recognise our success stories.”

The closing date for applications is Friday April 14. Tickets for the awards night on June 23 are now on sale through the awards website – with more than 300 seats already booked.

Here is the full list of categories for 2023, and the criteria which will be used by the shortlisting panel to judge the entries:

COMPANY OF THE YEAR: The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Judged on a combination of:

• Financial track record, and pursuit of excellence
• Creativity, innovation and ambition
• Leadership and customer service skills
• Training, people development and wellbeing strategies
• Commitment to the community, and environment
• Effective response to economic challenges
• Awards, testimonials and accolades

BEST NEW BUSINESS: For businesses in any sector, formed since January 1^st 2021. Entries will be assessed on:

• Strength and originality of business vision
• Strong and sustainable business plan
• Evidence of progress and clear financial objectives
• Creative and ambitious marketing and growth plans
• Originality – what makes you different and better than the rest?

BEST SMALL BUSINESS: For businesses in any sector employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff, demonstrating a high level of success. Judged on:

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

COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE: 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 customer testimonials
• Adapting to the current economic challenges

GLOBAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: For companies which are ‘flying the flag’ for Shropshire in overseas markets, through strong international trading links. Judged on:

• Evidence of cross-border growth and commercial success
• Strategy for building overseas awareness of a brand
• A forward-thinking and structured approach
• Understanding of different cultures and foreign practices
• Innovative approach to reaching out to new markets

COMMUNITY CHAMPION - BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY: For businesses which believe in the philosophy of ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:

• Top-to-bottom ‘buy-in’ from staff at all levels, over and above statutory requirements
• Examples of projects which have made a real difference to local people’s lives
• Promoting the value of community work through company vision and values
• Supporting Shropshire suppliers by ‘buying local’
• Fostering links with schools, colleges and other community groups

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING: For companies which ‘make things’ and are continuing our proud industrial heritage. Judged on:

• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Innovation and customer satisfaction
• Investment in new technologies to achieve efficiencies and comply with latest environmental standards
• Growth plans and evidence of financial success
• Customer service standards, and client testimonials

WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE: For companies which recognise the importance of supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of staff. Judged on:

• Evidence that health and wellbeing of employees is embedded in business culture
• Training to recognise and address ‘hidden’ issues such as mental health and stress
• Examples of robust wellbeing policies and their impact on the workforce, and wider business
• Commitment to flexible working and healthy work-life balance
• Response to challenges of changing economy such as home working

THE TRAILBLAZER – INNOVATION AWARD: For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it. Judged on:

• Your USP: What makes you stand out from the competition?
• Use of technology to improve engagement
• Impact of forward-thinking policies on sales and profits
• Imaginative techniques used to identify and attract customers
• Testimonials, sustainability and potential for future growth

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
• Evidence of successful ‘green’ initiatives and programmes
• Cross-company commitment to ‘make a difference’
• Substantial and quantifiable improvements in environmental and commercial performance

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON: Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2023, 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, work colleagues, and/or customers.

The John Clayton Award, named after a previous Shropshire Chamber president, will also be presented to someone who is judged to have made an outstanding contribution to the local business community.

Launched in 2001, the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards have attracted audiences of more than 900 people for the black-tie celebration.

Aico of Oswestry won the coveted Company of the Year award last summer – retaining its title.

Previous Company of the Year winners include McConnel of Ludlow, Grainger & Worrall from Bridgnorth, Grocontinental of Whitchurch, Salop Leisure and Caterpillar from Shrewsbury, Pave Aways from Knockin, CJ Wildbird Foods of Upton Magna, and Telford-based businesses McPhillips, Dodd Group, Smartwater, Lyreco and Reconomy.