Criteria:

Full awards criteria are available for each award category.

Please email c.cassidy@northwestnewsgroup.com for receive more information.

1. Best Start Up Business Award, sponsored by Greentown Environmental

This award is open to businesses who have come to existence in the past three years. Businesses must have 1 year trading under their belt. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria; key business objectives; business growth; competitive edge and future plans.

2. Business Excellence Award

The Business Excellence award is always one of our most popular categories. 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; innovation.

3. Family Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Modern Tyres

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

4. Sustainability Strategy of the Year Award, sponsored by Encirc

This award is open to businesses who have put sustainability at the heart of their practises. This initiative may be a well-practiced one which has developed over time or be an innovative new plan which has potential to have a great impact. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria; innovation; sustainability; impact on the environment; social & economic benefits.

7. Excellence in Tourism Award, sponsored by Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges

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

8. Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of Ireland

This award celebrates retailers who are really going places. Applications are invited from retailers of all sizes who can show they’ve ambition, energy, skill and vision to really scale the heights. In addition, these retailers will be able to demonstrate innovation in the face of the changing high street. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria; customer expectations; store/online services; customer care, innovation and future plans.

8. Best Daytime Eatery Award

This award recognises the growing cafe and foodie culture in Fermanagh. These businesses will offer a unique dining expereince and show great enthuasism, thought and detail into their  businesses. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria; innovation, creativity, business growth and customer experience.

9. Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by Mannok

The contribution to the community award will recognise businesses who go out of their way to help in the community. This award is open to registered businesses who can demonstrate consistent contribution to their local community. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria; regular pattern of assistance, applicants must not benefit directly from their involvement; assistance offered can be of varying degrees.

 

The judging panel will acknowledge recipients for the following awards:

1. Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Belleek

This award honours an individual who has displayed 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 nominated by the judging panel and therefore this category is not eligible for nominations.

2. Landmark Achievement Award, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Food Masters

This award honours a local business who is celebrating a landmark year in business this year. This award takes into consideration employment, vision, dedication and investment along side plans for the future.

The business will be nominated by the judging panel and therefore this category is not eligible for nominations.

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

This award will go to an individual for their total commitment to the enhancement of business life in Fermanagh.

The recipient will have developed their own business in the last twelve months and further cemented their commitment to business excellence in the county. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria; commitment, investment, vision, employment and future plans.

To enter please email c.cassidy@northwestnewsgroup.com for an application form. Direct and third party nominations are welcome for all categories.