Awards

Our headline award recognises an influential young professional who has significantly contributed to their industry during their career to date. Entrants will demonstrate how they have made a significant difference to their business’ growth.

The Start-up Award recognises new businesses – established in the past five years – which have achieved consistent growth backed by strong performance under the leadership of a young, dynamic team or individual. Entrants will also be able to demonstrate current activity to grow market share and the effect this is having on business performance.

This award recognises people who have had new ideas, successfully utilised existing tools in new ways and have integrated innovative technology and processes to boost performance. Entrants must demonstrate how technology has helped the business – their colleagues and staff alike – to enhance the ability to meet customer needs.

This award celebrates those who dedicate themselves to helping customers. They will demonstrate a passion for continually improving customer service, exceeding expectations, and reacting appropriately to ensure customer satisfaction. Entrants must also demonstrate excellence in creating solutions when dealing with changing needs and complex challenges.

This award recognises an individual in business, who goes above and beyond their role within the company, to support local communities and charitable organisations by volunteering. Activities can include volunteering at a school, supporting local charities and sharing expertise and knowledge to make a positive impact on the community.

This award recognises a dynamic, creative, and visionary young business leader. It seeks to award a successful entrepreneur with the drive and ambition to carry innovative strategies, which contribute to the growth of their business. Entrants will be able to demonstrate the development of their business from clear vision and planning through to successful growth.

This category recognises a young professional aged between 18 and 35, who is working towards or has recently completed their apprenticeship and/or T Level qualification in the past 12 months. This award acknowledges a young person's commitment and ability to make a difference within the organisation they work in, with the potential of a bright future in their workplace and industry.

Through this award entrants will showcase how their projects, products or ideas contribute to a sustainable agenda. It is a chance to showcase your dedication to promoting the sustainability agenda, and share your stories and ideas that will help build a greener planet.

This award recognises the rising stars and innovative thinkers within the East Midlands creative industry, who have made a positive contribution to their business. The individual will be able to demonstrate how they have created innovative ideas or products, which are responsive to customer needs and their business' objectives.

This award celebrates a person or team who is passionate about supporting equality, diversity and inclusion within their workplace and throughout the business community. Entrants will show how they work to raise awareness and support diverse people and communities by making actionable change. This could be someone who opens doors into sectors where groups may be under-represented and shares their knowledge and understanding to make real differences that promote change.

The Rising Star Award recognises an emerging talent at the start of their career, who is “one to watch". Entrants will be able to demonstrate a measurable contribution to their business and show promising leadership, responsibility, and ongoing growth within their organisation or industry.