Judging Criteria

Lancastrian of the Year

The BIBA Lancastrian of the Year will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated recognised leadership in the field of Business and who has made exemplary contributions to advance the goals and principles of the Business community in Lancashire.

The judging of this award will be carried out by the Lancashire Economic Partnership who will be looking for evidence of commercial success, innovation, creativity and sound business practices which will include:

• Professional Achievements
• Leadership Qualities
• Efforts to Foster Collaboration
• Involvement in Local and Countywide Initiatives
• Lasting Impact on the Field of Business

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it. Enter here

Business Person of the Year

The BIBA Business Person of the Year, is designed to identify from among those competing, a person who has the most wide-ranging and comprehensive understanding of the nature, scope and demands of their business. Applicants must demonstrate their entrepreneurial and business accomplishments as well as contributions to the economic well being and quality of life to the community. The Business Person of the Year Award will be awarded to a business person who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in their business field. In addition this BIBA will recognise and honour an individual operating a business within Lancashire who has contributed significantly to business development between Lancashire and the national or global economy. Simply entering the awards has authoritative advantages. Imagine the benefits if you become a finalist, runner-up or best of all, winner.

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Lancashire Business of the Year

The BIBA Business of the Year will be presented to a company that is able to exhibit world class performance, continuous growth, job creation and profitability. This award recognises the valuable contribution that our well established businesses make to the local economy. This award is for the business that has demonstrated outstanding performance in all aspects of its operations. This award is open to any business based in or conducting most of their business Lancashire.

Judging this award will be carried out by LANCASHIRE COUNTY DEVELOPMENTS and selected business leaders. The judges will be looking for evidence of

• commercial success
• innovation
• creativity
• community involvement.

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

New Business of the Year

The BIBA New Business of the Year is designed for the organisation launched after January 2006 that has best demonstrated outstanding performance, significant growth and innovation in its market sector. The company must show strong financial performance which has been evaluated against targets and forecasts.

Judging this award will be carried out by NAPTHENS and selected business leaders. The judges will be looking for evidence of commercial success, innovation, creativity, sound business practices which will include:

• Insight and vision in conceiving the new venture.
• Creativity and innovation in developing the business
• Ability to motivate and inspire colleagues to carry the venture forward
• Determination in overcoming problems and setbacks
• Commercial success and profitability of the new business

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

International Trade

The BIBA for International Trade is devoted exclusively to identify excellence in international trade achievement. Recognising the strength of Lancashire business overseas, this category focuses on International Trade in relation to business success existing markets, market development and entries into new markets. As the global economy becomes increasingly important this is the perfect category to show how you stand out in the international arena.

The judges will be looking for dedicated activity in this arena and in particular:

• Research
• Developing Existing Markets
• Expanding into new markets
• Training & Languages

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Leadership Team of the Year

The BIBA Leadership Team of the Year was developed in recognition of the superb leadership qualities that many businesses in Lancashire have displayed over the years. This year the contest will get tougher as the competition hots up. Business applying for this category must be able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and motivational qualities.

This award acknowledges and celebrates leadership within businesses and recognises prominent professionals whose work has had a significant and positive impact on the business and its employees.

Judges will be looking for that special something and in particular:

• People Skills
• Vision
• Mentoring and cultivating the next generation

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Business Innovation

THE BIBA for INNOVATION has been introduced in recognition of a business who has created and implemented the most effective ideas that has achieved either organisational or market needs. In so doing has brought these into life through effective management, organisation and processes. Judges will be particularly interested in innovative initiatives which has had a positive effect on the business - in particular:

• Innovative products or services
• Concepts
• Design
• Creative Processes

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Social Enterprise of the Year

The BIBA for Social Enterprise has been designed to recognise a business that best represents the qualities and attributes of a successful social enterprise. It will be presented to an organisation that clearly represents the qualities and attributes of a successful social enterprise.

If your organisation represents the true ethos of social enterprise and can demonstrate dynamic ideas and inspiration in its activities tell us more! This award will recognise the impact that social enterprises are having on the Lancashire economy.

The judges will be looking for:

• transferability of the business model
• sustainability
• community impact

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Performance Through People

The BIBA for Performance Through People has been developed to recognise a business dedicated to putting their people first. The winning company will be seen as an exemplar in this field and is able to demonstrate best practice. This Award will be given to the company that demonstrates excellence in its approach to workforce development.

Judges will be looking for:

• Impact of Workforce Development
• The Importance of training to the business
• How skills are assessed
• Quantifiable benefits of training and development

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Entrepreneur of the Year

The BIBA ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR aims to identify an individual from the local business community who has used determination and optimism to survive difficult and changing economic environments. Sponsored by North West Business Link, the 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' is one of 18 categories in the competition, and will be awarded to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership in the establishment and development of an owner led business Judges will be looking for an individual who had demonstrated business success with creativity, flair and real determination. In particular judges will be looking for:

• Business Achievement
• Entrepreneurial Flair
• Overcoming key business challenges
• Innovation
• Ambition

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Best use of E-Business

THE BIBA BEST USE OF E – BUSINESS has been developed to recognise outstanding commercial success through the use of the world wide web. The award will be presented to the winning businesses as testament to their innovative and creative use of e business transactions.

Judges will be particularly interested in they way in which businesses use the internet for:

• Promoting products and services
• Web Site design
• Financial transactions
• Business growth

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Business Woman of the Year

The BIBA Business Woman of the Year has been specially developed to recognise business women who prove leadership and excellence in local business organisations. The winner of this award will have an impressive track record that will reflect her approach to follow best management practices. The recipient's achievements will demonstrate professional accomplishments, business leadership and contributions to the community. In this award the judges will be looking in particular for:

• Business Achievement
• evidence innovation
• growth
• strong financial performance

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Environmental Awareness

THE BIBA ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AWARD has been developed to recognise the use best practice relating to business and the environment. The winning company will be seen as an exemplar in this field and is able to demonstrate innovative initiatives in reducing their carbon footprint.

Judges will be particularly interested in environmental initiatives which the business can demonstrate:

• Waste Management
• Recycling
• Environmental Audits
• Energy Efficiency

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Independent Retailer of the Year

If you have provided outstanding service, value, range and innovation for your customers then the BIBA’s wants to reward you. Entries are now open for the first BIBA prestigious Independent Retailer of the Year This highly coveted award will be given in recognition of outstanding performance in terms of sales, customer service & store presentation.

The judging criteria will take into account amongst other things:

• Outstanding customer service
• Customer innovation
• Business Growth

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Creative Company of the Year

To succeed in the flourishing creative industries sector, businesses need confidence, optimism, persistence, passion and risk-taking. In this category the judges will be looking to recognise and celebrate the achievement of a cultural and creative business which has demonstrated:

• innovation and business creativity
• good business practice
• determination to succeed
• commercial success

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Most Promising Business of the Year

Have you had a bumper year, outstripping all projected targets and growth expectations?

Then why not shout about your successes and earn the PR kudos, to propel your growth in the future?

The judges will be looking for businesses that have exceeded their business plan expectations either in terms of increased profitability, turnover or market share. You will be able to demonstrate that:

• Your business has achieved substantial increases in turnover or profit
• You have gained substantial market share from your competitors or introduced a unique product/service to a new market
• Recruited new staff and delivered real employment opportunities
• Used technology to deliver efficiencies to service and customer satisfaction

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.