FAQs

How much does it cost?

We apply an administration fee to cover costs of preparation and to contribute towards the cost of judging which is £47 plus VAT. Winners of individual categories are automatically entered into the Fast Growth Business of the Year Award. Entry fees are non-refundable.The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into before or after the judging.

How will I know if I have been successful?

You will be contacted by email and/or telephone by our events team. Finalists will also be listed on the website. We will let all entrants know whether they have been successful by the beginning of August.

If I am shortlisted – what happens next?

Should you make it to the shortlisted stage, we may need to contact you regarding your entry and ask some additional questions. You will be given plenty of warning should this happen and a senior person in your company should answer the questions. We will also ask you for your official company information, logo and picture for the website and marketing material, and you will be invited to the Fast Growth Business Awards ceremony taking place on 4th October 2011.

What criteria do we need to meet?

Your business must meet the following criteria to be eligible for entry: Businesses that apply must have generated revenues for at least 2 years by 31 December 2010 Have had revenues of at least £1 million in their last 12 months’ trading Have fewer than 500 employees at 31 December 2010 Companies must be UK based (Except when entering the International Business of the Year category) Entries need to show a high degree of success. We are looking for fast growth businesses with sustainable profits.

There are also separate criteria for each of the categories and this appears on the entry form and the Awards Category page

How many awards are there?

There are 13 awards covering every business area. Winners of these awards categories will be recognised as particularly strong in that area of business.

What can we get out of it?

The public relations opportunities available for finalists and winners are second to none. We will work with you to maximise PR opportunities. Winners and finalists will be provided with a logo to use on marketing literature and letterheads and a template press release to maximise media coverage. Video interviews of all winners from the awards night will be displayed on the website after the awards dinner. In addition the sponsors may also wish to work with companies to create media relationships and partnerships. You will also receive brand awareness amongst the business community, you will be associated with the values and good reputation of the Growing Business brand and above all you will receive recognition and respect for business success and hard work. You will also have the opportunity to attend the Fast Growth Business Awards ceremony on 4th October which provides you with the unique opportunity to mix and mingle with more than 300 entrepreneurs, business journalists and industry leaders.  The exceptions to this are; The New Business of the Year award, where businesses need to be able to demonstrate good progress to date and a clear strategy for increasing turnover and achieving profitability, Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the year which will be won by an individual not a business.

Where and when are the Fast Growth Business Awards being held?

When: Tuesday, 4th October 2011, 18.30 – 23.00 Where: London Marriott Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6JP