Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber FBD Business Awards 2017 Judging Criteria

D&WWC Business Awards Categories & Criteria 2017

Customer Service Excellence Award

sponsored by Dungarvan Leader

This is a General or Self-Nomination award category open to all customer facing businesses. The award will go to the business that can best demonstrate the delivery of outstanding customer service. The shortlisted candidates will be visited by mystery shoppers.

Judges will be looking for:

• The initial impact of the business (premises, staff, product display, etc.).
• How the staff interact with customers to enhance the customer experience.
• How the business meets customer expectations.
• Demonstration of the customer service ethos in practice.
• Senior management serving as role models, reinforcing service ethos.
• Testimonials that customers believe that they have received outstanding customer care.

Excellence in Local Produce Award

sponsored by The Cliff House Hotel

This is General or Self-Nomination award category open to all companies manufacturing products locally in West Waterford.This award recognises excellence and quality in production, encompassing sourcing, innovation, manufacturing and marketing. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Judges will be looking for:

• Innovation in product range and manufacturing processes.
• Evidence of a robust quality system.
• Evidence of consumer engagement/feedback being used & resulting in measurable actions.
• Investment in staff development and business competency improvements.
• Innovative marketing & sales development activity both online and offline, including web and social media.

Emerging New Business Award

sponsored by AIB

This is General or Self-Nomination award category open to all companies which have been trading for less than 5 years at time of application. Existing businesses under new management are ineligible in this category. Entrants must be able to show how their business has progressed in line with their business plan. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Judges will be looking for:

• Clear communication of your business idea and business plan.
• Evidence of a well-researched business plan.
• Clear understanding of your products, competitors and the marketplace.
• Innovation in business model and/or marketing/promotions and/or operations.
• Evidence that you are delivering on and exceeding your original business plan OR have been able to adapt to suit business environment.
• Strong leadership with the ability to drive the business forward.
• A strong focus on the needs of the customer.

Success & Innovation Award

sponsored by Eurofins Food Testing

This is General or Self-Nomination award category that is open to all companies. This Award will go to the business that can best demonstrate outstanding, sustainable development through innovation in their business.The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Judges will be looking for:

• Innovation in products and/or services that demonstrates improved business performance and/or improved customer engagement and/or satisfaction.
• Evidence of a recognised and approved quality system (where relevant) & demonstration of consistent delivery of product /service and monitoring of customer feedback.
• Investment in staff development, business competency improvements.
• Innovative marketing & sales development activity.
• Display strong leadership with the ability to drive the business forward.

Best Social Media Presence 2017 Award

sponsored by WLR FM

This is Self-Nomination award category that is open to all companies with a strong presence across social media platforms over the last year. Entries should be backed with evidence including examples, analytics and achievements – this category will be judged based on a review of materials submitted with nomination, so ensure that all relevant materials are represented.

Judges will be looking for:

• A strategic plan for driving engagement with evidence of goals and achievements.
• Evidence of social media playing a critical role in the company’s marketing plan.
• Evidence of an innovative, creative approach to generating content.
• Clear ability to adapt and target content across social media platforms.
• The impact of the social media campaign on the business and financial return.
• Demonstration of consumer engagement, including social media analytics and feedback.

Best Place to Eat Award

sponsored by Dungarvan Credit Union

This is General or Self-Nomination award category open to all restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels and other hospitality businesses serving food to the public. Additional supporting evidence including achievements, photographs, press cuttings and endorsements may be included with entries. This category will be judged based on a review of materials submitted and mystery shopping.

Judges will be looking for:

• Excellence in all aspects of the customer experience from service to food preparation.
• An innovative approach to the business with a dynamic marketing strategy.
• Examples of investment to meet customer needs and provide excellent service.
• A focus on consistent quality and preparation – considered approach to sourcing products.
• Evidence of consumer engagement/feedback being used & resulting in measurable actions.
• Investment in staff development and business competency improvements.

An Dámhachtain le haghaidh Gaeilge sa Ghnó(Irish in Business Award)

sponsored by Forás na Gaeilge

Is catagóir dámhachtana Ghinearálta nó Féinainmniúcháin í seo atá oscailte do gach comhlacht a úsáideann an Ghaeilge nó a thacaíonn léi ina mbrandáil, ina margaíocht agus/nó ina n-oibríochtaí. Féadtar fianaise thacaíochta, lena n-áirítear éachtaí, grianghraif, gearrthóga ó nuachtáin agus teistiméireachtaí molta, a chur san áireamh le hiarratais. Déanfar breithiúnas ar an gcatagóir seo bunaithe ar athbhreithniú ar ábhar a chuirtear isteach agus ar rúnsiopadóireacht.

Beidh breithimh ag lorg:

• Cur chuige nuálach i leith an Ghaeilge a chomhtháthú i margaíocht agus/nó in oibríochtaí na gnólachta.
• Samplaí a tharraingíonn aird ar úsáid na Gaeilge i gcomharthaí, ar shuíomh idirlín, sna meáin shóisialta etc.
• Fianaise ar an tionchar a d’imir cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ar an ngnólacht maidir le custaiméirí a mhealladh, cur le dílseacht custaiméirí agus deiseanna margaíochta.
• Fianaise ar an méid a chuireann tacaíocht don Ghaeilge sa ghnólacht le saol cultúrtha phobal na háite.

This is General or Self-Nomination award category that is open to all companies that use and support the Irish language throughout their branding, marketing and/or operations. Additional supporting evidence including achievements, photographs, press cuttings and endorsements may be included with entries. This category will be judged based on a review of materials submitted and mystery shopping.

Judges will be looking for:

• An innovative approach to incorporating the Irish language into the marketing and/or operations of the business.
• Examples highlighting use of the Irish language through signage, website, social media etc.
• Evidence of the impact promotion of the Irish language has had on the business in terms of attracting customers, increasing customer loyalty and marketing opportunities.
• Evidence of the contribution the support of the Irish language within the business makes to the cultural life of the local community.

Arts, Culture & Heritage Award

sponsored by SGC Cinema

This is a General or Self-Nomination award category open to all groups and businesses involved in promoting and safeguarding the Arts, Culture and Heritage of West Waterford, with particular regard to developing tourism in the area. This award recognises the work of those who use their passion and talent to improve the cultural life of the region, giving visitors a positive, inspiring experience. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Judges will be looking for:

• Creative communication skills and ability to inspire.
• Evidence of the quality and impact of significant projects or initiatives.
• Evidence of work to improve, extend access to and/or encourage participation in the cultural life of the region.
• Evidence of contribution to quality of life and to sustainable economic development.
• Evidence of collaboration with others and a rounded knowledge of the tourism offering of West Waterford.

Export Company of the Year (Service or Product)

sponsored by Sunlife Financial

This is a General or Self-Nomination award category open to all businesses based in West Waterford that export goods or services. The award will go to the business that can best demonstrate the delivery of a high quality product/service, strong marketing/relationship-building and outstanding customer service. This award recognises the very best of export achievement in a competitive international marketplace. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of sustainable export growth and profitability.
• An innovative approach to aspects of international trade.
• A well developed strategy for securing and building new export markets
• Evidence of challenges or obstacles overcome in getting into markets.
• Examples of marketing strategies employed.
• Evidence of consumer engagement/feedback being used & resulting in measurable actions.
• Investment in staff development and business competency improvements.

Business Man of the Year

sponsored by McDonalds

This is a General or Self-Nomination category open to all men in business, from business owners and entrepreneurs to managers and project leaders. The winner of this award will exemplify outstanding achievement, innovative business practices, and excellent leadership in business. Additional supporting evidence including achievements, photographs, press cuttings and endorsements may be included with entries. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Judges will be looking for:

• A successful track record of achievement based upon a sound business strategy.
• Strong leadership and communication qualities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to overcome challenges to drive projects forward.
• Evidence of innovation, creativity and ambition.
• Evidence of achievements (e.g. awards, P.R., etc.).
• Evidence of Corporate & Social Responsibility (CSR).

Business Woman of the Year 

sponsored by Denise Radley Auctioneers

This is a General or Self-Nomination category open to all women in business, from business owners and entrepreneurs to managers and project leaders. The winner of this award will exemplify outstanding achievement, innovative business practices, and excellent leadership in business. Additional supporting evidence including achievements, photographs, press cuttings and endorsements may be included with entries. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Judges will be looking for:

• A successful track record of achievement based upon a sound business strategy.
• Strong leadership and communication qualities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to overcome challenges to drive projects forward.
• Evidence of innovation, creativity and ambition.
• Evidence of achievements (e.g. awards, P.R., etc.).
• Evidence of Corporate  & Social Responsibility (CSR).

Business of the Year Award 

sponsored by FBD

Automatic entry for category winners in all other Categories. Successful entrants will need to show excellence and outstanding achievement in all aspects of their organisation.

The judges are looking for evidence of:

• Environmental awareness and a commitment to the community.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to customers and service excellence
• A sound business plan
• Evidence that the current strategy is delivering sustainable growth & increasing job creation.
• A clear and well defined brand.
• A strong social contribution to the region
• Innovation and ambition.
• Profit growth backed up with sound financial controls.
• To be a standard bearer for success in Dungarvan and West Waterford.

West Waterford Business People’s Choice Award

sponsored Terra Nua Building Contractors

This is a public nomination award open to all businesses. All nominations should outline why the chosen business deserves to be recognised. The shortlist for this award will be selected by RIKON and the winner from this list will be chosen by public vote through social media.