NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Closing date for nominations: Friday, April 8, 2022
The Bradford Means Business Awards aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies throughout the Bradford district who are putting their region on the map by boosting the economy while making a positive contribution to the local community.We believe that the passion, determination, tireless energy and skill that goes into running a top-performing company all deserve recognition and our 10 award categories are designed to celebrate businesses from across a range of sectors.
Nominations are now open in the following categories:
SME Business of the Year sponsored by BHP
The award is open to companies in the region which normally employ no more than 75 full-time staff whilst demonstrating a strong financial performance. Recognising a business that has shown marked success over the year, this award celebrates companies that are integral to the economy. Judges will consider current trading performance, the prospective growth and development opportunities for the future of the business.
Employer of the Year sponsored by Solenis
This award honours the region’s top employers. These companies will have demonstrated strong investment in their employees as well having a reward scheme and other key employee benefits. Companies must be able to demonstrate that the safety and security of their employees is of the utmost importance and will be paying the living wage. It’s time to be rewarded and be recognised as one of the best places to work in the area!
New Business of the Year sponsored by Exa Networks
This award is open to companies in the region that have set up in 2021 and can demonstrate imagination, sound planning and exceptional marketing delivery. This coveted award recognises the region’s brightest new businesses and the contribution they make to the region in the future. Judges will be tasked with analysing business plans, achievements to date and potential for growth within the next few years.
Social Mobility Award sponsored by Bradford BID
This award will recognise the effective investment of resources that businesses have made to address issues which prevent or limit social mobility. Social mobility is key to ensuring our local communities thrive through the ability to access opportunity and overcome barriers to social inclusion. Finalists will be those businesses who can demonstrate how they have sought to understand factors which impact social mobility in our District and have then worked effectively (often in partnership with voluntary organisations) to address these issues and support the provision of relevant services.
Exporter of the Year sponsored by Excelledia
Open to all businesses which trade overseas regardless of size or sector. We are looking for the ability to spot opportunities, build new markets and has grown their export business. Highlight how they have grown, the value of the overseas business to the company and plans for further growth.
Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Bradford College
Apprenticeships are an increasingly important way of attracting new talent and providing training for the future. We know there have been some fantastic successes locally and this award recognises an employer’s best apprentice who has successfully come through their apprenticeship programme. The finalists in this category will have gone above and beyond as part of their apprenticeship for an employer that has offered the support and training needed to kick-start their careers.
Family Business of the Year sponsored by Icestone Gelato
This award is for established family businesses across all industry sectors that can demonstrate sustained success across a broad range of measures, whilst ensuring all family values are followed. The judges will also be looking at the aspirations of the business to demonstrate how both current and future family generations will be involved in the growth of the business.
Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Christeyns
Manufacturing apprenticeships are key to the district’s manufacturing success, and Bradford’s Manufacturing Week have highlighted the need for such roles. This award recognises apprentice’s that have chosen Manufacturing as a career and have successfully come through their company’s apprenticeship programme. Open to entries from those who work in manufacturing sector only.
Innovation Award sponsored by University of Bradford
We want to celebrate individuals, teams, businesses, or a public sector body that is leading the way in research and development in either manufacturing techniques, software development or digital technologies. You should be creating new revenue streams, or saving costs, improving efficiency and maybe even your green credentials. Whether is a fully fledged idea or you are still working through the prototype/design stage, judges want to see evidence of new innovation and the impact showcasing your ability to think out of the box and innovate.
Manufacturer of the Year sponsored by Thorite
Manufacturing creates economic growth and is the engine that drives the districts economy. Manufacturers like you contribute to the vibrancy of our communities through good business practices, innovative processes and productivity enhancements. This award celebrates the successes of manufacturers in the district. The Judges will be looking for excellence in their field, ability to succeed, growth and best practice.
Winner of Winners sponsored by The Broadway Bradford
Are you the best of the best? On the evening of the awards the judges, fellow nominees and specially invited guests will choose the winner of winners from the 10 categories above. The company or individual with the best overall contribution to business in Bradford will be chosen as our winner.