Excellence in operations and performance over the past 12 months. Continuous improvement: innovation and technology. Vision, business planning and clear objectives. Competitive advantage, People policies and development. Financial management and performance. Sales and marketing strategies. Growth and profitability

Excellence in operations and performance over the past 12 months. Continuous improvement: innovation and technology. Vision, business planning and clear objectives. Competitive advantage, People policies and development. Financial management and performance, Sales and marketing strategies. Growth and profitability.

Excellence in operations and performance over the past 12 months. Continuous improvement: innovation and technology. Vision, business planning and clear objectives. Competitive advantage, People policies and development. Financial management and performance. Sales and marketing strategies. Growth and profitability.

Sustained high performance as a derivative of investment into training and development. Evidence of improved performance and effective induction programmes for new employees. Innovative approaches to staff development. Staff commitment to self-development and learning

A commercial or non-commercial organisation that offers apprenticeship schemes and can present details of these schemes and their successes.

An employee who you feel should be recognised for their commitment and dedication to the business and colleagues. An employee who can be relied upon to 'go the extra mile'. Someone who demonstrates a positive attitude with the ability to inspire others.

A company proud to be Northamptonshire based and is planning continued growth within the county. A company that has demonstrated a commitment to the community. This could be through donation of materials to build or fund-raising for example. Positive initiative undertaken for recruitment purposes. Eg: targeting the minority groups (disability/ethnic origin).

A company that confidently operates on a European or worldwide basis. A company that may either be a Northamptonshire based only company or one that has branches/sites located in Europe/world. A company that has embraced new technology and has implemented new improved practices to trade internationally. Examples of barriers crossed to succeed.

An organisation or group which embraces an 'enterprising culture' and can provide results of successes due to a positive attitude towards 'enterprise'. This category is open to any enterprising organisation, group or scheme and we welcome applicants from organisations, community groups, new enterprise, social enterprise etc

A business that has a strong environmentally-friendly ethos, can demonstrate the awareness of environmental issues to staff, customers and suppliers alike. Socially aware and has made great contributions for the better of the community. Examples of current environmental schemes.

Customer satisfaction, repeat business, service and perceived value. People development, product knowledge and customer care schemes. Methods to measure and evaluate customer satisfaction. Developed innovative practices that have resulted in significant customer service standards.

The aim of this award is to recognise and celebrate the very best creative work in the county. This embraces design, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

This category is for one of the category winner's to receive. The award involves the main sponsor who will select one of the companies as their choice business. There is no entry process for this award.