RULES
How long does it take to complete an entry form?
We suggest that you allow at least one day to complete the entry form. All the questions are important and need careful consideration. Entrants will need to collate information from several different sources across the business.
Short-listed companies will be required to present in person to a panel of judges. The presentation will take 15 minutes with a 15-minute question and answer session to follow; additionally you should allow at least 30 minutes to prepare.
Will my entry be treated confidentially?
Absolutely, all entries and information submitted by you will be treated with the utmost confidence. Financial information is seen by the professional judging panel only and WILL NOT be made public.
If I am successful - what happens next?
Should you make it to the shortlisted stage, you will be required to present in person to a judging panel at the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce,. You should ensure that someone senior in your organisation is available to attend the presentation to answer detailed questions from the judging panel.
Where will the judging take place?
Presentations to judging panels will take place at the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce 9/10 Eastway Business Village, Olivers Place, Fulwood, Preston during January 2008
Who are the judges?
Judges are drawn from leading businesses. All are selected for their business acumen, experience and knowledge of the specific subject matter. Most judges are very influential in their field, which why it is imperative that presentations are made by senior people within finalists' organisations.
What criteria do we need to meet?
There are separate criteria for each of the Categories and this appears on the entry form (it is also available on the category pages). The underlying values associated with all are ethics, success and innovation. Judges will be looking for evidence of the entrant meeting all the criteria whilst embracing the underlying values.
Who can enter?
Companies from any sector and of any size and age can enter. These are the only all-encompassing business Awards that are able to consider micro-businesses against PLCs and allow them to compete on a level playing field. There is one Category which is excluded from self nomination - The Lancashire Economic Partnership Lancastrian of the Year selected for Life Time Achievment
What size turnover do we need to have?
Entries are welcomed from companies of all sizes; there is no restriction in terms of turnover or number of employees.
How long do I need to be trading?
The length of time that you have been trading is not so important provided you can meet the criteria and display innovation, success and ethics. A particularly good category for very young businesses is The BIBA for New Business of the Year , but many of the other Categories may also be suitable. To support the business success of the company the first years' figures are usually required therefore it is usual for businesses to have traded for at least 18 months.
Why should we enter?
The BIBA's is an Awards programme capable of pitting micro-businesses against PLCs on a level playing field. Entry into this programme is your opportunity to benchmark your performance against other businesses from other sectors.
The press and media coverage for the BIBA's is extensive which will continue to profile some of the winners after the event. Entering the Awards will also give you the opportunity to take an inward-focused view of your business in its current state. You will be able to analyse what you are doing well and what needs attention, while at the same time as being able to reward your people for all the efforts that they are making. Shout your success from the rooftops and show your people how proud of them you are.
How many awards are there?
There are 17 awards representing every conceivable business dynamic. Winners of any of these coveted awards will rightly be recognised as excelling in that area of business. The BIBA's are designed to be all-encompassing, therefore there is at least one category that every business in the UK could enter.
What can we get out of it?
The public relations opportunities that emerge for finalists and winners are immense. Our sponsors often want to work with entrants to maximise the PR coverage. Other benefits are: awareness amongst hundreds of other competing organisations; the association with the values of this robust and respected competition; and recognition of effort. Some of our more active entrants have gone on to use the logo on letterheads, maximised their relationships with local media and achieved some lasting partnering arrangements
When is the closing date?
The closing date for applying for the 2008 BIBAs is Tuesday 11th December at close of business, so you have plenty of time to submit you application.
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