Having just completed the judging of three categories for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Andrew Marsh has compiled some of his thoughts on the impressions that the entries made on him.
Having been an award winner himself, and a judge for over five years, Andrew uses his experience as a NED, entrepreneur, trustee, chair, Vistage chair, business mentor and coach to evaluate what success looks like.
He said: “Each year I am asked to judge different categories and this year it was Scale Up Entrepreneur, Start Up Entrepreneur and Service Industries Entrepreneur Awards for North East, Yorkshire and Humberside in the GBEA’s. The first thing that struck me was how the calibre of these companies is growing year on year. Those who made the shortlist totally deserve to be there but there are some that should be there and aren’t.
“First it only seems right to celebrate some of those that did get shortlisted from our own region.
“Scale Up Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by BDB Pitmans, sees six really strong contenders, including Dr Emma Black from Cascade Cash Management, Simon Moyle from Vivup and Mark Pepper from Carlton Forest Group. These, and the other finalists, all demonstrated succinctly in their application how they are driving their organisations effort to be recognised as scaling by focusing on the future in a clear, strategic way.
“The Service Industries Entrepreneur category also saw some impressive entries with six shortlists making the grade due to the quality of services they provided. With names like Louise Kennedy of Oculus HR and Helen Shinner from 1st for EPA in the mix, it will be an interesting final for our region. There was a real demonstration on linking what they do to the challenges their customers are facing to drive real value.
“Lisa Eaton of Fabric, Sarah Yorke of Stylebook Directory; and Lucy Malarkey and Karen Faulkner of Positive About Inclusion CIC are three of the six shortlisted for Start-up Entrepreneur. What struck me about this category is that as well as being very impressive start ups, they also have great purpose. And demonstrating that purpose as a passion, as a driver for success, is a great way to grow.
“It is, of course, worth remembering that although these companies are shortlisted for our region, the GBEA awards are on a national basis, and so they move forwards to represent us on that national stage – good luck all!
“In judging the awards, it got me thinking why people enter and why some of those that do, stand out from the rest. So why enter awards?
For me there are three core reasons. Firstly, it’s a celebration of the journey you have just been on. As I say to my Vistage Groups, smell the roses while you can! We are always looking ahead and we sometimes need to just celebrate the journey so far. Secondly, being on a regional and national stage, in this way, does help your brand without doubt. Customers, Suppliers and Employees all want to work with other successful leaders and businesses. Thirdly, getting peer recognition for you and your teams’ efforts will re-invigorate energies for the next stage of the journey. It can be a hard slog and getting that external validation for what you are doing is right is so motivating.
Having said that there are a lot of awards out there, so pick wisely. They do take time and energy. “Awards can be costly by the time you buy the event tickets, host a table, travel to the presentation night etc, so the ends have to be justified by the means. A cabinet of awards mean nothing when your company is failing financially.
“So back to our finalists, what did they do well, that grabbed my attention as a judge? Their entries were clear, concise, passionate, showing the personal impact and growth, but most of all, they answered the questions properly. Sounds simple right? Year on year I see amazing applications from companies, but their entries aren’t as stand out as others as they try and put too much in, complicated for a judge to use, show off too much (it is a balance) so it real? and they fail to give the evidence that’s needed. I have seen some recently using AI – that’s whole different story!
“With all that in mind, I’d like to close by wishing every luck at the GBEA’s and leave you with my best five tips on how to impress a judge.
Ensure to always answer the specific question, clearly and within word count.
Be aware of the criteria and provide specific information requested.
Avoid cliqued responses and ensure you demonstrate/evidence your statements.
Be transparent and honest. Include fails as well as successes – resilience is always admired.
Pitch to awards that will impact your business positively.
“Taking these tips should help with future entries but of you have any questions or need any points clarifying, do get in touch with me. I’d also like to hear any of your tips which have proved winning ideas for you!”
The GBEAs have been Supporting & Championing Entrepreneurs For Over A Decade. Francesca James, GBEA founder said: “As well as being the Grammys of Entrepreneurship, according to former winner Stephen Bartlett, The Great British Entrepreneur Awards has also now become a community of amazing entrepreneurs and their business across all industries, at all stages, representing every corner of Great Britain.
Andrew can be contacted on andrew@marshbusinesstransformation.co.uk