Which award can I enter? - Business Action

Below is a guide to which award categories to enter – entry is free and you can enter more than one category.

Any business based in or operating in North Devon can enter or be nominated in one or more of the 13 awards categories.

You can enter yourself or your own business and / or you can nominate other businesses.

Click a category title to open the entry form page for that award.

any branch of art or creativity is eligible, from painting, sculpture and visual arts to digital, photography, video, music, theatre, performance art and more
open to individual artists, groups or companies
produces original art that attracts critical appreciation from viewers and buyers
achieves a level of sales that maintains a viable business
sells through own premises, third party galleries, agents, at events or online or to commissioning organisations

open to commercial businesses, not-for-profit or charity organisations providing practical support to local communities through taking action
activities can include (but not limited to) social care, educational, supporting those in ill health, poverty or at social disadvantage, helping those with special needs, loss, grief or loneliness, or providing facilities or services for community activities
an organisation’s caring role can be its main activity or else it can engage in ongoing voluntary action all year round in addition to a main commercial purpose

open to any business in or near North Devon employing people, from one member of staff to hundreds or thousands
owners, managers and employees can nominate their employer business
customers, suppliers or external advisers can nominate employers
open approach to employing a diverse workforce
develops the potential of all employees as individuals
supports professional development with appropriate training
enables employees to achieve work / life balance
rewards employees appropriately for their contribution to the business

open to any business or organisation in and near North Devon committed to working in harmony with their natural surroundings, minimising environmental impact and supporting nature
practising sustainability, reducing materials or energy use, recycling materials every day
producing or innovating products using sustainable, non-harmful materials
encouraging others to reduce their impact, eg through considerate tourism
protecting or restoring natural habitats

celebrates farming and agricultural businesses and food and drink producers in North Devon
farmers who produce first-class meat, dairy and arable crops
fishing businesses catching fish, shellfish and more
producers who make food such as as honey, jams, marmalades and preserves, pickles and drinks such as local wines and beers
chefs and bakers who make bread, cakes, chocolate, sweets and other food and beverages

open to businesses in and near North Devon who are developing radical new ideas, techniques, products or services to improve any aspect of modern life
from simple to complex, involving any technology and in any sector, from agriculture, food and drink to engineering, manufacturing, automotive and aviation, defence, digital, retail, hospitality, education, entertainment or art
an entirely new product or concept or a new take on an established product or process
using physical or digital tools or human communication or behavioural skills (eg in functions such as sales, teaching or counselling)
any purpose such as to generate energy more efficiently, simplify or speed up processes, improve strength or characteristics of materials or products, lower costs or just amaze people
showcase your ideas, concepts and products

open to any North Devon business manufacturing physical products or developing technology products
from a lone metalwork craftsperson to a large manufacturer of composite materials
physical products can include components, consumer goods, finished products, industrial equipment, materials, printed materials and similar
from traditional goods and products to hi-tech equipment and materials used in aviation, medicine and other sectors
technology products include software sold as a product (e.g. a wordprocessing or database system) or apps

open to North Devon retailers, hospitality, tourism and face-to-face service businesses who offer a warm personal welcome to their customers
including small shops, department stores, farm shops, B&Bs, hotels, holiday parks, visitor attractions and entertainment, restaurants, pubs, cafés and takeaways, barbers and hairdressers, opticians/hearing, health and wellness, and all businesses with high street premises or with a door through which customers can enterextending a hearty North Devon welcome to one and all
treating every customer with friendliness, courtesy and respect (with the expectation of reciprocal treatment from customers)
working enthusiastically to maintain a quality service at peak times or under pressure
resolving any issues fairly and promptly
demonstrating appreciation of customers’ value
working alongside fellow businesses to ensure consistently high standards of customer service across North Devon

open to any business in or near North Devon started on or after 1 January 2023
includes established businesses acquired by and transformed by new owners
businesses developed out of hobbies, after leaving employment, with own investment or spun out of existing businesses as separate concerns
drive and commitment to transform a vision into reality
persistence in driving a business from scratch to success

any business or organisation providing toilet facilities for the public, customers and/or employees can enter or be nominated
recognises importance of providing clean, practical and presentable toilet and washroom facilities
toilets can range from large facilities to a single cubicle – it is the quality, state of decor and cleanliness that matter
additional facilities such as baby changing, washing, showers considered
how they provide peace of mind and enhance users’ experience of the business/organisation