Digital Edge director Graham Marsh celebrates his firm ’ s Service Business of the Year win at the 2024 Make Your Mark Awards .
NOMINATING SOMEONE FOR AN AWARD ?
Six tips to help boost their chances
You ’ re impressed by a client or friend ’ s business performance – but how do you get them the recognition they deserve ? One way is to nominate them for a category in the Make Your Mark Awards !
We don ’ t generally recommend company nominations from outside the business – those are best left to someone who is knowledgeable about the business or organisation itself .
But nominating an individual who is a colleague , associate , friend or family member is a fantastic way to give them some welldeserved praise and recognition . But what ’ s the best way to go about it ? Check out these simple tips that might give your nomination the edge : Do your research : Facts are fantastic when it comes to award nominations . Don ’ t just say someone ’ s great – by detailing their achievements , there ’ s no need for hyperbole because the facts speak for themselves .
Don ’ t skimp on the detail : Remember , the judges are basing their decisions on the information you provide . It ’ s your one shot at ensuring they have all the facts at their fingertips – don ’ t waste it . Simply saying “ they ’ re doing really well ” won ’ t cut it without the evidence !
Fact-check : If you ’ re presenting something as a fact , make sure it is . Things could get a bit awkward if the judges sing an entrant ’ s praises for something they haven ’ t actually done . So it ’ s always worth double-checking with someone who knows or , better still – unless you want to keep their nomination a secret ( at least until they are successfully shortlisted ) – why not ask the individual themselves to help you with their nomination ?
Give yourself enough time : The business world is busy enough without leaving an award nomination until the last minute – especially if it ’ s on someone else ’ s behalf . Get the basics done early , then fine-tune it before submitting , ideally by running it past the nominee or at least someone knowledgeable about their achievements .
Tell a story : The judges have thousands of words to read so ensure yours stand out from the crowd by making them easy to read , interesting and informative . Tell the nominee ’ s business story .
Read the question and stay on point : Waffle doesn ’ t make winners – it just leaves the judges frustrated they don ’ t have something more concrete to make their decisions on .
But whether you ’ re entering for someone , or you ’ re submitting an entry for yourself , remember the basics : Answer every question , don ’ t tell porkies , don ’ t be shy about achievements , read the criteria to ensure you ’ re entering for the appropriate award and
ALWAYS proof-read your nomination before submitting it .
And don ’ t forget to take your share of the credit if the person or firm you nominate wins !
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Make Your Mark Awards – so there ’ s no time like the present to get those entries compiled and submitted .
MAKE YOUR MARK – INDIVIDUAL WINNERS 2024
Businessperson of the Year Sponsored by Recruitrite Winner : Andy Reed ( Senstronics ) Finalists : Marcia Atkinson ( BTS Facades & Fabrications ), Graham Marsh ( Digital Edge )
Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Resolution Media and Publishing Winner : Ronnie Nicholson ( Gestamp ) Finalists : Phil Atkinson ( BTS Facades & Fabrications ), Caraline Robinson ( Husqvarna )
Apprentice of the Year Sponsored by Stiller Warehousing and Distribution Winner : Kyle Bartle ( Husqvarna ) Finalists : Liam Fisher ( Danesmoor Group ), Abi Sayer ( BTS Facades & Fabrications )
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