Frequently Asked Questions
Business Support > Awards 2009 > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Entrants for the Excellence Awards frequently ask the following:

 

Why would I enter?

  • Energise, motivate and build your team for the future

  • Highlight your success to current and potential clients, suppliers and staff.  Awards logos are available for marketing and promotion.

  • Add value to your strategic and business planning

  • Receive an independent perspective of your strengths and improvement opportunities at no cost

  • Benchmark your business against your competitors

Does it cost me to enter?

There is no cost to enter the 2009 Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards and facilitation services are also provided free of charge.  For details on facilitation please call Ngaio Merrick on 09 414-1347.



 How long will it take me to enter?

How long it takes you does depend on how easy it is for you to gather the information you need, but all entries use templates and the best ones are usually succinct - we're not looking for a 10 page document!  The process of entering is usually helpful for your business so the time you take to enter is never wasted. 

If you're looking for extra assistance to gather information about your business you can start with an Excellerator online assessment which will provide you with a report showing your key areas of strength and weakness; this may then help you to determine which categories to enter for excellence.

 

 

How do I enter?

Entering is easy.  You simply:

  1. Send us one overall document for your business - a Businss Profile and Media Statement which is based on a template (click here to download the template)

  2. Send by email a single entry for each category you decide to enter - also based on templates.  To find out which categories are available and pick up the templates for those categories, click here.

  3. For full details on the entry process click here.

 

 

Is there some-one who can help me?

Absolutely. We're delighted to offer the services of Results.com who will work with you to determine:

  • Which category you should enter

  • What you need to enter

  • Whether your entry can be improved

To contact Results.com click here for email or call Greg on 09 476 4010

 

 

Do I receive feedback on my entry?

If you do not make finalist we are usually able to supply feedback on your entry from the Judges which will assist you to improve your entry for next year.  All you need to do is ask the Awards Coordinator on 09 414 1341 from 1 August 2009.

 



How do I know if I'm eligible to enter?

If your business pays rates to North Shore City Council you are eligable to enter the awards.  Providing you have not won the category for at least one year, you can enter any category.

 

 

Do I have to include detail of my businesses financial details?

You do need to include some numbers to show that your business is sound and or growing. You may, for example, provide graphs showing revenues over the past few years (or months if you are a start-up). If you are a Finalist then you will need to be ready to show the Judges your finances when they visit.

 

 

How do I know that the information I provide won’t get into the hands of my competitors or others?

The entries are only seen by: a) one person at Enterprise North Shore b) your Facilitator (if you chose to share it with them) and c) the Judges. All of the people in these roles are ethical professionals and have signed a Non-disclosure Agreement.

 

 

Who reads my entry and decides if I am a finalist?

Every entry is read by the two category Judges. The finalists entries are read and considered by all Judges.

 

 

How do I know which Judges will read my entry?

The names of the judges for each category are confidential.  You can know the names of all the judges but not the individual ones who will be judging the specific categories you enter.

 

 

Can I print out my entry on paper or do I have to use the template?

The judging is all based online.  If you are unable to email through your application please call 09 414 1341 and ask for the Awards Coordinator who may be able to scan your entry for you.




How many categories can I enter?

Each company can enter up to 3 categories for each year.  For each company you need to submit ONE Business Profile & Media Statement and an entry for EACH category.




Can I re-enter if I was a winner last year?

Absolutely, providing it is in a different category to your winning category last year.  For example, if you won the Smales Farm Excellence in Environmental Management category last year you can enter any OTHER category this year.




What are the deadlines for entering the awards?

The award entry must be submitted by 5pm on 4th June 2009, by email.  You can take as much time as you wish before then to prepare and submit your entry.

 



When do I find out if I won or not?

The finalists will be announced on 24 July 2009 by email, followed up by letter.  The winners of each category are announced at the black tie Gala Dinner on 28th August 2009.