Criteria:

Entrants should read through the criteria attached to their respective awards catgeory or categories and tailor their entry form information accordingly. Entrants may enter two awards categories plus nominate an individual for Business Person of the Year, seperate entry forms  are required for each entry. Deadline for entries is Friday 7th June 2019.

1. Best Start Up Business Award, sponsored by Patrick Blake Group

Open to businesses who have come into existence in the past 3 years. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria: key business objectives; business growth; competitive edge; future plans

2. Family Business of the Year Award, sponsored by First Trust Bank

This award is open to any family run and family owned business in Fermanagh. The successful business will demonstrate how family members and values have developed the business. Applications will be assessed on how the family members/values have fulfilled the following criteria: development of the business, decision making, future growth, future family involvement

3. Growth Through Export Award, sponsored by Campbell Contracts

This award offers applicants the opportunity to receive recognition for the growth in their locally based business through export during the last two years. The winner will demonstrate how working internationally has benefited the business’s profitability. Judges will consider exporting to countries outside Northern Ireland (more credence will be attached to countries outside GB). Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria: export sales growth, percentage of export business, overcoming challenges/barriers to exports, strategies for growth

4. Excellence in Tourism Award, sponsored by Fermanagh Lakelands

This award honours a worthy tourism initiative in Fermanagh. The initiative will have focused on enhancing an experience for the visitor, demonstrated tourism growth, partnership, creativity and innovation. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria: creativity, innovation, achievements, future potential

5. Business Excellence, sponsored by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council

This award is about customer focus, innovation and business development, not just about size or sales. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria: management procedures, customer needs, business growth, product/service development, innovative approach

6. Environmental Product/Service Award, sponsored by Encirc

This award is open to businesses who have created/developed a product or service that benefits the environment and their business and is available in the marketplace. The product/service may be new or the innovative adaption of an existing one which stimulates more sustainable models of production and consumption. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria: innovation, sustainability, impact on the environment, business, social & economic benefits.

7. Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by Monaghan Bros

This award celebrates retailers who are really going places. Applications are invited from retailers of all sizes who can show they have ambition, energy, skill and vision to really scale the heights. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria: customer expectations, store/online services, customer care and future plans

The judging panel will acknowledge recipients for the following awards:

1. Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Western Brand

This award honours an individual who has displayed a commitment to Fermanagh over many years. The award takes into consideration personal investment, vision and dedication along with continuing business success.

The individual will be identified by the Fermanagh Herald awards panel and therefore nomination is not required.

2. Fermanagh Herald Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Severfield

This will go to an individual for their total commitment to the enhancement of business life in Fermanagh. Nominations can be made for an individual. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria: commitment, investment, vision, employment, future plans