With three days to go until nominations close for the Sussex Business Awards, the organiser has unveiled her top tips on how to win.
There are fifteen trophies up for grabs at the awards including a new category to recognise sustainable business, sponsored by Sussex Enterprise.
Caraline Brown, boss at Midnight Communications said this year the judges will be looking for an outstanding non-profit social enterprise, with a charitable purpose, that has a turnover of less than £500,000 pa along with a sustainable business model which addresses a local, social or environmental need.
Peter Field, the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex will chair the judging panel this year.
He said: “For 25 years the Sussex Business Awards has led the way supporting and showcasing some of the most outstanding successful individuals and businesses in Sussex.
“The awards are a welcome opportunity to see and meet so many inspirational local business entrepreneurs and play a role in determining those individuals and organisations that that can only be labelled the ‘Best of Sussex’”
The awards will be presented at the Brighton Dome on December 5.
To enter visit sbawards.org.uk
DO:
- Think carefully about the categories you wish to enter. Choose the categories based on your strengths as a company or individual.
- Be honest about what you are good at and how you can demonstrate this to the judges. Provide robust evaluation of your business. Competitor analysis and sales, turnover and profit figures speak for themselves and are not subjective.
- Use plenty of bullet points and bolding to make your point and ensure your entry is easy to read. State clearly at the beginning precisely why you deserve to win a particular category.
- Keep your entry succinct. The judges will have lots of entries to read.
- Write in plain English and keep it simple.
DON’T
- Don't leave writing your entries until the last minute and make sure you submit on time.
- Don't hide good arguments in supporting material. Such material often isn't read.
- Don’t use jargon. The judges are unlikely to be experts in your particular field.
- Don’t use sweeping statements without backing them up. The judges will want to see proof of claims you might make about being “the best”, offering “great service”, “value for money”, “being innovative” etc.
- Don’t let techies, lawyers or accountants write your entry. They are often not the best at communicating in words but think they can. CEOs/MDs often lack the time or patience to do the job well. Award entries are usually best written by the PR / Marketing Department or by external experts.
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