Awards

The 2012 BETA Business Awards will be presented at the BETA Gala Dinner on Sunday 19th February. Held on the first evening of BETA International, the dinner and awards are being held for the 4th year at the National Motorcycle Museum. Here’s how to nominate those you feel deserve to win these coveted accolades.

UKTI Export Award

Companies of all sizes that have generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a period of three years can be entered for this award.

Judging: Entries need to be submitted by mid January 2012, they should include details of the level of exports and their growth in relation to the size and turnover of the company, planning and strategy and the degree to which products or services have been adapted to the export market. The applications are to be judged by UKTI.

TSM Rider Award

For the ninth year, this award acknowledges the sponsored rider who makes the greatest contribution to the trade. It has been won by riders who have participated fully in building a relationship with their sponsor that yields good results for both.

Judging: Sponsoring companies are invited to nominate riders with supporting information from competition results to personal appearances or involvement with product development. The closing date is mid January 2012

SEIB Retailer of the Year

Open to tack shops and feed merchants, BETA Retail members and non-members, there will be awards for the best large and small retailers plus a category for mail order and internet retailers.

Judging: Consumers are invited to nominate their favourite retailer via www.retaileroftheyear.org.uk by 6th December, 2011. Once nominated all retailers will receive a questionnaire from BETA which must be completed and returned by 31st December 2011 to be considered for the next stage of judging. The short listed companies are then put forward for a vote by the Trade members of BETA and follow-up visits, possibly incognito, and telephone calls will be made to reach a final decision.

BETA Lifetime Achievement Award

Marking significant contributions to the equestrian industry over a period of time, this is truly an industry accolade.

Judging: Nominations, together with biographical details of the nominee, are invited from all sectors. The closing date is mid January 2012.

Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year

This award is open to sales representatives or agents, both employed and self-employed, and will go to the person judged outstanding in their approach to servicing their customers’ and companies’ needs.

Judging: All companies (retailers and suppliers) may nominate a sales representative, with reasons why he or she deserves to win, before the closing date is the beginning January 2012 The final decision will be made by a BETA members’ vote.

Harry Hall Retail Employee of the Year

To be awarded to the employee showing initiative, excellence in customer service, product knowledge and commitment to professional retailing, the stunning prize is a weekend away for two in London. The retailer employing the winner will also receive BETA training vouchers.

Judging: Nominations are invited from employers or reps before beginning of January 2012. Managers are not eligible as this award is intended for shop floor employees. The independent judging panel will draw up a short list, followed by interviews to determine the winner.

Equestrian Trade News Trade Supplier of the Year

This award will go to the supplier (manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor) judged by the retail trade to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailers’ requirements.

Judging: Retailers are invited to nominate their favourite supplier by beginning of January 2012. The short listed companies will then be out forward for a further retail member vote and the final judging stages will be overseen by an independent panel.

Joules Equestrian Event of the Year

This accolade acknowledges the event at which trade stands are present that best works with its trade exhibitors and takes their needs and requirements fully into consideration. It is open to indoor and outdoor consumer shows and events, and the winner is likely to be one that views the trade stands as an integral part of its success.

Judging: Nominations are invited by beginning of January 2012 from organisers and companies who have participated as trade stands holders at events from January 2011 onwards. Please explain why your chosen event caters well for the trade. An independent panel will make the final decision.

Haygain Nutritional Helpline of the Year

The company offering exemplary service in nutritional advice and assistance to customers, both trade and retail, will be recognised with this award.

Judging: Nominations close at the beginning of January 2012 after which a short list will be drawn up for final judging involving incognito calls.

BETA Trade Website of the Year

This award will go to the equestrian trade related website judged to be the most informative and useful to the consumer and / or the trade- whether supplier or retailer. Websites’ e-commerce content will not be considered as this falls under the remit of the SEIB Retailer of the Year Award, internet category. We are looking for a site that is legally compliant, useful and usable.

Judging: Nominations close mid January 2012 after which a short-list will go forward for judging by an independent panel of internet experts.

How to nominate for 2012 BETA Business Awards

If you would like to make a nomination, please provide the name of the person/business, category of award, reason for nomination and your name and address to BETA, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorks, LS22 4AW, email tinar@beta-int.com fax 01937 582778. Feel free to provide supporting information. Entries must be received by the dates stated.