in association with 2015 ENTRY CRITERIA

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1 Entrepreneur of the Year

2 Innovator of the Year

3 Brand Builder of the Year

4 Young Entrepreneur of the Year

5 The “Made in Britain” Award

6 Growing Business of the Year

7 Retail Hero

8 Young Company of the Year

9 Export Champion of the Year

10 Digital Champion

11 B2B Business of the Year

12 Micro Business of the Year

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Entrepreneur of the Year

The biggest individual accolade, presented to a very special entrepreneur.

Won in the past by inspirational entrepreneurs such as Mike Lynch (Autonomy), Alastair Lukies (Monitise), Errol Damelin (Wonga) and Glen Manchester (Thunderhead).

Candidates can be long-standing, established entrepreneurs with a track record of business success and excellence; or newer entrepreneurs who are challenging industry norms.

Main submission

Entrepreneur of the Year candidates are asked to show the following qualities. We recommend that you structure your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria, where relevant:

• Strong track record of commercial success (in current and/or previous businesses)

• Evidence that you’re building a major, scaleable business or brand • Personal ambition and vision

• Positive personal leadership of your own business & workforce

• Impact on your own industry (disruptive or in setting standards over a longer period)

• How you’re setting/influencing a positive wider agenda – eg, in public understanding of entrepreneurship; or by giving back to society, local community; or impact on international markets.

Summary submission

In 100 words, please summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make you/the nominee a potential Entrepreneur of the Year.

Supporting evidence

You will also be asked to supply your three most recent sets of audited accounts, as well as any relevant supporting information (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

*Important note: Entering this category requires shortlisted candidates to attend an interview with the judging panel in London w/c October 5.

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Innovator of the Year

Celebrating genuine innovation in all aspects of business, ranging from unusual management strategies to disruptive business models and from ground-breaking product design to cutting edge manufacturing techniques.

Innovative spirit can be the key to business success: manufacturers re-invent their production processes to adapt to new standards; retailers merge the high street with the digital world to outwit the competition; traditional businesses bring campaigning marketing to stand out in their sector. This award recognises mid-sized and smaller companies that, through

innovation, have challenged conventional thinking in their market or industry, and seen positive commercial results as an outcome.

Innovations could be in: working practices, manufacturing processes,

distribution logic, customer service, marketing etc. Nominations should be for (predominantly) non-digital innovations (NB: digital innovation is specifically recognised in the “Digital Champion” award.)

Main submission

Tell us how you have innovated and disrupted your sector. Some criteria to consider in your 1,000-word submission:

• Explain the competitive landscape in your sector/industry that was the trigger for your innovative processes and thinking

• Outline the key steps in your innovation-led response • Specify the positive commercial outcomes

• If possible, demonstrate how you keep innovation alive within your business • Explain how innovation has increased your capacity for growth?

In 100 words, please try to summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make your business the Innovator of the Year.

If relevant, please supply any supporting financial information (ideally, three years’ audited accounts), as well as other relevant records (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

* Important note: Entering this category requires shortlisted candidates to attend an interview with the judging panel in London w/c October 5.

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Brand Builder of the Year

Recognising growing businesses that are employing innovative

marketing and advertising techniques to help build the brand giants of tomorrow

Creating a brand that is instantly recognisable – a household name – is the holy grail for many businesses, particularly in the consumer space. But how do you achieve that?

This award recognises growing businesses that, through creative and

innovative marketing and advertising strategies, are creating powerful brands that are taking their sectors by storm.

Main submission

Tell us how you are building a powerful brand. Some criteria to consider in your 1,000-word submission:

• Explain what marketing and advertising techniques you are employing to grow the strength of your brand

• Outline the competitive dynamics in your space and how you are using your marketing strategy to overcome rivals

• Specify the positive commercial outcomes of your strategy to date • If possible, attempt to quantify the strength of your brand

In 100 words, please try to summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make your business the Brand builder of the Year. Supporting evidence

If relevant, please supply any supporting financial information (ideally, three years’ audited accounts), as well as other relevant records (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

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Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognising the dynamic next generation of entrepreneurs

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award has been the launch pad for many of UK’s finest young entrepreneurs.

The 2010 winner, Mark Pearson, said: “I was incredibly honoured to have been shortlisted, so imagine how ecstatic I was when it was announced I had won!! When my name was read out as the winner I was shocked and it took me a while to realise what was going on. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that helped me achieve this prestigious award and also thank the CBI and Real Business for recognising my success so publicly”.

Main submission

The “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” recognises entrepreneurs of 30 years old or younger (on November 26, 2015). You’ll need to show the qualities outlined below. We recommend that you structure your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria, where relevant:

• Track record of entrepreneurial achievement (in current and/or previous businesses)

• Strong financial performance in current business

• Evidence that you’re building a scaleable business or brand • Innovation in your technology, product, service or sector • Personal ambition and vision

• Positive personal leadership of your own business & workforce

In 100 words, please also describe the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make you/the nominee a potential Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Young Entrepreneurs candidates are asked to submit supporting financial information. Where possible, the shortlisting committee and judges will want to see audited accounts. It is understood, however, that very young companies will only have management accounts and, in some cases, forecasts available.

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The “Made in Britain” Award

Spotlighting products, technologies and innovations primarily developed, designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK

The “Made in Britain” award recognises companies developing technically excellent, innovative, world-beating products and technologies in the UK, thus enhancing the UK’s knowledge base and innovation culture. Previous award winners include Peratech.

Main submission

Please nominate new products or technologies; refinements of existing products or technologies introduced to market in the past two years. The nominations need not be mass-market; rather the judges will be looking for evidence of technical excellence; innovation and international potential. Please submit your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria, if applicable:

• Evidence of market need; pre-launch research undertaken • Technical excellence in the product, technology or innovation • Evidence of innovation

• How development was maximised by use of UK assets, skills, supply chain etc

• Current sales levels; or forecasted sales potential • Scale of potential market

• Customer reaction, testimonials

In 100 words, please summarise how your product, technology or innovation stands out as a uniquely British success story.

You will also be asked, if possible, to supply your three most recent sets of audited accounts, as well as any relevant supporting information (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

It is understood that very young companies will only have management accounts and, in some cases, forecasts available. If you have any questions, please call Caspian Media’s events team on 020 7045 7600.

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Growing Business of the Year

High growth, high quality. This award recognises world class privately-owned UK companies

Successful SME businesses are extraordinarily important to the UK economy, creating wealth, taxes and thousands of new jobs.

This award has been the launchpad for superstar UK businesses such as Sophos, Betfair, Greenergy, LOVEFiLM, King of Shaves and lastminute.com.

Main submission

We’re asking you to show how your business is world class. We recommend you submit your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria, where relevant.

• Market leadership (in the UK and, if applicable, internationally) • Consistent, profitable growth

• Scaleability of business

• Positive or disruptive impact on industry/sector/marketplace • Undeniable customer engagement

• Product/service innovation

• Evidence of best practice in customer service

• Excellence in people management and workforce motivation • Commitment to sustainability and local community

In 100 words’ summary, please describe the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make your business a potential Company of the Year.

You will also be asked to supply your three most recent sets of audited accounts, as well as relevant supporting information (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

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Retail Hero

Recognising outstanding growing businesses in the retail sector

The Retail Hero award recognises exceptional and innovative growing businesses in the retail sphere.

Main submission

Please submit your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria, if applicable:

• Evidence of outperformance of the market

• Details of e-commerce / multi-platform strategy and performance • Evidence of meeting and exceeding customer demands

• Evidence of innovation • Evidence of growth

In 100 words, please summarise how your business stands out as an outstanding exemplar of the retail industry.

You will also be asked, if possible, to supply your three most recent sets of audited accounts, as well as any relevant supporting information (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

It is understood that very young companies will only have management accounts and, in some cases, forecasts available. If you have any questions, please call Caspian Media’s events team on 020 7045 7600.

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Young Company of the Year

Recognising the new businesses who are rejuvenating the UK’s economy.

This award recognises first-class new companies (started trading after April 2011 and currently more than six months old) that are changing/challenging their industry and on track to be significant players in the future.

Previous winners include: Chemist Direct, Concert Live, Ovo Energy and Anesco.

Main submission

We recommend you structure your 1,000-word citation according to these criteria, where relevant:

• Scale of market opportunity identified pre-launch

• Evidence that you’re already beating the original business plan

• Commercial success of the company so far – ebitda; funds raised; orders won; other key metrics used

• Market engagement, customer excellence – key metrics; testimonials; reviews

• Innovation in product/service

• How is the business disrupting its sector, challenging traditional assumptions?

• Future strategy and scale of vision for the company’s development • International potential

In 100 words, please summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make your business a potential Young Company of the Year.

Young Company candidates are asked to submit supporting financial information. Where possible, the shortlisting committee and judges will want to see audited accounts. It is understood, however, that very young companies will only have management accounts and, in some cases, forecasts available. If you have any questions, please call Caspian Media’s events team on 020 7045 7600. Please also supply relevant supporting information (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

* Important note: Entering this category requires shortlisted candidates to attend an interview with the judging panel in Londonw/c October 5.

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Export Champion of the Year

Celebrating UK companies succeeding in the international marketplace

The Export Champion of the Year award honours UK companies expanding or launching operations overseas.

In particular, this award recognises firms whose recent international achievements inspire other UK companies to trade internationally (for example, growth in emerging markets, innovative expansion in mature markets).

Previous winners include: the Premier League, Patersons HR and Payroll Solutions, the global translation business, the bigword, Ella’s Kitchen, Oliver Valves and Sun Mark.

Main submission

Please submit your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria: • Target market/s for recent overseas launch/expansion; and reasons for selecting them. Please highlight any third-party research, advice and assistance used to support the expansion plans

• Recent specific international initiative undertaken and strategy/thinking behind it

• Major hurdles/barriers facing the company in international launch/ expansion, and how they were overcome. Please specify, if relevant, particularly challenging markets targeted

• Evidence of innovation in export strategy – ie, use of technology; international staffing strategy; working with partners etc

• Evidence of positive sales, market share performance and positive customer feedback

• Impact of recent increase in international revenues on the company’s overall performance

In 100 words, please summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make your business a potential Export Champion of the Year.

You will also be asked to supply your three most recent sets of audited accounts, as well as any relevant supporting information (press coverage,

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Digital Champion

Highlighting UK digital businesses who are changing their markets; and creating new markets through the application of digital technology

Digital technology will underpin Britain’s economic recovery, enabling UK businesses to unlock new markets, raise productivity and improve operating practices. We are looking to identify a business whose digital approach is leading change in its industry or the wider business and social landscape – genuine leaders of the digital revolution.

The “Digital Champion” award recognises UK-registered businesses that are challenging traditional industry and business practices; building a successful business on the back of such disruptive activity; and acting as a champion for the new digital economy.

While the Digital Champion award is presented to a business/organisation, successful candidates will also need to demonstrate the impact of the organisation’s key individuals on the digital economy.

Main submission

To win the Digital Champion Award, try to address the following criteria in a 1,000-word submission:

• How have you brought a digital solution to a sector/market challenge or need?

• Indicators of success – ie, consumer uptake; improvement or change in the working of the market; your business’s revenues/performance; brand awareness/influence

• A demonstrable long-term commitment to digital innovation, and to building a sustainable business.

• Impact and influence of the business and its key individuals in shaping changing attitudes towards its market and the UK economy, society.

In 100 words, summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make you/the nominee a Digital Champion.

If relevant, please supply any supporting financial information (ideally three years of audited accounts, if available), as well as other relevant records (press coverage, marketing materials, customer testimonials etc).

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B2B Business of the Year

Celebrating innovation and excellence in growing B2B businesses

The B2B Business of the Year award recognises exceptional market leading, high growth, and innovative B2B businesses that have significant potential to continue to scale. This is a new category for 2015.

Main submission

Please structure your 1,000 word citation with reference to the following criteria, where applicable:

• Financial track record - strong and consistent top line growth and profitability

• Customer base- growth in the number of unique customers and/ or revenue per customer, strong customer retention rates, long term contracts, growing market share and high customer satisfaction (NPS scores)

• Innovation - with reference to the market in which you operate, what is it that you are you doing differently in relation to your product offering, service &/or delivery model that gives you a competitive edge (e.g. use of proprietary technology)?

• Capacity for further growth– how scalable is your business? What are the drivers of future growth for your business (e.g. international expansion, new products/service lines, new end markets, increased market

penetration)? Please comment on the sustainability of your business. • People management- evidence of a high performance culture, employee

engagement, strong employee retention.

In 100 words, please summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make you/the nominee a potential B2B Business of the Year.

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Micro Business of the Year

Small but perfectly formed. Recognising outstanding companies with ten or less staff.

We are looking for small teams of exceptional quality, who are punching above their weight. This is a new category for 2015.

Main submission

We’re asking you to show how your business is excelling. We recommend you submit your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria, where relevant.

• Market position

• Consistent, profitable growth

• Positive or disruptive impact on industry/sector/marketplace • Undeniable customer engagement

• Product/service innovation

• Evidence of best practice in customer service

• Excellence in people management and workforce motivation • Commitment to sustainability and local community

In 100 words, please summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make you/the nominee a potential Micro Business of the Year.

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Employer of the Year

Celebrating companies with a clear commitment to investment in people.

We’re asking you to show how your business is an outstanding employer with an exceptional focus on best practice across the board in the fields of diversity, good corporate governance and outstanding staff development. This is a new category for 2015.

Main submission

Please submit your 1,000-word citation according to these specific criteria, if applicable:

• Staff development, retention and recruitment • Career development and training

• Innovative motivational techniques • An embedded ethical culture • Commitment to diversity

In 100 words, please summarise the unique, distinguishing characteristics that make you/the nominee a potential Employer of the Year.