Salisbury Newspapers is one of the major sponsors of the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The event is the highlight of the business calendar in the south-Wiltshire region and this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

There are several ways local businesses and individuals can seek to be recognised in these awards and entry is free. Take your time looking at the details below and decide which category/categories best suit you or your organisation.

Also do not forget to mark November 24 in your diary because it could be the day you pick up your trophy.

Entry details
The Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards recognises those businesses and individuals who have made a significant contribution to our region. To nominate a business or individual simply complete this form.

Judging will take place by an independent panel prior to Annual Awards Dinner, to be held this year on November 24.

Please answer the questions which are relevant to the criteria of your particular nomination and attach any other supporting information you feel is relevant.

Business Name:
Your name/nominator:
Business/Personal address:
Contact telephone number:
E-mail:
What is your position within the business?
What or who prompted you to enter the awards? eg. Press, mailshot, newsletter, colleague, already aware of the annual awards, etc.
Award category for your nomination?
Best Business of the Year
The nominated business must have traded for more than 3 years. The business must employ at least one other person other than management. The award will be given to a company that is not just well run but makes that extra demonstrable outstanding contribution to the local economy and has a beneficial impact on this region.
Employee of the Year
The employee must have worked for the company for at least one year. The company must have at least one other person other than management. The award will be given to an employee who doesn't just carry out their duties well but makes that extra demonstrable outstanding contribution to their company.
Small Business of the Year
The nominated business must have traded for at least one year. The business must have no more than 100 employees. The award will be given to a company that is not just well run but makes that extra demonstrable outstanding contribution to the local economy and has a beneficial impact on this region.
Customer service Award
Entry is by nomination from members of the public only. The company must have a least one other person other than management. The award will be given to a business that doesn't just offer excellent services or products, but makes that extra outstanding contribution to the local economy and is a good ambassador for their region. The judges are not looking for the total number of nominations but rather the quality of service provided.
Employer Champion Award
This award congratulates the efforts that an employer makes towards creating and excellent working culture for its employees. Examples of this could be flexible working practices including job-sharing, flexible hours, extensive employee benefits, on-site facilities. The business must have traded for at least one year. The company must have at least one other person other than management. The winner of the award ought to be an employer who goes the extra mile for their employees.
Apprentice of the Year
Introduced last year by Chamber president Neil Philpott, this award recognises outstanding achievement by any individual working towards a qualification in his or her chosen subject. The apprentice must have worked within the company less than five years.
Green Award – Sponsors: Barchester Green Investment, South Wiltshire Agenda 21 and Salisbury Journal. The aim of the Award is to promote best practice in reducing environmental impact whilst achieving cost savings. The Salisbury District Green Business Award is only open to businesses that operate from within Salisbury and South Wiltshire. The environmental initiatives must have been carried out or completed during the last year. A separate form for this award is available from the Chamber Office, or you can download an online version by visiting www.action21.org.uk/greenbusiness. (Please note: Salisbury Newspapers is not responsible for the content of external sites.)
Business Name:
Employee name (Employee of the Year only):
Business address:
Business telephone number:
E-mail:
How many employees other than management does the business have?
What is the nature of the business up for nomination?
How long has the business been trading?
How long has the nominated employee worked for the business (Employee of the Year only)?
Has the business or the individual achieved any other awards or recognised achievements, if so please give details?
Please describe what special measures the nominated business has implemented towards creating an excellent working culture for its employees.
What Staff Benefits/Training/Development has been introduced or undertaken that are relevant to your nomination?
In what way do you believe the business/employee makes a demonstrable contribution to the local economy/business respectively?
How has the business/individual contributed to the local community? Please provide full details and examples if possible.
Apprentice of the Year Award
Name of the apprentice (one per nomination form):
Please describe why you are nominating the above apprentice.
How long has the nominated apprentice been employed by the business
Please describe the apprentice’s attitude towards their work.
Please tell us their special qualities and what makes them stand out above the rest.
Please explain what you think winning the Apprenticeship of the Year Award will mean to the above-named nominee.

Closing date for all nominations is November 3, 2006