Last updated 10:16, Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Here are the categories for the CN Group Business Awards 2008, brought to you in association with Business Link Northwest and Invest in Cumbria.

Aimed at celebrating Cumbria's business community and promoting the very best business practices, the winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Rheged Centre, near Penrith, in October.

Nominations have closed and judging will take place soon.

CATEGORY 1: Training & Development Award

Sponsored by David Allen & Co

The judges are looking for an organisation that:

• Demonstrates positive commitment to the ongoing training and education of its employees
• Can prove how investment in training has brought success
• Shows staff have gained the necessary skills to maximise their contribution
• Can show how its people development strategies have improved its performance and created a committed, motivated and effective workforce

CATEGORY 2: Exporter of the Year

Sponsored by HSBC

This award is aimed at companies which have developed new markets outside the county of Cumbria and can demonstrate:

• Significant export sales in relation to the size of the company
• Success in accessing markets outside the county and/or overseas
• Trade growth through exports and the ability to sustain that growth

CATEGORY 3: Community Involvement

Sponsored by Cumberland Building Society

This award will go to a business which can show its proactive commitment to putting something back into the local community. This could be by:

• Providing financial support to community projects
• Giving practical assistance in terms of time or expertise
• Allowing charities, schools or community organisations to benefit from the resources of the business

CATEGORY 4: Manufacturing & Engineering Company of the Year

Sponsored by Furness Enterprise

The judges will consider all aspects of company performance relating to manufacturing and engineering. They will pay particular attention to:

• Commitment to quality, innovation and performance
• Investment in people, systems and equipment
• Productivity development

 CATEGORY 5: Innovation & Technology Award

Sponsored by Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

This award will reward the company which has developed the most innovative new product, system or process over the last year and can demonstrate the positive impact it has had on the business. The winner will be able to show:

• A clear vision of what the innovation project, product, system or process had to achieve
• How the project was developed
• Gains in revenue or market share
• The overall benefits to the business or its customers

CATEGORY 6: Environmental Awareness Award

Sponsored by Amey

This award is to recognise outstanding performance in environmental awareness and commitment to the protection of the local environment
The judges will pay particular attention to:

• Improvements in energy efficiency
• Projects which have minimised the local or national environmental impact of a company’s operations.
• Re-use and recycling systems and initiatives

CATEGORY 7: Best Tourism Attraction or Project (voted for by readers)

Sponsored by Cumbria County Council

When the sun shines, where do you and your family head? If the weather is being unkind, do you have a favourite destination within our lovely county of Cumbria? Voting has closed.

CATEGORY 8: Business of the Year Small - under 50 employees

Sponsored by Business Link Northwest

The judges will be looking at all aspects of company performance paying particular attention to:

• Managerial and financial performance
• Evidence of success against targets set.
• Potential for growth.
• Long term plans and company strategy
• Product/service development.
• Staff training and development.

CATEGORY 9: Business of the Year Medium  - 51-250 employees

Sponsored by CN Group

The judges will be looking at all aspects of company performance paying particular attention to:

• Managerial and financial performance
• Evidence of success against targets set
• Long term plans and company strategy
• Product/service development
• Staff training and development

CATEGORY 10: Business of the Year Large - 251+ employees

Sponsored by Invest in Cumbria

The judges will be looking at all aspects of company performance paying particular attention to:

• Managerial and financial performance
• Evidence of success against targets set
• Potential for growth
• Long term plans and company strategy
• Product/service development
• Staff training and development

CATEGORY 11: Manager of the Year

Sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland

This award will go to an exceptional manager who has been nominated by one or more of his staff. The judges will be looking for someone who:

• Leads by example
• Motivates their staff to develop their full potential
• Has contributed to the success of the business through their management skills

CATEGORY 12: Employee of the Year

Sponsored by Redhall Group Plc

This award will go to someone who really makes a difference to their business and deserves recognition. It might be someone whose attitude and example really stimulate all those around him/her; someone who has overcome real difficulties or who shows exceptional customer service. The winner will be an outstanding employee.

CATEGORY 13: Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsored by Burnetts Solicitors

This award will go to someone who has had a big impact on their business. The judges will be looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• How their actions and strategies have been instrumental to the success of the business
• Clear identification of an opportunity
• Exceptional vision
• Originality and innovation
• Evidence of strong financial performance

CATEGORY 14: Businessman of the Year

Sponsored by Calder Foods Ltd

This award is for a businessman who has made an outstanding contribution to their company or organisation. You can put yourself forward or be nominated by another person. The judges will be looking for someone who has:

• Demonstrated exceptional commitment
• Shown inspirational leadership and vision
• Had a significant impact on improving the performance of the business

CATEGORY 15: Businesswoman of the Year

Sponsored by Capita Symonds

This award is for a businesswoman who has made an outstanding contribution to their company or organisation. You can put yourself forward or be nominated by another person. The judges will be looking for someone who has:

• Demonstrated exceptional commitment
• Shown inspirational leadership and vision
• Had a significant impact on improving the performance of the business

CATEGORY 16: Lifetime Contribution to Cumbria

Sponsored by Cumbria Vision

We will be looking for nominations for this prestigious award which will go to someone who, in the view of the judges, has had a significant and positive impact on the Cumbrian business community over a period of years.

CATEGORY 17: CN (Editor's Choice) Award

Sponsored by CN Group