The Sentinel

Top tips to help make your awards entry the ‘winner’

- By LAURA WATSON Business Editor

THE Stoke-on-trent Businessli­ve Awards in associatio­n with The Sentinel and Stokeontre­ntlive are back for 2022 and officially open for entries.

The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the great and good of the business world and highlight their biggest successes and achievemen­ts from the past 12 months.

Every year the awards attract submission­s from a wide range of businesses from across the region – including start-ups, growing SMES and major employers.

But what makes a winning entry a winning entry?

We’ve put together seven top tips on how to make your submission stand out.

1) DON’T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE

We are all guilty of it. Work and life often get in the way and it’s easy to let time run away with you, but it’s really important to give yourself plenty of time to complete your entry form.

2) CONSIDER THE CATEGORIES CAREFULLY

There are 14 awards up for grabs this year, including the new Diversity and Inclusion category, so you might find yourself spoilt for choice.

But take the time to read each category carefully – and play to your strengths.

You are more than welcome to enter multiple categories, but make sure you tailor each applicatio­n form to each award, do not just copy and paste!

3)ANSWER THE QUESTION

It’s understand­able that you want to list every single thing you’ve done this year, and it’s easy to get carried away.

But make sure you read the question – and answer it. Try not to go off on a tangent. Re-read the category criteria and make sure you grasp what the judges are looking for.

4)DETAIL

This is your one chance to tell the judges why you should win, so don’t be shy.

Include as much detail as you possibly can. If you’ve increased turnover this year, include the figures. If you’ve taken on staff, say how many. The judges need to see that you can back up what you’re saying. You can make use of hyperlinks or attachment­s if it helps.

5)DON’T BE MODEST

While we don’t want individual­s or companies to exaggerate their success, we don’t want them to be afraid to be bold about their achievemen­ts.

6)DON’T OVERWRITE

The judges are looking for quality, not quantity. Ensure you include all the important details but be succinct.

7) TRIPLE CHECK BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

Give your entry a really good read over before you press send because there’s no going back.

It might sound obvious but make sure all your spelling and grammar is correct and read it aloud.

You could even get a colleague to look over your applicatio­n just to make sure.

For more informatio­n on how to apply for the Stokeon-trent Businessli­ve

2022 awards, visit www. stokeontre­ntlivebusi­nessawards. co.uk

The deadline for entries is Monday, January 10.

 ?? ?? The Sentinel Business Awards in 2019.
The Sentinel Business Awards in 2019.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom