North West Business Awards - Awards Brochure

2016 ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS FRIDAY 13th MAY 2016, THE CITY HOTEL, DERRY.

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

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INTRODUCTION Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and City Centre initiative in association with our principal sponsor The Bank of Ireland are excited to announce the return of their premier Business Awards.

Building on the success of the Derry ~ Londonderry Business Awards, the inaugural North West Business Awards will offer all businesses across the North West the opportunity to promote major achievements and celebrate success.

With over ten years’ experience and widely regarded as THE event of its kind in the region we are delighted that the quality of entrants continues to improve every year. Attracting high profile industry support and involvement the North West Business Awards provides a platform to showcase the many outstanding businesses operating both locally and internationally which are helping to drive the economy forward.

The North West Business Awards are free to enter, consisting of 15 key categories they are open and accessible to all businesses and organisations in the North West region. The successful applicants will be honoured at the prestigious North West Awards ceremony which will take place on Friday 13th May 2016 at the City Hotel, Derry.

Sinead McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Londonderry Chamber said “We are delighted to be extending the reach of this event to further highlight the North West region as a great place to do business. I would encourage businesses of all sizes to get involved and enter.

This is an opportunity to celebrate all of your hard work and your successes, to differentiate your business as a leader in your field and to create positive PR. It is of paramount importance that we continue to recognise, encourage and reward those people who are working so hard to create wealth and jobs in the region.”

Jim Roddy, Chief Executive of the City Centre Initiative added “We are delighted to again work in conjunction with the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce in recognising and rewarding the talent and quality of our regional businesses.

A vibrant and successful region is comprised of quality services, unique business offerings, friendly staff and safe surroundings. We believe that our confident and professional commercial sector more than satisfies these requirements.

Through these Awards we wish to acknowledge the hard work and excellent service and ultimately, the benefit to our city and region gained from our superior business establishments and service providers.”

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SPONSOR’S MESSAGE Bank of Ireland UK is proud to be working in partnership with Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and City Centre Initiative on the 2016 North West Business Awards.

We understand the importance of the SME and the wider business market to the local economy, and the role these awards have in highlighting and rewarding local employers and individuals who strive for excellence in Business.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise, reward and celebrate the outstanding achievements of local business men and women- and their employees- during the last year.

Banking lies at the heart of business activity and our involvement in these awards reflects our continued drive and commitment in supporting the local business community in their continuous improvement, setting new and higher standards in business, and in playing a part in the success of our region.

Bank of Ireland is committed to the local economy. This is demonstrated by our very popular Enterprise Week Events held in May and November each year. During Enterprise Week we invite the business community to various local events aimed at providing them with advice from key industry experts whilst allowing people the opportunity to network and make new contacts.

These events also provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings to a wider audience.

We are delighted to be involved with the North West Business Awards and look forward to celebrating our local success stories.

Eugene Kearney, Commercial Branch Manager

Christine Graham, Senior Business Manager

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NORTH WEST PUB OF THE YEAR

NORTH WEST RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

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DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

These are the very best pubs in the region and are selected because of their consistent commitment to excellence.

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This award category is open to all bars/pubs who can demonstrate a professional, safe and ambient environment adhering to best practice standards of operation in their sector.

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Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Range and nature of products/supply/services • Overall customer/ visitor experience including quality customer service Colour Black White • Innovative marketing and promotion • Improvement and developments which have been made in the last 3 years or are scheduled for the future, which aim to improve the customer experience.

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This award is open to all restaurants who are committed to creating the ultimate dining experience which includes cooking, ingredients, service, atmosphere and environment.

Entrants of this category will do everything right from the moment the customer makes contact to when they leave with a smile on their face.

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Range and nature of ingredients used/ menus/ products on offer /services; demonstrating were appropriate the use of local suppliers, regional producers and provenance of ingredients.

Black White White • Overall customer/ visitor experience including quality customer service • Innovative marketing and promotion • Improvement and developments which have been made in the last 3 years or are scheduled for the future, which aim to improve the customer experience

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NORTH WEST GUEST ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO ARTS AND CULTURE

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

Quality accommodation is a critical element of the visitor experience for both our leisure and business visitors.

In order for the accommodation sector to be successful and competitive both nationally and internationally, it is important that quality standards are set high and continue to improve.

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This award is designed to recognise and reward an individual or business that has dedicated time and care in developing the arts and cultural offering of the region. This contribution could be part of their core business or on a voluntary basis.

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Any initiatives/ contributions and achievements date This award will recognise the accommodation provider • How any initiatives undertaken have assisted who: encouraging the exploration of shared histories • Goes that extra mile to provide a quality ambiance, • Inspiration of further cultural developments product and service creating a genuine emotional activities engagement with Colour the visitor Black Black White White • Impact of any contributions on the community • Provides an unrivaled customer/ visitor experience visitor experience in the region. including quality customer service • Innovative marketing and promotion • Provides an extensive range of products/supply/ services.

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NORTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

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BEST TOURISM EVENT OR INITIATIVE

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

This category celebrates events and tourism initiatives which include, inspire and involve all guests. Judges will be looking for the event or initiative which compliments the visitor experience within the region and which has the ability to grow and develop further enhancing the image and profile of the region.

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • How the event or initiative increased tourism numbers giving a breakdown of the demographics of visitor/ guests • How the event or initiative encouraged partnerships and Blackcollaborations with other organisations eitherWhite both locally or internationally and the outcomes of these • Evidence of media attention and description of marketing campaigns regionally, nationally and/ or internationally and the quantifiable outcomes of these.

• Long term benefits of the event or initiative to the North West visitor experience AWARD SPONSOR

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Innovation is a new idea, more effective device or process. Innovation can be viewed as the application of better solutions that meet new requirements or existing market needs through more effective products, processes, services technologies or ideas.

This award recognises local businesses that have embraced innovation to significantly improve the commercial performance or prospects of the company Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Understanding of the business/market challenge and strategic reasoning for choice of innovative solution.

• Details of the new idea, device or process introduced White into the business over the past 3 years including details of the implementation and proposed outcomes.

• Impact of innovation to the business i.e. reduced costs, improved differentiation when compared to competitors, increased sales, improved capability in the workforce.

• Qualitative and quantitative data to support claims of success

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NORTH WEST CREATIVE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

NORTH WEST CRAFT INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR AWARD

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

Creative industries are defined as ‘those industries that are based on individual creativity, skill and talent with the potential to create wealth and jobs through developing intellectual property’ This award recognises the growing importance of the creative industries to the local economy. It is open to businesses from the sector which include: Advertising, Architecture, Art and Antiques, Design, Designer Fashion, Film, Video Games, Music, Performing Arts, Publishing and TV and Radio.

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This a new category and is a legacy of the hugely successful Craft Awards 2015. This award aims to shine a light on the ever growing craft sector and promote the vibrant craft community in the region.

Entrants must be based in the North West region and all work must be original and hand-made i.e. not reproduced, copied, mass-produced or assembled from component parts.

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Business objectives, planning and evaluation Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Originality and quality of design and production • VBlack alues and visionColour of the company with evidence ofWhite • FBlack uture sales and marketing White strategies, how theWhite good business practice business will develop and grow • Demonstration of how creativity and innovation have been used in either day-to-day business or as solutions for specific problems.

• Evidence of commercial success e.g. winning new business or business retention • Plans for future development

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GROWTH THROUGH EXPORT AWARD

BEST USE OF DIGITAL AND/OR SOCIAL MEDIA

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This award recognises local companies that have identified opportunities in export markets and are successfully trading beyond the Northern Ireland market.

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Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Export sales growth over the past two years in terms of sales outside of NI, export markets entered, market share and how this has been achieved • Innovative nature of products/services/ distribution channels • Strategies in place to maintain this export growth and further export growth Colour

The award will be made to the organisation that demonstrates the best application of digital technologies in their business.

The award winner should illustrate how the use of digital techniques has helped to develop and build their business.

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Clear business objectives and how the use of digital/ social media is incorporated.

• Evidence of the impact on the business (e.g. inquiries, sales, bookings etc.)

• EBlack vidence of public engagement (e.g. number of webWhite downloads, number of followers • Description and analysis of the implementation of digital or social media campaign

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NORTH WEST RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD

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If you go that extra mile and build your organisation around the needs of your target audience and are focused on delivering excellence in the retail environment we want to hear from you.

This category provides a superb platform to recognise and reward great customer service so tell us how you have identified customer needs and managed and monitored their expectations to set you apart.

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Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • How quality service is defined and delivered within the organisation • Customer base Colour and any evidence of customer satisfaction i.e. customer feedback, endorsements, increased sales • Future plans for the business and how these will be achieved • Originality of offering, this may be through products on sale, service, added value for consumers, customer engagement etc.

This award is designed to recognise and reward those business services who are engaged in selling their expertise in professional, scientific and technical services.

Those eligible to enter this category include banks, building societies, solicitors, property management companies, estate agents, architects, surveyors and accountants or any other professional service provider.

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Commitment to excellence in customer care and how this is achieved • Demonstration of how a holistic service is provided White Black • Provision of a diverse product offering • Specific response to challenges in the market

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MBA BUSINESS AWARD

NORTH WEST ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

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The Ulster University Business School ‘MBA Excellence Award’ celebrates outstanding individual achievement upon successful completion of the MBA programme at the Magee campus.

The ‘MBA Excellence Award’ recognises individuals who demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement and professional development as well as providing valuable contributions to the further development of the MBA experience at Magee.

The ‘MBA Excellence Award’ is based on three criteria: • Academic achievement • Continued professional development Black White • Enhancing the MBA experience The ‘MBA Excellence Award’ is open to all Magee MBA students who have recently completed their programme of study.

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Focusing on the contribution of a dynamic, creative and visionary leader, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award seeks to define the qualities of successful entrepreneurship – from drive, ambition, vision and tenacity to inspirational leadership, inventiveness and confidence.

This is a non-entry award which has been awarded by the judging panel; this person will be chosen on the basis of proven performance and application of the highest standard of business.

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NORTH WEST BUSINESS OF THE YEAR DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

Is your business representative of all that is positive about the work that takes place in the city on a daily basis?

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • Business growth and performance • Unique and innovative approaches • Evidence of ethical credentials and good stakeholder relationships • Evidence of long term planning balanced by the flexibility to deliver consistent results in dynamic market conditions.

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The overall winner of each individual category will automatically be entered into this award.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. The Awards are open to all businesses in the North West Region. These awards are designed to be inclusive and accessible and will be presented at a gala dinner to be held in the City Hotel on Friday 13th May 2016.

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Entries must be received no later than 12 noon Monday 21st March 2016.

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Entries must be made using the official entry/ application form links which are available at https:// www.londonderrychamber.co.uk/business-awards and www.cciderry-londonderry.com . Your entry should be no more than 800 words. Paper application forms are available on request.

10. On Friday 8th April 2016 shortlisted applications will be announced

3. The opinion of the judging panel in all matters will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

4. Organisations may enter as many of the award categories as they wish. An official entry form as outlined in each criteria for each category must accompany each entry.

5. Entries which do not conform to this format will be excluded from the competition.

6. Information supplied may be used in media coverage and this should be accepted as condition of entry.

7. Additional items such as brochures etc. should not be included.

9. Judges will receive applications on Wednesday 23rd March 2016 for shortlisting

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PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, 1A Hawkin Street, Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6RD Phone: (028) 71262379 www.londonderrychamber.co.uk/business-awards @NWBizAwards

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