1. Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. You already have what it takes to be the best and most outstanding in the category you have nominated for. Think of what would really impress the judges? Think hard about this and work out what makes you special and distinctive. Our judges are all senior professionals and you need to think about your entry from their perspective.

2. Facts are very powerful; and waffle or generalities cut very little ice with the judges. Remember, there are lots of ways of presenting data, and one may look a lot stronger than the others. For example, if your calendar year performance was better than your fiscal year, use this data. If your sales figures look dreadful, but your new enquiry levels are looking much healthier, focus on these. And remember there are some great ways of presenting graphs (the axis doesn’t need to start at zero, which can make the steepness of growth figures look more impressive). We’re not advocating you twist the truth; but we do feel it’s within the rules for you to make the strongest possible case for your firm.

3. Don’t write more than you’ve been asked to supply. There is a limit on the number of words you can submit. Don’t go above this (the judges won’t read reams of supporting information). In the same way don’t do ultra-minimal entries and simply rely on your profile to get yourself noticed (this can make you look arrogant). A straight answer may not also be enough. You need to be a bit comprehensive and understand that you are

4. Read the criteria and make sure you answer each point. Many judges like entries that follow the judging criteria, item by item. It enables them to compare one entry versus another and it gives a submission more order. Although, some questions may require a yes or no answer, we Implore you to kindly expatiate to support your answer.

5. Good presentation pays dividends. You are not judged on how pretty your entry looks, but busy judges are inevitably attracted to easy-to-read, neatly laid out entries. Some of the better submissions include simple, summary bullet points. The best presented entries often incorporate a range of ‘before’ and ’after’ photographs, clever charts or graphs and plans or other visual material that makes it very easy to assimilate and digest. Testimonials are very powerful too, and there are many clever graphical ways in which these can be highlighted. Check everything carefully. Many entries include fundamental errors – mainly spelling or grammatical cock ups. Our judges are senior people and mistakes like this can grate with them.