Categories & Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria for Social Enterprise/Charity Award

Sponsor: WPG

This award is open to any charitable organisation or a community/social enterprise trading in Powys with a social purpose and/or a not-for-profit basis.                                               

The Judges are looking for evidence that you:         

• Demonstrate an innovative approach to the way in which the enterprise operates and/ or meet its own primary objectives.

• Make a positive impact on society/communities and/or environment

• Make a positive impact on the lives of individuals, particularly working in a manner which helps vulnerable and/ or disadvantaged individuals to help themselves

• Projects that have the potential for future development growth and sustainability.

Judging Criteria for Growth Award

Sponsor: WR Partners

Through the maximization of the opportunities available to them, entrants must be able to demonstrate their business growth within the competitive marketplace in which they operate.                                       

Can you show significant development in one or more of the following areas? Training, Marketing, People Development, E-commerce, International Trade. Then enter the Business Growth Award.                                         

The Judges are looking for evidence of:   

• Profitable growth of the business

• Hard, tangible evidence of commercial success; effective financial controls will be important to the success of the business as will customer-focused marketing strategies

• A written business plan with strategy and vision for the next 3-5 years; and clearly defined objectives that will shape the organisation’s growth & development

• Strong leadership and management with the ability to drive the business forward

• Understanding of the market and mechanisms to respond to change

• Funding mechanisms and investment plans for the business

• Organisational culture which encourages employee development, creativity and empowerment

• Evidence of sustained growth over the last 12 - 18 months in one or more of the areas listed. This can include established businesses that have suffered downturn and have implemented recovery programmes.

Judging Criteria for Start up Business Award

Sponsor: EvaBuild

Open to all companies which have been trading for less than 3 years at time of application.

Entrants must be able to show how their business has progressed in line with their business plan. Success will be proven by the business and its employees having a clear understanding of their products, competitors and the marketplace in which the business operates. Existing business under new management are ineligible in this category.                                       

The judges will be looking for evidence that you:     

• Can convey clearly your business idea and start up process, giving evidence of a well researched business plan and forecasts for business performance

• Are delivering on – and exceeding – your original business plan and can produce evidence of a forward order book.

• Display a clearly defined vision for developing and growing the business in terms of both turnover and employment, including a strategy for staff development

• Have a strong focus on the needs of the customer through effective marketing strategies and attention to customer feedback

• Have suitable financial controls in place to monitor progress and control cash flow.

Judging Criteria for Micro Business (Under 10 Employees) Award

Sponsor: Myrick Training Services

Open to all companies of less than 10 employees (Full Time Equivalents).  Successful entrants will need to show excellent and outstanding achievement in all aspects of their organisation.  The judges will be looking for strong growth, innovation and leadership as well as a clear vision.                                      

The Judges are looking for evidence of:      

• A sound business plan and Sales and Marketing strategy

• Strong leadership with the ability to drive the business forward

• A Commitment to Staff development & Training

• Innovation & ambition

• Strong financial performance

Judging Criteria for Small Business (Under 30 Employees) Award

Sponsor: 5C Services

Open to all companies of less than 30 employees (Full Time Equivalents).  Successful entrants will need to show excellent and outstanding achievement in all aspects of their organisation.  The judges will be looking for strong growth, innovation and leadership as well as a clear vision.                                      

The Judges are looking for evidence of:  

• A sound business plan and Sales and Marketing strategy

• Strong leadership with the ability to drive the business forward

• Environmental awareness and a commitment to the community

• A Commitment to Staff development & Training

• Innovation & ambition

• All leading to a strong financial performance

Judging Criteria for Entrepreneurship Award

Sponsor: NPTC Group of Colleges

Judges will be looking to give this award to an individual who has demonstrated enterprise, vision, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit either in setting up a successful new small business or successfully developing an existing business or social enterprise.                                         

The Judges are looking for evidence of: 

• Innovation, ambition and clarity of vision

• Strong leadership with the ability to drive the business forward and solve day to day business problems

• A robust business plan based on sound research

• A Sales and Marketing strategy which addresses the need for growth

• A promising financial performance

Judging Criteria for Technology & Innovation Award

Sponsor: SudoCyber

This award is aimed at companies that can demonstrate how they are using technology & Innovation to keep them at the cutting edge.  

Applications should focus on a particular product or application.

The Judges are looking for evidence that the business can: 

• demonstrate ingenuity, and a novel approach to problem-solving.

• demonstrate consolidated processes and proven capabilities.

• Implementation within the business

• Commercial relevance

• Innovation’ is an integral and prioritised part of the business plan

Judging Criteria for Sole Trader Award

Sponsor: The County Times

We are looking to recognise sole operator businesses that are developing their business/concept all on their own. These business owners have no permanent or part-time employees, however, may utilise online contractors.                                

The Judges are looking for evidence that you: 

• Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their own skill set.

• Are delivering on – and exceeding – your original business plan and can produce evidence of a forward order book.

• Implementation within the business.

• Display a clearly defined vision for developing and growing the business

• Have a strong focus on the needs of the customer through effective marketing strategies and attention to customer feedback

• Have suitable financial controls in place to monitor progress and control cash flow.

Judging Criteria for International Trade Award

Sponsor: Welsh Government

This award recognises a Powys-based business that has achieved outstanding success in international trade and export growth. It celebrates organisations that have demonstrated strong commercial performance, strategic market development, innovation, resilience, and positive impact through exporting goods or services internationally.

The award is open to businesses of all sizes that can demonstrate measurable export success over the last 2–3 years (but recognising challenging market conditions).

The Judges are looking for evidence on: 

• Strong Export Growth & Financial Performance - could include growth in export sales/revenue, percentage of turnover generated internationally, entry into new international markets, profitability and commercial sustainability, resilience despite market challenges.

• Clear International Strategy & Market Development, could include export strategy, research and understanding of target markets, successful market entry approach, strong partnerships/distributors/agents overseas

• Innovation & Competitive Advantage - Innovation in products, services, or delivery, use of technology to support international growth, unique selling proposition in overseas markets.

• Operational Capability & Delivery -ability to manage international logistics and compliance, supply chain resilience, quality standards and certification service and fulfilment capability

Judging Criteria for Business-Education Partnership Award

Sponsor: Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership

This Award recognises best practices and collaboration between an employer/s and an educational establishment/s.  The partnership should be between at least one educational institution and at least one business or industry representative group. Partnerships should be existing at the time of nomination.                    

The Judges are looking for evidence on: 

• Eligible partnerships have been created within the last three years.

• Partnerships have made a measurable/significant impact on student achievement and the school.

• The partnership can demonstrate sustainability and innovation (either in the partnership itself or its outcomes.)

• The partnership has strong support from staff.