Please tick which category you wish to enter. If you wish to enter more than one category, please complete a separate form for each entry.

Business of the Year
(Sponsored by PM&M Accountants)
The premier award in East Lancashire's business year. Open to any business that can demonstrate a successful track record of excellence and achievement. We are looking for firms of any size, working in any commercial or industrial sector.

Deal of the Year
(Sponsored by Yorkshire Bank)
We are looking for the big deal' that helped to transform a business. It could include a company purchase or arranging a management buy-out or buy-in. At the same time a listing on the Stock Exchange, relocation, expansion or pulling of the sales deal to beat all sales deals' could make you a winner.

Employee of the Year
(Sponsored by Trans Pennine Express)
This award is every business's opportunity to put forward someone who has really made a difference. Their impact might have been an ability to bring new solutions to an old problem and benefit the way a business works. Equally it might be someone who has brought a new meaning to the term Customer Service within a business-or it could be an employee whose attitude and example stimulates all those around him or her to reach to new heights of excellence. In brief it is your chance to put an otherwise unsung hero into the spotlight he or she deserves.

Small Business of the Year
(Sponsored by Hyndburn Enterprise Trust)
Launching your own business requires a whole range of skills and qualities and this award is designed to recognise and celebrate them. If you are a manufacturer finding suppliers, getting your goods actually made and establishing a market are all major hurdles to be overcome. We are looking for fledgling businesses in any sector which have successfully taken those first few steps. You might only have been formed for a few months but you should not have been operating as a business for more than four years.

Training
(Sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council)
Good quality training is the key to success for any business. Employees who know what to do, and the safest and most efficient ways to do it, are the cornerstone of a successful enterprise. This award recognises companies which are committed to the training and development of their workforces. And they will be able to show how their investment in training has paid dividends by bringing success to the business.

Innovation
(Sponsored by North West Development Agency)
To reward a pioneering company which has designed and introduced an innovative product or scheme to become a leader in its particular field. Applications will be accepted from all kinds of businesses whether large hi-tech companies or small independent firms. Businesses will have to demonstrate how their inventions - whether serious or quirky - have changed their fortunes.

Environment
(Sponsored by Blackburn Rovers Football Club)
A company that has introduced the manufacture/invention of goods/services that have already or will in the future result in a genuine improvement to the environment or have, by a series of measures, made a real difference to the local or national environment. Alternatively it could be a company that has 'gone green' introducing systems or initiatives within its own business that demonstrate it is environmentally aware.

IT/Digital Media achievement
(Sponsored by Blackburn College)
A company that has used IT digital media in an outstanding way to promote its brand and/or drive its business forward. This could range from an effective business-enhancing website to the setting up of employee or customer-friendly IT systems that have truly aided its business.

Technology
(Sponsored by Blackburn College)
A company that has used IT digital media in an outstanding way to promote its brand and/or drive its business forward. This could range from an effective business-enhancing website to the setting up of employee or customer-friendly IT systems that have truly aided its business.

Retailer of the year
(Sponsored by Thwaites)
Selling directly to the public is a special skill and this award is targeted at businesses of all kinds doing just that. Likely candidates might be specialist retailers with products ordered via the internet, by post or on the phone. Or they could equally be retailers who have found success by selling through shops, stores or other outlets. In short we are looking for any business that has become a winner by selling people what they want, when and how they want it.

Community development
The winner will be a business putting something back into the community. That could mean providing financial support for community projects or lending significant practical assistance to them. It could also mean allowing community organisations, schools or charities to use the resources of the business or giving them ideas, advice, money or expeQrtise. In short a business that has taken real steps to help the community of which it is a part.

Full name of applicant:


Position held:


Name of company/organisation:


Address:


Name of contact (if different from above):


Telephone:


Fax:


Email:


General description of the business and financial performance


Date founded:

Number of employees:

Financial Year End:


Most Recent Year
Turnover:

Pre-tax profit

Number of Staff


Previous Year
Turnover:

Pre-tax profit

Number of Staff


Year before that
Turnover:

Pre-tax profit:

Number of Staff:


Main location of business and any trading subsidiaries


Brief history, why it was set up and synopsis of its development


Give details of principal directors/managers


Please give details of your products or services and what makes them different


Please provide details of your plans to exploit the opportunities within your market sector


Please provide details of any initiatives for staff training for either individuals or groups or information about outstanding personal achievements during the past 12 months which have proved to be a major benefit to the business


Please tell the judges why your company, or a particular individual, should win this award


Declaration: I confirm that the information contained in this entry form is accurate. I agree to abide by the rules of the competition and accept the judges' decision as final
Yes
No
Name of company:


Name of person completing the application:


Position:


Date:


Director's approval for submission?
Yes
No
Closing Date Friday, September 28, 2007