Business Excellence Awards 2021: 'Time to get cracking and submit your entries'

Lucinda White, who runs award writing consultancy Pure Awards, held a free webinar on Wednesday to give people thinking about entering The News’ Business Excellence Awards the confidence they need to complete their applications.

She ran through all the many benefits of awards, such as a boost in sales, increased staff morale and a higher reputation with the customers.

She said: ‘Eighty per cent of the people who make the buying decisions will chose an award winning business over another. It’s a powerful percentage, so it’s definitely worth doing.’

Lucinda also ran through all the technical details of submitting an entry, plus she urged people to keep a positive mind-set when doing it.

Lucinda said: ‘To enter awards like this a great motivator. Motivated, happy employees are absolutely in synergy with productivity and success in the future. It is not just about recognising for the business but it is about the staff.’

Lucinda’s tips included;

Set aside a proper amount of time to complete it - and get cracking. Input the information ahead of deadline, and build in a contingency amount of time to cope with any hiccups.

Pick a person who can write clearly, and who has knowledge on the business or who has access to the information.

Be honest, but be creative with how you present the facts.

John Feltham, from Portsmouth International Port, spoke at the webinar. He said winning the Sustainable Business Award last year had brought great benefits.

SEE ALSO: The News Business Excellence Awards 2020 - full list of winners

He said: ‘It certainly demonstrated to our staff and stakeholders that we take sustainability very seriously.’

Pat Smith, from lead sponsor the University of Portsmouth, also said it was important to present your entries clearly.

Editor of The News Mark Waldron was a guest speaker.

He said: ‘It is the first time we have held a webinar like this and it is fantastic. I hope that it really helps people to get into the right mind set.’

Entries are free to submit. Entries close on May 14.

For more go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk/

Awards recognise best businesses in region

The News is proud to launch the 2021 Business Excellence Awards.

These awards recognise a cross section of businesses and the vital role they play in the success of the region.

The awards ceremony will take place on July 8 at the Portsmouth Guildhall and will be attended by more than 300 guests, as well as being live streamed.

For more information go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk or e-mail Richard Thompson, group events director, on [email protected] or call 07385 348816

This year's categories:

Small Business of the Year

Medium Business of the Year (Sponsored by Citrus IT Support)

Large Business of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by the University of Portsmouth)

Start up Business of the Year

International Business of the Year

Employer of the Year

Leisure, Retail & Tourism Business of the Year

Training Programme of the Year

Company CSR Initiative of the Year (Sponsored by BAE Systems)

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Portsmouth College)

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sustainable Business Award (Sponsored by Portsmouth Water)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Verisona Law)