Categories - Carrick Times Business Awards

Excellence in Innovation

(a) brief description of business (b) brief description of innovation that has made biggest contribution to success of business (c) summarise its development & application (d) outline how commercial performance, operational effectiveness & significant growth were affected (e) summarise how market share, overall financial performance & customer engagement were increased

Key Worker of the Year NEW

This category is seeking individuals, teams or businesses whose efforts during the coronavirus crisis inspired others in the community. People across the region have shown their generosity and resourcefulness during the pandemic, with many helping to give something back. We are looking for inspiring applications from/about those who have used creativity, connection, and community to navigate their survival in the face of adversity. Please illustrate what the individual, team or business/organisation did for the community or as part of the national efforts in supporting the Coronavirus pandemic. Feel free to include testimonials to support the entry, although this is not a requirement. - Show details of policies or specific activities that benefited the community - Explain what impact they had on the community with examples - Explain the benefits these policies/activities have brought to the community

Readers’ Favourite Eating Establishment

Readers are asked to nominate their favourite cafe/ takeaway/ restaurant Nominated businesses will then be published in the Times and readers asked to vote for their winner The Times reserves the right to shortlist the nominations if necessary

Best Retailer

(a) describe the business (b) summarise the marketing strategy (c) growth and development to date, and future potential (d) good customer service and engagement with customer base (e) good presentation and upkeep of premises both internal and external

Best Craft Company of the Year

(a) outline the business including background and revenue growth (b) outline details of your craftsmanship & unique products (c) summarise marketing strategy (d) demonstrate future plans for your business & how you set yourself apart from others

Best Export Business

(a) describe the business (b) summarise export marketing strategy (c) outline current export markets (d) success in securing new markets (e) growth and development to date and future potential

Best Customer Service

Voted for by readers - readers will be asked to nominate a local business where the customer service experience has been good - nominated businesses will then be published in the Times and readers asked to vote for their winner - The Times reserves the right to shortlist the nominations if necessary

Best Digital & Social Media Initiative

(a) describe the business (b) outline the digital & social media initiative (c) summarise its’ main strengths to the business (d) demonstrate how it engages, interacts with & is relevant to audience (e) provide evidence of users, followers etc & any other relevant supporting data

Best Community or Social Enterprise

(a) brief description of business (b) initiatives implemented that have had a positive impact on the local community (c) show the benefits of any collaboration with the local community (d) growth & development to date and future potential

Health & Wellbeing Initiative

This award is aimed at all organisations / clubs that can demonstrate how they have made changes on their High Streets or in their business practices to improve the health and wellbeing of their customers, members of the local community or the staff employed within the organisation. (a) brief description of your business (b) demonstrate how your health, fitness or wellbeing initiative is making a positive impact on the local community or within your organisation. Outline how you, your customers or your employees are enjoying the benefits. (c) include any quality standard awards or achievement recognition from your 'industry' or governing body (d) summarise your health and wellbeing's special qualities and strengths, and plans for the future

Excellence in Tourism

(a) brief description of business (b) demonstrate how business benefits tourism in the region (c) provide details of any industry specific awards achieved (d) demonstrate evidence of growth and development to date and future potential (e) demonstrate good customer service

Young Business Person of the Year

Best Start-up Business

Business Person of the Year

(a) outline your career (entrants may work for or own a business) (b) demonstrate how your special qualities and strengths stand out from your peers (c) summarise your main business achievements (d) outline career ambitions

Award Categories