Leatherhead business awards searching for personality of the year

AN OUTSTANDING individual can have as much impact as a whole group of people. This year's Leatherhead and District Business Awards is looking to recognise this fact with its Business Personality of the Year category.

The category is looking for directors, owners, managers, partners, and employees, from companies big and small, who show dedication to their role.

Entrants must show a high level of commitment, initiative and dedication to both their company and business community.

The judging panel will decide the winner on the following criteria:

Exceptionality: How has the person contributed effectively and in a unique way to the business? Testimonials will help the assessment.

Creativity: How has the individual applied creativity and individuality to his or her work?

Communication skills: Does the role of the individual require interaction with others and if so describe the effectiveness of their involvement.

Enthusiasm: How committed is the nominee? Does he/she inspire, motivate others regularly and "go the extra mile"? And how has their dedication or willingness to do it been demonstrated?

The category is being sponsored by Prowse and Co, an award-winning international PR and marketing consultancy based in Guildford Road.

Managing director Joanne Rogers said: "We are delighted to play our part in supporting the Leatherhead Business Awards again this year.

"The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate not only achievements, but business values, vision, strength and success in these challenging economic times."

Previous winners of this category have included Nicky Donbavand, of Run to Live, which is based in Ashtead, and Jenny Moore, who runs the B@titude charity shop in Leatherhead.

Mrs Moore said: "It was very encouraging and I felt really honoured to have won but I think everyone involved was also really chuffed.

"I felt like it wasn't just my award, it was an award for everyone here."

For Mrs Moore the key to running a good business, and in particular a charitable one, is engaging with the customer.

She added: "I think really understanding who you are serving and knowing the community you are involved in is the most important thing."

Any business from Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham, Effingham, Mickleham and Fetcham is entitled to enter the competition.

The categories for the awards are: Technology and Innovation award sponsored by ExxonMobil. The award is for a business which is at the forefront of technology or offering something completely innovative to the market.

Business Personality of the Year award is sponsored by Prowse and Co. The award is for a business person who has shown outstanding achievement, dedication and enthusiasm for their role or been a champion for the local business community.

Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year award is sponsored by Menzies LLP. The award is for a charitable business or social enterprise which is giving something back or making a real difference.

Customer Service award is sponsored by Riverbridge House Business Centre. The award is for a business which has an exceptional standard of customer service.

Young Person of the Year award is sponsored by the Leatherhead Advertiser. The award is for a young person aged 17 to 25 who has demonstrated a strong commitment to business.

Small and Medium Enterprise award is for the exceptional company of this size.

Business of the Year is sponsored by the Leatherhead and District Chamber of Commerce. The award is for a business which has entered into one of the other categories and will be selected by the judging panel for this coveted award.

Nomination forms for the 2013 Leatherhead and District Business Awards are available at www.LeatherheadAwards.com

Deadline for nominations is April 19, 2013.