The Cheshire Business Awards are set to celebrate the best of the best from all across the region at a glittering ceremony at the start of December - and there are a whole host of reasons to submit an application.
Launched by the market-leading Cheshire Live, Chester Chronicle, Crewe and Nantwich Chronicles and Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News - together with BusinessLive - the event will be staged in the magnificent surroundings of Chester Racecourse on Wednesday, December 1.
Hosted by journalist and presenter Lucy Meacock, the awards will culminate in the ceremony and dinner as the prestigious gongs are handed out, recognising enterprise, achievement and innovation across Cheshire.
At Reach plc we work with awards events across the country, celebrating businesses large and small and honouring the achievements of entrepreneurs in a range of fields.
We think our awards are great showcases for companies of all sizes.
So what's in it for your business - and why should you put in the effort? Here, we've listed ten reasons why we think you should get involved.
And if this convinces you - why not read our tips on how to make the most of your entries?
Free marketing
Just being nominated for an award gives you the opportunity to use this for PR and publicity purposes. Making the shortlist can improve your brand awareness. The promotion which follows is all free!
Stronger position against your competitors
Who are your audience more likely to use if you’re THE award-winning business in your sector?
More sales - more customers
Winning or being nominated for awards is a strong indicator of trust-worthiness among prospective customers. Businesses who regularly enter and win awards report increased sales and income against businesses who don’t enter awards.
Successful businesses like to work with other successful businesses.
Significantly enhances customer retention and loyalty
Entering and winning business awards demonstrates to your customers that your business is at the top of its game, reinforcing their reasons for using you in the first place. It also helps build brand loyalty as customers are always keen to stick with businesses who are perceived to be doing well.
Increased credibility
An award win or short-listing nomination can act as a third party endorsement for your business. A win can give a real stamp of authority and credibility within your industry sector and is a sign of quality for potential customers.
Valuable exposure
An awards ceremony is a good opportunity to put your business in front of a number of influential and noteworthy people who may be key players within your industry, sector or region.
Benchmarking
The application process can force you to look at your business from a different perspective and compare yourself to your competitors. Thinking about how you stand out from the competition, will help you think about doing things better and identify areas of improvement. This could be more valuable than the prize itself.
Levels the playing field
In many cases, business awards give you an opportunity to compete against the big boys and stand side-by-side with them on stage and on the billing. Many categories of business awards allow you to go head-to-head against major blue chip companies and, in many cases, succeed in areas from customer service, innovation and impact.
What value would it bring to your business seeing your company logo lined up against some of the UK’s most well-known brands?
Employee motivation
Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the hard work of your employees and help boost staff morale. Knowing they have contributed to the recognition winning an award brings is a great motivator to continue to perform for your company.
Attract talent
Winning an award validates your hiring stature among new recruits. By pitching yourself as the best, you can attract the talent you need to push your business forward.
Who doesn’t want to work for an award-winning company?
North West Business Editor Tom Houghton said: "The event is coming after what’s been the most difficult year in memory for firms in the majority of sectors.
"We look forward to shining a light on those who are leading the way and helping put Cheshire on the world stage as a place to do business.
"Our awards are open to any firm - big or small, that operates here. If you think your company deserves the recognition these awards bring, please complete an entry form.
"Previous winners have gone on to achieve amazing things and I urge as many of you as possible to enter this year’s awards.
"We look forward to receiving your entry and seeing you at the ceremony in December."
The categories
The categories for this year are:
- Business Start Up Award
- Business of the Year (up to 49 employees)
- Business of the Year (over 50 employees)
- Employer of the Year
- Inspiring Apprenticeships Award
Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Green Award - sponsored by Scottish Power
Exporter of the Year
Innovation and Enterprise Award
Young Business Person of the Year
Business Person of the Year
Diversity and Inclusion Award
The full list of enter requirements for each of this year's awards can be found here.
How to enter
To enter the Cheshire Business Awards 2021 simply visit the website and complete an entry form. You can enter as many categories as you like that are relevant to your business.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 27.
After a robust judging process the finalists will be announced on BusinessLive, CheshireLive and in our newspapers Chester Chronicle, Crewe and Nantwich Chronicles and Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News.
The winners will be announced at our celebration dinner and awards ceremony on Wednesday, December 1 at Chester Racecourse.
Tickets for the event, which are set to go on sale soon, cost £75 plus VAT each while a table of 10 is priced at £700 plus VAT.
For all enquires please contact the events team on 07917 693561 or email jane.smallwood@reachplc.com.
