What are the rules?

Please find below the rules for entering the BIBAs 2012 outlined below.

1. The BIBAs  are open to any business based in Lancashire. Please note however, that some categories have more specific entry requirements, which are fully outlined in their criterion.  All applicants must be based in the County of Lancashire.

2. If a category is focused specifically on achievement in the past 12 months, this refers to activity dating back to January 2011.

3. All finalists must attend the BIBAs ceremony.

4. Entering more than one category is allowed and photocopied entry forms are acceptable.

5. All entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form, which should be signed by the person responsible for submitting the entry.  All entries will be acknowledged on receipt.

6. Closing date is 30^th March 2012. Entries arriving after the deadline will not be accepted unless previously agreed with the organisers.

7. Entries will be judged by a panel of eminent and impartial adjudicators. If you are shortlisted you must be available to attend an interview on the dates specified for each category you enter.  If from the shortlist you are selected as a finalist you must also be available to attend a second interview where the Judges will select the winner. All interviews will take place at:

North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (Fylde Coast Office)
1-2 Lockheed court
Amy Johnson Way
Blackpool Business park
Blackpool
FY4 2RN

The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. No employee of North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce or sponsors shall be entitled to enter.

a)        The judges’ decision will be  based on the quality of the application and the performance at interview.  An applicant’s previous track record in the competition (whether successful or not) will  have no relevance on the outcome of the decision.

b)         The judges’ decision is final.  In the event of a split decision the Chair of the judging panel will  have the casting vote.

c)         All interview sessions will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.  Applicants will be encouraged to limit any presentations to a maximum of five minutes to allow sufficient time for questions.

d)      Questions to the applicant will  be relevant and appropriate and only relate to the judging criteria contained in the judging score sheet.

e)         The judging panel will only sit on the day in question.  Failure  to attend an  interview will automatically result in the eliminated from that category.

f)         Winners of each category will  be decided on the second interview prior to closing the judging session.

g)         The judging panel will  not disclose details of the winners or finalists prior to the award ceremony taking place.

h)         All applications will  be treated in the strictest confidence.  Details will not  be disclosed to any outside party.

8. Winners will be announced at the BIBAS on Friday 31^st August 2012. Commencing 6.30pm,  at  Future City, Moor Park, Preston.

9. Award Winners and Finalists may state in advertising/promotional activity and on their stationery that they are a winner/finalist but this must include the category and the year in which the award was won.

10.  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 – Lancastrian of the Year selected for Lifetime Achievement

11.   All businesses are encouraged to attend the BIBAs ceremony regardless of any status in the competition.