How to Enter
The Express & Star Business Awards acknowledge the very best people and organisations across the region.
For the selected finalists there are significant publicity benefits and real kudos for the eventual winners – this is your chance to grab your place in the spotlight.
We want you to tell us about your business and what makes it a success.
The competition is free to enter. Any company or organisation that is based in and around the Black Country and Staffordshire region, reflecting the Express & Star circulation area, can sign up.
We need to know:
- What you do
- Your products or services
- How you stand out from your competitors
- Your specific achievements relating to the criteria of the award you are entering
- Future plans
It’s easy to take part. Simply pick the categories you wish to enter - some are open to just about everyone, others have certain restrictions but all
worth a look. Then go to the entry forms to submit your applications. Note, you will need to complete an entry form for each chosen category and there is a separate form for Business Person of the Year.
You can enter up to three categories but each category will need to be completed separately.
Entries must be received by close of business on Wednesday February, 27 2019.
On both forms there is a section for common information about your business/the individual and an opportunity for you to explain why you should be selected as one of the finalists.
The maximum number of words is 1,100. Try to ensure you cover all the criteria for the category you are entering and include some of the company's/individual's personality too.
Click the buttons below to select your entry forms.
What happens next?
Preliminary judging of entries will take place shortly after the closing date. Three finalists will be chosen in each category for on-site visits by the judges, made up of representatives from the Express & Star and sponsors – and they will want to talk to your team face-to-face or for an individual award, to that particular person.
These visits will be made mid-May and video filming at your premises will also take place around the same time. The footage will be shown at the awards ceremony.
Just before the event the Express & Star will carry a special supplement in-paper featuring all of the finalists.
If you are finalist you will receive four complimentary tickets to the black tie awards evening with the option to buy extra places.
The winners will be revealed at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Thursday, June 6 2019.
When you take part, please note...
- Company information will be treated in the strictest confidence and will be shared only with the judges who include category sponsors for the specific category you have entered. All entries will be destroyed 90 days after the campaign finished (ends June 6 2019)
- Sponsors and their business members, cannot enter their own category.
- You can register for as many categories as you like. However, you can only enter a maximum of three.
- The dates of the onsite visits to the finalist companies are fixed in advance and cannot be changed.
- Video footage of the finalist companies will be shown at the awards night as part of the production for the event. Video filming at finalists’ premises is a requirement of participation. The video footage may be purchased after the event.
- Companies must be prepared to take part in any relevant publicity.
