This category will select the company with the most impressive organic growth performance. Consideration will be made of improvements in sales, profits, earnings and/or share price (all on a 12-month basis) as well as reference to reduced losses and turnaround situations.

This recognises outstanding strategic acquisitions (of product/ company/ subsidiary) in the past two years. We will consider the quantity of acquisitions and the structure of the deals, impact on profits/sales/shareholder earnings and will look for evidence of successful incorporation and/or integration. Evidence of successful turnaround or repositioning in the marketplace will also be taken into account.

An award for the sustainable strategy and performance by a business owned for at least two generations by one or more family. We will be looking for evidence of strong sales and profits, leadership, financial controls and company culture, as well as evident consideration of management exit strategy and succession planning.

*Note: This will include sub £10 million businesses

This rewards a company successfully breaking into new markets either by developing a ground-breaking product/service or by setting-up in a new territory. We will look at the strength of marketing and branding techniques, communication to the marketplace, volume of sales and ambition for further expansion.

This recognises the new kid on the block that possesses the style and panache to make its business stand out from the rest. Consideration will be given to a strong spirit of entrepreneurship, a creative approach to building brand awareness, plus a healthy turnover and profit margin.

*Note: This will include sub £10 million businesses

Awarded to the business that best demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility. The winner will demonstrate it has undertaken voluntary actions over and above ordinary compliance measures and show an impressive ecological track record, such as promoting ethical business, a commitment to sustainability and/or involvement with local communities. We will want evidence that the company rewards best practice and that the ‘green’ approach is an intrinsic component of the business’ growth strategy.

This award identifies the business that has most impressively established and maintained brand values during the past 12 months. There should also be evidence of a dedication to building brand recognition through innovative strategic marketing.

This recognises the achievements of a business breaking new ground, such as through developing new disruptive technology or service innovation. Consideration will be given to improvements in sales, profits and earnings. We will be looking for evidence of flair, inventive thinking and an eye for seizing on an opportunity.

*Note: This will include sub £10 million businesses

As the ultimate accolade, the Company of the Year Award goes to the most outstanding company from the individual award winners and the enterprise that best demonstrates strong growth, innovation strategies, entrepreneurial endeavour, exceptional financial returns and impressive market leadership.