NW Business Awards 2017

2017 ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS FRIDAY 19th MAY 2017, THE EVERGLADES HOTEL, DERRY.

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INTRODUCTION Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and City Centre Initiative in association with our principal sponsor The Bank of Ireland UK are excited to announce the return of the North-West Business Awards.

The North-West Business Awards are the premier accolade for firms in the North West of Ireland and provide an ideal platform for businesses to showcase and celebrate their many achievements and success.

Now in its 12th Year, the North-West Business awards have prospered to become the leading event of their kind in the Region. The culminating black tie gala and awards ceremony is widely regarded as a ‘must attend’ business event each year which provides invaluable networking and promotional opportunities for guests.

City Centre Initiative and The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce are appreciative of the support they have had for more than a decade from sponsors and from the very many local businesses that have entered the awards. Over the years, some of the best firms in the North West have been recognised in the most public way possible for their enterprise, innovation and expertise in building and expanding their businesses.

The history of attracting high profile industry support and involvement the North West Business Awards has provided a valuable platform to showcase the many outstanding businesses operating both locally and internationally, which are helping to drive the regional economy forward.

The North West Business Awards are free to enter, consisting of 15 key categories. They are open 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 19th May at the Everglades Hotel, Derry.

George Fleming, President of Londonderry Chamber said “The North West Business Awards have earned their central place in the social calendar of Derry and the region. They provide a unique opportunity for local businesses to show themselves off and to be recognised for their excellence.

“We encourage our local businesses to enter the awards, letting the rest of the commercial world and the public know about the quality of our local firms.

Strong businesses are the basis of a strong economy – and it is only right that achievement is recognised.” Jim Roddy, Chief Executive of the City Centre Initiative, added “We are delighted to again bring the North West Business Awards to the city, this year we are looking forward to welcoming our guests to the newly refurbished Everglades Grand Ballroom. 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 2017 North West Business Awards for the second year.

We understand the importance of the SME and 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 UK 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.

AWARDS

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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AWARDS

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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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.

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AWARDS

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 with other organisations eitherWhite BlackcollaborationsColour 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.

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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 process introduced White Black of the new idea, device or 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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AWARDS

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

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

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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.

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.

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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.)

• Evidence of public engagement (e.g. number of web 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

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; • How quality service is defined and delivered within the organisation • Customer base 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.

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 • Provision of a diverse product offering • Specific response to challenges in the market

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.

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.

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MBA BUSINESS AWARD

NORTH WEST ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

DESCRIPTION AND CRITERIA

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.

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AWARDS

The ‘MBA Excellence Award’ is based on three criteria: • Academic achievement • Continued professional development Black Colour 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

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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 Everglades Hotel on Friday 19th May. 2.

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

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.

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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.

8. Entries must be received no later than 12 noon Monday 3rd April.

9. Judges will receive applications on Wednesday 5th April for shortlisting.

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Shortlisted applications will be announced on Wednesday 12th April.

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