Following the outstanding success of last year’s event, the Chronicle are again looking to celebrate the rich resource of skills and people who thrive and prosper in today’s challenging market place.

Again launched in association with Oswestry Chamber of Commerce, the awards will be held in conjunction with the Lion Quays Waterside Resort where a glittering awards ceremony will be held on May 1, when finalists will be competing for nine major trophies.

Whether employing a handful of staff or a workforce of hundreds; whether turning over thousands of pounds or millions of pounds; operating in a new service sector or a long established area of manufacturing or an individual, the Chronicle want to hear from you.

The key ingredient is that your business must be mainly or wholly based in The Chronicle circulation area. All the lucky finalists, together with sponsors and other representatives from the business community, will enjoy hospitality at the Lion Quays Resort in May when the winners will be announced and awards presented.

But hurry, time is pressing and you only have until March 8 to get your entries in.

TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION...CLICK HERE.

CATEGORIES

Best Online Business
Sponsored by Morris Cook

Companies must have been operating since at least February 1, 2011 to enter this category. Businesses will need to show how they identified a niche in the market place, adopted a relevant marketing strategy, have installed a first class customer service policy and have plans for sustainable future development. 

Best Small Business
Sponsored by Lanyon Bowdler

The award will go to a small business, up to 10 employees, demonstrating a high level of success in its sector. It should be able to illustrate a competitive advantage and have plans for future expansion, including growing market share. Innovative, forward thinking and progressive are the most apt labels for the winner.

Community Champion
Sponsored by Lion Quays Waterside Resort

The judges are looking for a business that displays a real commitment to corporate social responsibility and can demonstrate the positive impact this has had on their neighbourhood. This may include staff working voluntarily on local projects and evidence must be given on how this benefited employees and the community.

Young Business of the Year
Sponsored by Turner Peachey

Businesses less than five years old at February 1, 2013 can enter this category. They will need to demonstrate dynamic leadership, innovative product/service development and a robust marketing strategy, have achieved a tangible level of success and demonstrate a clear and deliverable vision for the future.

Innovation award
Sponsored by The Pickstock Group

This award is open to any company that has developed a new idea, product or way of operating which is completely different. The judges will expect to see the impact this has had on the business performance, probably involving new technologies, and be confident of future plans.

Customer Service award
Sponsored by Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors

Businesses entering this category need to illustrate their commitment to, and achievement of, outstanding customer service. Everything an organisation does to win, satisfy and retain customers will be considered.

Young Business Entrepreneur
Sponsored by The Charlotte Hartey Foundation 

The judges are looking for an individual aged between 16-30 on February 1, 2013 who has been in business for a minimum of 12 months. Entrants will need to demonstrate that they have a robust marketing plan, have achieved a tangible level of success and can demonstrate a clear vision for future development. 

Business of the Year
Sponsored by Oswestry & Border Chronicle

The judges are looking for an established, successful business that has displayed an outstanding performance and become an example of best practice in the region. The winning company will combine inspirational leadership with a dedicated workforce, creative marketing with a smart use of new technologies, product or service innovation with a first class commitment to customer service.

Independent Retailer Of The Year
Sponsored by Oswestry Chamber of Commerce 

Open to independent retailers exclusively, the businesses will be required to show how they have performed over the past 12 months ending February 1, 2013. They will need to demonstrate they have understood the need of shoppers and how they have responded; maintained high standards including first class customer service and shown commitment to the community; have displayed innovation that sets them apart from their competition.