The awards have 13 categories to help you celebrate the amazing work you undertake every day.
Some categories below are still available for sponsorship, please contact Trace.Voss@emc-dnl.co.uk to start a conversation.
Business Improvement through Technology
This award recognises businesses that have used and integrated technology to boost business performance. Entrants must demonstrate how technology has helped staff work more effectively and led to an increased ability to meet customer’s needs.
Finalists:
Devtank
Defib4life
Global Brands
Community impact
Recognising businesses, charities and social enterprises that have developed and implemented Corporate Social Responsibility policies as part of their overall business planning. Entrants must be able to demonstrate how their activities have made a positive impact on key social issues affecting their local community.
Finalists:
SPATIAL Careers Service
Royal School for the Deaf
E Safety Training
Derby Theatre
AtkinsRéalis
Outstanding Growth
The judges will be looking for organisations that have achieved exceptional levels of growth in sales, profit, market share, jobs and/or international trade over the past 12 months. Entrants will need to demonstrate, and show, a strong plan for sustainable financial performance.
Finalists:
Longbow Venues
Alphageek
Enicor
SDE Group
Valve & Process Solutions
Excellence in Collaboration
This category aims to recognise and celebrate successful business partnerships where organisations have collaborated on a project with successful outcomes for those involved.
The collaborators will have combined their skills to enhance the project to more than the sum of its parts.
Finalists:
TecInteractive | Blueprint Interiors
Derby Theatre | Derby City Council
Tomato Energy | Cleeve School & Sixth Form
Railston & Company | GEV Wind Power
Environmental Impact
This award is open to those organisations that can demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
The winner will put their environmental strategy at the heart of their organisation.
Finalists:
Shed Grounds Maintenance
Devtank
Cosy Direct
Purpose Media
Tomato Energy
Commitment to People Development
This award recognises organisations which demonstrate a firm commitment to people development and the implementation and promotion of a learning and development culture, as well as how employee wellbeing is supported. Entrants must demonstrate how this culture has contributed to the business’ overall success.
Finalists:
Dalton Roofing
KranLee Logistics
Pennine Healthcare
Sky Recruitment Solutions
Longbow Venues
Education and Business Partnership
Aimed at schools, colleges and further education providers that engage effectively with business, this award recognises those which can demonstrate partnership working with local businesses and how they help pupils develop crucial employability skills valued by employers.
Finalists:
DBC Training
University of Derby | Rolls Royce Submarines
Royal School for the Deaf
Hardy Signs
Derby Theatre | Saint Ralph Sherwin Trust
Apprentice of the Year
This award recognises the rising stars who will become the business leaders of tomorrow. Open to all current or past apprentices of any age who can demonstrate they have made an exceptional contribution to their workplace. This award category can be entered by individuals or a company can complete the entry on behalf of an employee or colleague.
Finalists:
Jessica Mitchell, EMA Training
Amber Whitby, Pentaxia
Sarah Illsley, Pentaxia
Amie-Jayne Knight, Sky Recruitment Solutions
Entrepreneur of the Year
This Award recognises the contribution of a dynamic, creative and visionary business leader.
It seeks to define the qualities of successful entrepreneurship – from drive, ambition, vision and tenacity to inspirational leadership, creativity, inventiveness and confidence.
Finalists:
Stephen Atkinson, Longbow Venues
Elaine Penhaul, Lemon & Lime Interiors
Laura Holland, EcoTech Engineers
Katy Upton, Fortitude Nicsa
Excellence in Customer Service
The judges will be looking for an organisation which delivers industry-leading standards of service and constantly strives to exceed customer expectations. Entrants will need to demonstrate the impact of their customer service strategy on business performance.
Finalists:
Anoki
Longbow Venues
Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport
KJB Toolhire
Ascentant Accountancy
Excellence in International Trade
This award recognises the strength of local businesses which trade internationally. Entrants must demonstrate how their objectives and strategies for growth has generated significant and/or sustained increases in their international activity.
Finalists:
Global Brands
Valve & Process Solutions
KranLee Logistics
Altek Europe
Small Business of the Year
This award – open to organisations employing up to 75 full-time members of staff – will go to the company that has achieved consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance.
Finalists:
Thompson Tree Services
Geeks Headquarters
Bluebell Dairy
KranLee Logistics
Astute Recruitment
Entrants will need to demonstrate current activity to grow market share and the effect this is having on business performance.
Excellence in Innovation
This category aims to recognise an organisation who has used innovation as a tool to improve business performance. Including any financial benefits, efficiency improvements and customer impacts.
Finalists:
Gordon Ellis & Co
Brilliant Ideas
Tomato Energy
Business of the Year
The Business of the Year award is chosen by the judges from the winners of the other individual award categories.
The business of the year will be awarded to a business which has shown excellence in their field and is an exemplar to all other businesses within Derbyshire. It will showcase the quality of businesses and the expertise within the county.
