We are delighted to launch our third Cotswold Life Business and Professional Family Business Awards 2015
Family businesses form the backbone of the British economy, and there are hundreds of them across the Cotswolds - in fact, many of the biggest family businesses are often not recognised as such at all. Balancing professionalism alongside working with family members is bound to have its challenges, but every one of our previous years’ winners successfully do this and most would say that it’s because they are a family business that they have achieved so much.
But there’s always someone willing to take a pop at such a point of view. A recent article in the World Economic Forum’s magazine Agenda reported that the consensus that family firms are good for growth has come under scrutiny in recent years. Citing various surveys, the report suggests that family ownership might be a serious obstacle to productivity growth in Europe. We beg to differ, which is why the Cotswold Life Business & Professional Family Business awards are now open for nominations.
Categories & Criteria
(Each category has an Oxfordshire & Gloucestershire winner)
Outstanding Contribution to the Local or National Economy as a Family Business
A business that makes a sustainable contribution to the community in which it operates. Examples of this could include supporting local initiatives, charity work, demonstrating commitment to its industry sector or taking extra care of employees, their families and workforce.
Family Business of the Year
Celebrating a successful family business that has led the way, with family values at the forefront of its brand. It will be able to show evidence of consistent growth and strong financial performance, customer awareness, an engaged workforce and effective leadership.
Next Generation Family Achiever
A talented member of a family business who has risen to become the acknowledged next generation to take the business forward. The individual will have achieved beyond his or her peers to drive and shape the future of the family business.
Rural Family Business Award
Celebrating the diversity of rural business across the Cotswolds. This could be a family farming business, farm shop or a family business which draws its income from operating within the rural sector. Has your business demonstrated growth and commitment to the rural sector? perhaps through job creation, infrastructure development or by making a positive impact on the community.
Family Business Longevity Award
Celebrating the achievement of family businesses that have survived and thrived over the decades and seeks to recognises some of the oldest Cotswolds family business. Such businesses often have stories to tell which will help inspire future generations.
Family Business Exporter of the Year
UK companies which export are responsible for 60% of national productivity growth and more than 70% of UK business research and development, according to the Government. We celebrate the family business that has embarked on new projects overseas and can demonstrate a successful export strategy.
Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Family businesses are usually by far and away the best at supporting local communities through company initiatives. This award recognises family businesses that are committed to making a difference through their CSR activities alongside understanding the importance of corporate success.
Innovation & Enterprise Award
Celebrating a family business that embraces innovation, whether through development of products and services, or by making changes to service delivery, production processes, working practices, or by altering the direction of the business radically to adapt to a changing environment.
How To Nominate
The award categories and criteria are all listed. If you know a family business which you feel deserves a nomination, simply email the below details to katie.tait@archant.co.uk with 2015 Family Business Awards Nomination in the subject line.
Nominations close on Friday, July 10, 2015.
- Your name & contact details
- Category in which you’d like to make a nomination
- Business or person being nominated
- Postal address and company website
- Brief summary to support the nomination
Each of the winners will be invited to join Cotswold Life for a celebratory winners presentation lunch.
By submitting a nomination you will be added to the Archant database to receive relevant business information that you can unsubscribe from at any time. If you would prefer not to receive these, please state ‘no offers’ on your email.
