Closing Date for entries is THIS Friday 11th September 2009 at 5.00 pm

Applying for one of the coveted Open 4 Business Awards is easy but you only have until this Friday to get your entry in so here are some tips to put together an award winning entry followed by further information on the judging process itself. 

There are two key elements you need to consider before you write your award entry - content and style.

1.  Get Cracking:
It is not often you are given the chance to legitimately promote your business and generate free publicity; encourage and praise your team and potentially win the prestigious award.   What have you got to lose?

2.  Choose appropriate award category:
Choose all the categories you think you could compete in. Remember, not all categories are as well represented as others. The questions within each category are straightforward.  Consider compelling examples, testimonials or measurements that endorse and support your achievements. Businesses are only allowed to enter 2 of the Award categories.

3.  Answer the questions:
Answer each question in full, the more details and benefits to your business, the more your application will stand out with the judges. Don't assume that information that you may have included in a previous answer will be recalled, repeat specific details to a question, especially if you are applying for more than one award. 

3.  Boast - don’t be modest! 
Your positive opening words are crucial to the content.  Begin with the end.  This is the hook which will encourage those judging to delve deeper.  So don’t ramble; get to the point, every word should count. Be proud of what you have done, this is one time when it is absolutely right to boast.   

4.  Give specific examples: 
The judges are looking for clear examples of how you have improved your business so wherever possible substantiate your claims with figures.  Remember that the judges may not have any past experience of your industry, avoid technical jargon.  Judges need to be able to understand easily your industry, product or market from the information you have included.

5.  Proof read:
Even if you have used spell check, first read your application out loud.  You will identify spelling and grammatical errors as well as check for clarity, rhythm and pace.  Then get someone else outside your organisation to proof read your application for clarity, spelling and grammatical errors. It's very difficult to spot your own mistakes especially if you have already done several drafts.  Lastly - Don’t forget to post it – if you don’t enter you can’t win.  Good luck!

Improved Judging Process for 2009

A brand new judging process  has been introduced for the 2009 Awards – improvements include

• All entries will be collated, recorded and acknowledged by the Projects Manager at Weymouth College
• There will be 8 local judges from Dorset including Business Link, Weymouth College, and other business led organisations and consultants
• The judging will take place initially on Monday 14th September when the Awards will be marked according to the Award Criteria set out on the application form
• The judging panel will meet on Thursday 17th September at Weymouth College where every Award will be reviewed and marked by the team of Judges
• Three Finalists for each Award will then be selected and announced.
• Business of the Year will be selected collectively by the Judging Panel
• Winners will be announced on 7th October at the Weymouth Award Ceremony, 13th October in Lyme Regis and finally Bridport on 15th October

For further details, including Award categories and to download entry forms, please visit the website.  The Closing Date for all Award Entries is Friday 11 September at 5pm – that's THIS FRIDAY !!!