As the Fenland Business Awards approach, we reveal exactly why, as a business, YOU should enter the awards – we’re also sharing some tips to perfect your entry.

The awards help to create positive promotion of your business in the newspaper and on our website; they’ll also gain you a lot of recognition.

As well as that, having a business award will boost your staff’s morale and create a unique selling point for your business.

Entering an awards can often be a daunting task, sitting staring at a blank sheet of paper wondering where on earth you start with telling your businesses story.

Below are a few tips on how to put together an inspiring read that the judges will remember.

Read the criteria thoroughly and the go back to it and read it again.

It may sound obvious to say read the criteria again and again but when writing a submission it is very easy to get side tracked or go off course.

The Submission needs to be factual and easy to read. The Judges have a lot of information to ingest so it is important to make it as easy as possible.

Get a second opinion.

Writing a submission can be intensive and the person writing it can become too close to the project.

Have someone proof read over the submission to get a second opinion, or leave it alone and go back to it after a couple of days.

You will be surprised at how many changes you will make.

How good is your business, is it the best of the best?

Well Judges will not believe it just because you say so; you need to put together a solid case that is backed up by evidence.

Proof that what you are saying is true and accurate.

Supporting information.

You are able to supply two pieces of quantitative supporting documentation with your entry this can be anything from graphs and charts to marketing literature or testimonials.

Index your supporting information clearly and correctly, the Judges have only a small amount of time to read all of the entries, you need to make this as easy as possible, trust me they will remember the entries that are easiest to read.

Tell the story; make it an inspiring read and one that is written from the heart.

If you are passionate about your business this will come through and can be infectious. The Judges are more likely to then remember your entry above any of the others.

Use the submission process as a learning tool.

Entering awards are a fantastic way for you to profile your business internally and many find the whole process a great eye opener.

Even if you do not make the shortlist you will find the process of great strategic value to your business.

Look at the categories and really think about the different areas within your business, where you want your business to be and what you will do to achieve your goals.

Document it well and you are half way to a winning submission already.

Remember you can enter up three categories.

Should you become a finalist or winner use the logos to your best advantage, think in advance about how you will use the logos in your marketing campaigns.

For example on your website home page, on your email signature, in your marketing literature, on your business cards the list goes on.

Most of all enjoy the process, engage with your business and shout about your successes.

To download your entry pack, visit: www.fenlandbusinessawards.co.uk