The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 33: Summer 2024 | Page 34

TBE AWARDS

BOOST YOUR CREDENTIALS WITH A TBE AWARD

TBE ’ s network has an unrivalled reach across our region . We pride ourselves in providing a wealth of opportunities for all of the businesses and organisations we work with , and this year ’ s TBE Awards presents an opportunity like no other . We ’ re inviting everyone in the area to apply for an Award , and to show your peers , partners and prospects across the region why you deserve one .
A TBE Award will mean increased visibility and attention for you , your brand and your business . Being shortlisted is a ‘ win ’ in itself and will add to your credentials . Being in the room for Awards night can be a huge win too in terms of networking .
We have launched the TBE Awards this year after receiving feedback from our network who had noticed a drop-off of other award schemes post-pandemic , and who were also impressed by the success of TBE ’ s Wiltshire Techies .
Anita Jaynes , TBE Founder , said , “ Credible business awards are hugely valuable in so many ways , offering visibility and opportunities that a company and its team may not consider or foresee . I wanted to bring together my two audiences – Swindon and Wiltshire and Bath and Somerset – to celebrate and acknowledge those businesses and organisations doing amazing things across our region .”
Wiltshire-based marketeer Denise O ’ Leary is an expert on awards and helps other businesses with their submissions . She has won more than 60 awards herself and has even written a book entitled Winner – How to Win Business Awards .
She said , “ Awards are a mark of trust for you and your business . Being recognised for the value you deliver for customers , staying current with your knowledge and the support you give to the community are all important elements .
“ Winning awards for different business aspects on an ongoing basis also proves you are able to adapt and stay relevant , Award winning should be part of any business PR strategy , as independent proof of the value you and your company delivers .” Debbie Gilbert , who lives in Somerset , has run the national Best Businesswomen Awards for ten years . Some of her winners have gone on to be regular commentators in the media and on television for their expertise , and one recently took part in the BBC ’ s The Apprentice .
She said , “ Often people don ’ t enter awards because they think they are not worthy , however if you have a profitable business with good processes in place you are certainly worthy . In our case , we have judges who review the applications scrupulously and with heart and we ’ re also very upfront about the costs involved .” Debbie does , however , have a warning : “ Beware the companies which seek to pull you in by suddenly announcing that you ’ ve won an award and you know you did not enter it . That ’ s not a true win , it ’ s simply you being targeted . They are designed to pull you in and later you may be asked to spend thousands on using a logo , taking an advertising package of some kind – none of which is clear and upfront . They may even say that in order to have your ‘ award ’ you have to attend an event for a very high ticket price otherwise you will forego that award . Not all awards are the same .”
To help you consider the value of business awards to you , your brand and your business , here are ten reasons for investing time and money :
1 . Visibility the natural press coverage will boost your profile
2 . Brand awareness it will increase awareness of your brand even if the award centres on a person within the business .
3 . Being an award-winner makes you more attractive to the media in the future . Would you want to focus on a company owner or an award-winning company owner ?
4 . It generates a feel-good factor within a team who will feel valued if entered for relevant categories .
5 . An award shows you are a market leader in your community or in a vertical sector .
6 . It reinforces your role within the local business community or industry .
7 . It ’ s current – an award will make you credible and relevant now , not ten years ago !
8 . It demonstrates benchmarking and improvement – you will have to demonstrate your profitability , your story and your processes in any good awards scheme .
9 . Awards make your organisation attractive to new talent – would you choose to work for any old company or an award-winning company ?
10 . Award ceremonies provide networking opportunities with like-minded , forward-thinking companies and individuals .

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