'The Entrepreneur of The Industry' Award
Promotional Marketing is a growing industry worth £20bn. It is an industry that shapes and influences both consumer and business response and makes brands and ideas instantly recognizable on a global scale. It is also an industry where the entrepreneurial foresight of business people at all levels, has gone largely unnoticed. Very few have got the recognition they deserve.
What is an entrepreneur?
Being 'entrepreneurial' is not just about generating more growth and profit, a business start up or a new idea. It is about individual vision and leadership in any business situation that results in positive change taking place. This might include:
Using a different material or working practice to manufacture a product that saves money or 'makes a difference'.
Creating a new business opportunity that has a social impact.
The strategy that turns around an unsuccessful business or division - a management buy out for example.
The exceptional service concept that challenges traditional ways of doing business.
Whatever the situation, these individuals made a significant contribution to the success and image of our industry which is acknowledged and recognised by The Entrepreneur of the Industry Award, now in its second year.
Why participate?
An award that recognizes what you and/or your team have achieved boosts morale and motivates everyone. It is also much more than just a thank you or a pat on the back. It is an award from your peers which really means something.
Last years finalists will vouch for that. Last year the award was judged by a panel of very different, yet highly astute industry leaders none of whom had any idea how this new initiative would turn out. And something unexpected happened during the judging process. Rather than a review of the finalists' career successes to date, there were lively debates and each finalist and the judges walked away with something valuable. Judges left with a refreshing insight into how leaders are shaping their industry, and finalists gained important feedback and helpful analysis from the judges. Competitions in their traditional sense rarely allow for this scenario.
Entrepreneurship across the whole of our industry is critical to its continuing success and this award will raise your company's profile through direct contact with your fellow participants, judges and sponsors and via the media.
How does the judging process work?
The judging panel meet to review the entries and agree a shortlist based on the information submitted and the criteria they are looking for. Short-listed finalists are then invited to attend an interview as part of the final selection process. The judging panel,
which will be led by David Lebond, Chairman of the British Promotional Merchandise Association and Executive Director of P&MM Ltd, part of Motivcom, will include senior and visionary people from both within the industry and from the wider business environment.
What are the judges looking for?
The short-list decision will be based on the on the written submission and supporting evidence. Overall this should demonstrate the following:-
- Entrepreneurial flair - commitment to quality, risks taken, barriers overcome and perseverance.
- Innovation - new market, new approaches, ability to adapt, marketplace r&d etc.
- Personal integrity - values and personal style.
- Development of people and delegation.
- Financial performance - profitability and long-term sustainability.
- Strategic direction - vision, going for growth, measuring progress.
- Impact - market share and expansion.
The final stage interview will give you the opportunity to put your words into action.
Who can enter?
Anyone, at any level involved in the industry. i.e. agency, manufacturer, service provider, supplier, printer, buyer, sourcer, distributor, product designer etc.
- There is no limit on the size of company, big or small.
- You could nominate yourself or you could be nominated by someone but this should be done with your consent.
Next steps
- Download the INFORMATION PACK
- Complete the ENTRY FORM and return it with your submission by the closing date.
- Commit to participate in an interview if selected as a finalist.
- As a finalist, commit to attend the Awards Ceremony in December.