Award Categories
Innovative Company of the Year
sponsored by Invesco Perpetual
This award will be presented to the company most able to demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Innovation on either a small or large scale
- An innovative product, service, procedure or idea that has been developed in the last two years
- Benefits that the innovation has created to either/both end-user and developing company
Small Business of the Year
sponsored by Business Link
Open to any business that employs less than ten staff, that can provide evidence of the following:
- Profitable growth of the existing business
- A business plan with strategy and vision for the next three to five years
- Management with the ability to drive the business forward
- Understanding the market and mechanisms to respond to change
Growing Business of the Year
sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland
Open to any business that has been trading for over 24 months, that can demonstrate one of more of the following:
- Profitable growth
- A five year business plan
- Funding mechanisms and investment plans for the future
- Understanding the market it operates in
Newcomer of the Year
sponsored by The Loddon Brewery
A director, sole trader or partner of a business that has been established for at least one trading year but less than three years, who has made an excellent start and achieved a firm foundation for their business.
Businessperson of the Year
sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland
This award will be presented to an employed or self-employed person who is:
- Someone who has developed and implemented successful business solutions
- Someone who has implemented plans to reduce costs and improve efficiency
- Someone who has actively taken steps to exceed customer expectations
- Someone who has raised their organisation's profile A business colleague, partner or client must countersign the entry as evidence.
Lifetime Business Achievement
sponsored by Henley Management College
This award will be presented to the outstanding individual, who in the judges' opinion, through exceptional leadership, vision and personal commitment has made a significant contribution to the local and wider business community.
Corporate Social Responsibility
sponsored by Henley Management College
Open to business operators of all sizes. Entrants should demonstrate how they engage with their communities by providing evidence of the following:
- Policies in place that demonstrate an awareness to the environment
- Charitable support
- Clearly communicated corporate social strategy
Local Workplace of the Year
sponsored by The Pet Extraordinarium and BOTTLE
This award is open to businesses that can provide evidence of the following:
- Compliance with current Health and Safety regulations
- Providing all employees with an opportunity to have a health check
- Commitment to staff development
Customer Focus
sponsored by Invesco Perpetual
This award is open to businesses that can demonstrate the ability to meet the changing needs of customers by providing evidence of the following:
- Customer growth and retention (testimonials should support your entry)
- Effective use of resources to meet the needs of its customer base
- Effective customer service methods
Business of the Year
sponsored by the Henley Standard
Every entry to all categories will automatically be considered for this award. The winning business will be the one showing the greatest overall achievement, planned future growth and success.