Frequently Asked Questions

Entrants for the Excellence Awards frequently ask the following:

• Why would I enter?

• Does it cost me to enter?

• How long will it take me to enter?

• How do I enter?

• Is there some-one who can help me?

• Do I receive feedback on my entry?

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

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

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

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

• How do I know which Judges will read my entry?

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

• How may categories can I enter?

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

• What are the deadlines for entering the awards?

• When will I find out if I won or not?

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 2010 Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards and facilitation services are also provided free of charge.  For details on facilitation please call the Awards Coordinator, Ngaio Merrick on 09 414-1347.

 How long will it take me to enter?

This depends on how easy it is 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.  Generally if you're spending longer than two hours you may wish to call a facilitator to speed up the process.

If you want to gather more information about your business try an Excellerator online assessment which will provide you with a report highlighting key areas of strength and weakness; this may then help you to determine which categories to enter for excellence.

How do I enter?

1. Send us one overall document for your business - a business profile and media statement which is based on a template (download here)
   

2. Send by email a single entry for each category  - 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 Advantage Business 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 Advantage Business click here for email or call Bruce Taylor on 0508 238 268

Do I receive feedback on my entry?

If you do not make finalist we are usually able to supply feedback from the judges which will assist to improve your entry for next year.  All you need to do is contact the Awards Coordinator on 09 414 1341 from 1 August 2010.

If your business pays rates to North Shore City Council or is based in Rodney then you are eligible to enter the awards.  Providing you did not won the category in 2009, you can enter any category.  Sponsors and judges are NOT elibible to enter the awards.

Do I have to include financial details?

You do need to include some figures to show that your business is sound and or is growing. You may, for example, provide graphs showing revenue over the past few years (or months if you are a startup).  If you have a site visit from the judges you will need to show your finances.

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 1347 and ask for Ngaio Merrick, the Awards Coordinator, who will be able to scan your entry for you.

Each company can enter up to three categories (and we recommend you do enter three, for maximum benefit and to give you the best possible chance of winning!).  Each company needs to submit ONE business profile & media statement and an entry for EACH category.

Absolutely, providing it is in a different category to your winning category last year.  For example, if you won the Smales Farm Excellence in Sustainability category in 2009 you can enter any OTHER category this year.

The award entry must be submitted by 5pm on 3 June 2010, by email.

The finalists will be announced on 24 July 2010 by email, followed up by letter.  The winners of each category are announced at the black tie Gala Dinner on 3 September 2010.