FAQ's   The Chamber Awards 2005 - Questions and Answers for Business Awards Entry Process 1. When do the awards open for entry? The awards open on 7th March 2005 to entries from both Chambers and Chamber Members. 2. When is the closing date for entries? The closing date for receipt of entries is 27th June 2005. 3. What are the awards categories There are a total of 8 categories in this years awards: Award for Skills Development Business Commitment to the Community Business of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Export Business of the Year - open to companies that generate at least 10% of their total sales through export to any region outside of the UK Export Communicator of the Year - open to companies that generate at least 10% of their total sales through export to any region outside of the UK Innovation Through Technology Most Promising Small Business - open to companies that have been trading for 3 years or less at the date of entry. 4. Am I eligible to enter all of the awards? Awards are open exclusively to members of Accredited Chambers of Commerce around the UK. If you would like to join a Chamber to enter the awards visit www.chamberonline.co.uk to find your local Chamber. The Most Promising Small Business award is open to companies that have been trading for 3 years or less at the date of entry. The Export Business of the Year award and Export Communicator of The Year award are open to companies that generate at least 10% of their total sales through export to any region outside of the UK. 5. How do I enter the awards? Digital entry forms can be downloaded by visiting the awards website www.chamberawards.co.uk. Alternatively you can request a form from Katey at Professional Mailing by calling 0870 735 5385 or by emailing your contact details to awards@chamberawards.co.uk. 6. How can I get an entry form? Entry forms can be downloaded from the awards website www.chamberawards.co.uk. 7. How many categories can I enter? You are free to enter as many categories as you wish. Please note that awards are only open to members of Accredited Chambers of Commerce. For a full list of accredited Chambers visit www.chamberonline.co.uk. 8. Where can I find out more information about the awards? Contact your local Chamber or visit the awards website www.chamberawards.co.uk. If you still have any queries then please contact Katey at Professional Mailing on 0870 735 5385 or email awards@chamberawards.co.uk. 9. Why should I enter the awards? Put your business on the map by using the awards to build publicity. Build a point of difference for your company as an award winning business. Raise your profile in the local, regional and national area through the judging stages and by attending awards networking events. Gain official recognition for your efforts as a business. Celebrate your success with your team by attending the awards Gala Event. The awards are free to enter - so what do you have to lose! 10. Will my entry be acknowledged? All entries will be acknowledged in writing within 21 days of receipt by Professional Mailing. 11. Do I have to pay to enter? No! Entry to the Chamber Awards is free of charge. Awards Judging 12. When does the awards judging take place? Judging for The Chamber Awards takes place in 2 stages. Regional judging will take place after the closing date and be completed within each region by 30th August. Each region will have a regional winner whose entry will proceed to a national judging stage. This will take place prior to the awards ceremony in November. 13. When will I know if I am a regional winner? All entrants will be notified of the results within their region by 23rd September 05. 14. When are the national winners announced? National award winners will be announced at the awards Gala Event on 24th November 2004. This exciting event will be held at The Royal Courts of Justice in London. 15. Who will be on the judging panel? The regional judging panel will comprise of Chamber board members and Chief Executives from within your region. At a national level the judging panel will be built from independent senior business people and chaired by Professor Stephen Hagen, Director of the Mercia Institute of Enterprise. Awards Gala Event 16. When is the Gala Event? The Gala Event will take place on the 24th November 2005 at The Royal Courts of Justice in London. This unique venue will be open during the evening for you to see the history and magnificence of the courts. 17. How much does it cost to attend? Tickets will cost £75 (excluding VAT) to include a drinks reception and 3-course meal. Miscellaneous 18. What is the awards website address? www.chamberawards.co.uk 19. What do regional and national winners receive? Regional winners will receive a framed certificate. National winners will receive a certificate and a personalised glass award. In addition regional and national PR will be produced to announce winners including case studies. 20. How can I become a member of a Chamber of Commerce? For a list of Accredited Chambers of Commerce visit www.chamberonline.co.uk.