Submitting an award entry is your chance to shine and showcase the brilliance of your business. To help you stand out among the competition, here are ten tips to ensure your submission captivates the judges and secures a well-deserved win.

1. Tailor Each Entry:

Complete a new entry for each category. Specific judges’ criteria demand a tailored approach, so avoid a one-size-fits-all strategy.

2. Embrace Judges’ Criteria:

Read and understand the judges’ criteria thoroughly. Align your entry with these points for each category you’re entering.

3. Conciseness is Key:

Keep it concise and impactful. Long entries risk losing key points. Use headings aligned with judging criteria for easy navigation.

4. Highlight Key Points:

Ensure your key points stand out. Utilise bold statements and headings to emphasise critical information.

5. Supply Supporting Information:

Offer supplementary information where possible, but limit it to five pages. Overloading may not be considered by judges.

6. Compelling Opening Paragraph:

Start strong! Your opening paragraph should grab the judges’ attention with your boldest, most compelling statement.

7. Clarify Your Business Narrative:

Provide a concise description of your business. Don’t assume judges are familiar with your brand—offer a clear and informative overview.

8. Tell a Clear Story:

Craft a clear, engaging narrative. Ensure your submission unfolds as a coherent and compelling story.

9. Confidence in Presentation:

Be clear and direct. Confidently present your achievements, innovations, and impact within the scope of the award category.

10. Showcase Your Best:

Don’t hold back! This is your opportunity to showcase excellence. Boldly highlight your successes, talented team, and the greatness of your business.

Submitting an award entry demands a strategic blend of clarity, conciseness, and impactful storytelling. Present your business in the best light possible, emphasising your unique strengths and achievements.

Don’t hesitate to sell yourself—this is your moment to shine!

Remember, clarity, alignment with judging criteria, and a compelling narrative are your keys to crafting an award-winning entry. Good luck!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Knaresborough-based financial advisory firm has hired three new employees as part of growth within its group.

Prosperis Ltd, which is based at St James Business Park, made the hires to meet demand from corporate clients locally and around the UK.

Corporate services associate Ben Morris has joined the firm at its Knaresborough head office, while Dominic Ferneyhough joins as an independent financial adviser at its Skipton office.

Meanwhile, Ryan Green joins as a trainee in Skipton.

Niall Gunn, managing director at Prosperis, said:

“Recruiting new staff is never easy but we are delighted to have secured the services of Dom, Ben and Ryan,

“We will look to add high quality staff to the team as we continue with our expansion plans this year.”

Knaresborough company to sponsor Harrogate 10k

A green energy company based in Knaresborough is to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.

Harmony Energy announced this week it will sponsor the event, which is being held on Sunday, July 2, and organised by Harrogate Harriers.

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy CEO, and Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer

The annual race starts and finishes at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on Hookstone Wood Road.

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy chief executive, who along with five other Harmony employees ran last year’s 10k, said: 

“We are delighted to once again be partnering with Harrogate Harriers to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.

“I was approached last year by one of the committee, who lives near me, asking if we would consider sponsoring the Harrogate 10k. I’ve always enjoyed running and the health benefits it brings so I welcomed the opportunity to support the event.

“Harmony Energy already sponsors the Brownlee Foundation, which sees thousands of children taking part in triathlons, and it is great being able to support another sporting event involving children and adults on our doorstep.”

Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer, said: 

“Once again we are indebted to Harmony Energy for sponsoring the Harrogate 10k.

“Their funding allows us to not only stage the event, but to ensure it is properly marshalled, with first aiders and the necessary insurance in place.

“Last year nearly 500 runners took part in the event, and this year with covid fading into the distance we hope it will attract many more. It’s a really good course, takes in some beautiful scenery and is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities.”

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