This is the final week for 1066 Business Awards nominations and your chance to shine

A glittering black tie ceremony will be held at Bannatyne Spa Hotel in St Leonards on Friday, July 15 with awards being presented to winners and highly commended categories, this year hosted by Beverley Thompson from Southern Water and Keith Ridley.

Enter by emailing [email protected] but hurry - nominations close on 17th of June. If you are interested in sponsoring a category please contact Karen Beck on 07841 800401 or email [email protected]

Click here to visit the 1066 Business website

Southeastern

Southeastern has been running the train service between London and Kent and parts of East Sussex since 2006. We operate one of the busiest networks in the country and also run the UK’s first domestic high speed service with our Javelin trains in and out of London St Pancras.

People are at the heart of Southeastern. Our 4,000 employees ensure that 640,000 passengers travel to their destination safely every weekday. We run 1,922 passenger trains on weekdays, 1,690 on Saturdays and 968 on Sundays.

We manage 165 stations and we serve 178 stations.

In 2014 we were awarded the franchise to continue to run these services until June 2018 which is enabling us to build on our record of improving train services, investing record amounts in the route network, raising customer service standards and delivering strong passenger growth.

CATEGORIES

START-UP Sponsored by LET’S DO BUSINESS

To recognise those businesses which have gone from 0 to 100mph in two years. The successes should speak for themselves and the judges will be looking for evidence of rapid expansion, niche-filling, excellent turnover or job creation – or all of the above. Those trading for more than two years cannot enter this category.

SMALL BUSINESS (up to 10 employees) Sponsored by Rother District Council & Rother Active

This award is open to all businesses with less than 10 employees that can demonstrate exceptional performance, growth and market leadership.

MEDIUM BUSINESS (11-49 employees) Sponsored by thebestof Hastings…

We are looking for smaller businesses which compete with the ‘big boys’ in every way – except size. The winner will need to demonstrate a good team spirit among the employees and a strong customer service ethos.

LARGE BUSINESS (50+ employees)

The winner will have a well-deserved excellent reputation in the community, a record of innovative measures to enhance employee relations and demonstrate a commitment to never fail to deliver on its promises and to meet – and exceed – customer expectations.

OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by FSB

This prestigious award will be given by the judges to one of the winners from the business categories above. The company that carries off this award will be chosen on the basis of being the best business that has most impressed the judges that do the best for their clients, staff and community.

HOSPITALITY, TOURISM & LEISURE Sponsored by HASTING BOROUGH COUNCIL & 1066 Country

An award to a locally-based business that has best demonstrated exceptional financial returns, innovation, strong growth and market leadership in the field of tourism, leisure or hospitality activities.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

An award for a business that has great staff relations, good staff retention, with excellent training and who cares for their employees. The best company to work for.

EMPLOYEE/TEAM OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Hastings Works

An award for an exceptional individual/team whose efforts and determination has made an exceptional contribution to a business resulting in a positive gain for the organisation.

YOUNG ACHIEVER (age limit 28) sponsored BY the Italian way

By a young age, some people in business have made an indelible mark in their company in the local market, or in their trade on a national scale. The winner will be someone who can demonstrate exceptional achievement or performance within their industry.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Training and employee development are the keys to business success. The winner of this category will have demonstrated real commitment to developing and motivating their workforce. This category is open to businesses which have an exemplary training programme for their employees, or training providers – whichever you are, the judges will be looking for evidence that your training programmes work

PLACE TO EAT OR DRINK

Restaurants, takeaways – all have a chance to be nominated in this category. We’re looking for a worthy eatery providing great customer service from a quality environment with, of course, consistently fine food. Have fun making your choices.

RETAILER

An award for the retail business that can best demonstrate strong growth, an innovative approach to customer and employee relations together with creativity to enhance sales. This category is open to local independent retailers and to local units of national chains providing they can show how they have impacted on the local community and economy.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

Businesses play a significant role in the community, and many firms consider it important to contribute to their local supporters through charity work, and helping schools, colleges and community groups. This award aims to recognise local businesses who have taken the time to give something back.

MANUFACTURING & CONSTRUCTION

An award to a company that has best demonstrated exceptional financial returns, innovation, strong growth and market leadership in the field of manufacturing and/or construction.

GREEN BUSINESS

An award for a business or organisation, irrespective of its size or sector, who can demonstrate environmental awareness and responsibility in all aspects of its work and output.

INNOVATION sponsored BY Showman Audio Visual

The winner – either a company or an individual – will demonstrate an exceptional ability to think outside the box, whether it is discovering better ways to work, discovering a ground-breaking product, or showing outstanding marketing abilities.

BUSINESS PERSONALITY

Outstanding businesses often require outstanding individuals with larger-than-life personalities who show drive, commitment and enthusiasm and never settle for second best, either with their products or in their relations with staff and customers. We are looking for an individual who shows tremendous commitment and innovation, with outstanding leadership and vision and the drive to deliver.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Sponsored by Southeastern

Award for a company who exceeds customer expectations in its service. Customer service is an essential part of any successful business. This award aims to reward and recognise a company, individual, or team, for their outstanding achievement in providing exceptional customer service.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

This is an award to an individual who, in the opinion of the judges, has demonstrated an unrivalled record of achievement in the area for many years, showing outstanding performance within their industry, a commitment towards their staff and who demands – and delivers – exceptional customer service.

READER’S CHOICE Sponsored by Hastings Observer Series

Our panel of judges always find it a tough task selecting the winners. It’s impossible to please everyone and the standard of businesses entering is always exceptionally high. So the onus will be on you to vote for your No. 1 business from our selected shortlist.