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. Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria; key business objectives; business growth; competitive edge and future plans.
2. Business Excellence, sponsored by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council
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.
5. Growth Through Export Award, sponsored by Digney Grant
This award offers entrants the opportunity to receive recognition for growth in their locally based business through export during the last two years. The winner will demonstrate how working internationally has benefitted the business’ profitability. Judges will consider exporting to counties outside Northern Ireland (more credence will be given to exporting outside of GB). Applications will be assessed on the following criteria; export sales growth, percentage of export business, overcoming challenges/barriers to export, strategies for growth.
6. 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.
7. 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. Marketing Strategy of the Year Award
This award recognises those businesses who put real thought, determination and detail into their plans. The strategy can be for a single project or plans for annual year on year business growth. The strategy must include digital marketing alongside traditional marketing activity. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria; innovation, creativity, business growth and the KPIs set against the marketing activity.
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 businesses of all sizes 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.
10. Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Food Masters
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award will recognise a business person aged between 18-40 who is really going places. This award is open to business owners and managers who have the vision to help their business grow and make a positive impact on the local economy. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria; commitment, investment, vision & potential for growth and future plans.
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. 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.