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The 8 categories for the 2011/12 Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards are set out below with details on criteria and guidance for applying
1. Start-up/New Business of the Year
Open to any business or enterprise which has commenced trading since 1st October 2009.
The award will be presented to the new business enterprise which is best able to demonstrate significant business success, indicated by the achievement of goals and targets within its first two years of trading along with a clear vision for the future.
The judges will be looking for applicants to demonstrate the entrepreneurial approach which underpins this rapid success, and to illustrate the benefit that this new business is bringing to the Scottish Borders.
2. Technology & Innovation of the Year
Open to any business or enterprise in the Scottish Borders regardless of sector or size.
This award will be made to the business that has introduced a new product, process, innovation, idea or design which has made a significant contribution to the business within the last 12 months.
The judges will be interested in innovation that has improved an existing product, or an initiative that has led to the development of new products or services.
The judging panel will also be interested by how innovation in embraced within the culture of the business.
3. International Business of the Year
Open to both novice and established exporters based in the Scottish Borders, this award will be presented to the business enterprise which can exhibit excellence in driving forward export led initiatives and orders. Applicants should demonstrate how the exporting of goods and/or services has significantly impacted on the organisations profitability.
In particular, judges will be looking for applicants to demonstrate areas of success such as new innovation in products developments specifically for export sales, changes to export marketing plans, entry into at least one new market and/or growth in export sales.
4. Marketing campaign of the year
Open to any business or enterprise based in the Scottish Borders regardless of sector or size
This award will be presented to the organisation that can best demonstrate improved branding, design or marketing over the past 12 months. The judging panel will be looking for evidence of innovation, creativity and flair underpinned by clear a strategic analysis of the marketplace.
In addition the judges would like to know about the creative marketing process and the company’s engagement with professional design or marketing services.
5. Tourism Business of the year
Open to any business based in the Scottish Borders who operate within the tourism sector both new and established, regardless of size.
This award will recognise businesses outperforming their peers at a national level and those exploring new and innovative avenues to develop the sector and bring new business to the Scottish Borders.
The judges will be interested in innovative products and services and looking for a company which is leveraging the unique benefits that the Scottish Borders offers as a tourism destination to drive and support a growing business.
6. Retail & Town centre business of the year.
Open to any independent retailers based in the Scottish Borders who operate traditional retail outlets and/or sell to the consumer through any other direct method.
This award will be presented to the business enterprise which can best demonstrate improved business performance over the past twelve months and is providing a positive and enjoyable retail experience for local residents and tourist alike.
The judges will be looking for applicants who are succeeding in their own retail business and/or driving the success of our local town centres.
7. Employer of the year
Open to any business or enterprise based in the Scottish Borders regardless of sector, size or duration of operation.
This award will be presented to the employer that best demonstrates a genuine commitment to the development and welfare of its workforce, recognises the benefits of a healthy work-life balance and understands the advantages of a reciprocally positive employer/employee relationship.
The judging panel will be looking for applicants to show best practise in aspects such as skills, training, investment in their workforce and the provision of a supportive workplace.
8. Green Business of the Year
Open to any business or enterprise based in the Scottish Borders regardless of sector, size or duration of operation.
This award will recognise successful businesses which are addressing an environmental or ecological concern within their own business – acting in a more environmentally aware fashion or using innovative technologies to reduce their emissions and footprint.
The judges will be looking for evidence that the business is succeeding through the implementation of green technologies and/or is developing new technology to reduce environmental impacts.