BETA in search of industry's best!

The search has begun to find worthy winners of the 2011 BETA Business Awards –prestigious accolades that recognise and reward significant contributions to the equestrian industry.

Now in their eighth year, the awards – presented at the BETA Gala Dinner, at the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham, on Sunday 20 February 2011 – embrace the following categories: The UKTI Export Award, TSM Rider Award, SEIB Retailer of the Year, BETA Lifetime Achievement Award, ETN Sales Representative of the Year, Harry Hall Retail Employee of the Year, BETA Trade Supplier of the Year, Joules Equestrian Event of the Year, HAYGAIN Nutritional Helpline of the Year and the BETA Trade Website of the Year.

“The BETA Business Awards have become a prestigious landmark within the equestrian industry’s calendar,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “They have continued to develop in popularity year upon year, with increased nominations and a growing spirit of competition. The awards are a tremendous way for the trade to recognise and celebrate the achievements of its members.”
Members of the trade are welcome to make nominations in all except the SEIB Retailer of the Year category, whose shortlist will be compiled from those businesses nominated by consumers. 

Unless otherwise stated, nominations should be posted to BETA, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS22 4AW, emailed to tinar@beta-int.com or faxed to 01937 582728 by each award’s entry deadline. Please provide the name of the person/company nominated, the award, your reason for nomination and your own name and address.

UKTI Export Award for companies of all sizes that have generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a three-year period.
Nominations: Information should include details on the level of export and growth in relation to the size and turnover of the company, planning strategy and the degree to which the products or services have been adapted to an export market.
Entry deadline: 14 January

TSM Rider Award for sponsored riders who have made the greatest contribution to the trade.
Nominations: Sponsoring companies can nominate riders with supporting information such as competition results, details of personal appearances or involvement with product development. Entry deadline: 14 January

SEIB Retailer of the Year for tack shops and feed merchants – they do not need to be BETA members – who are nominated by their customers. This award includes categories for large and small retailers, and mail-order and Internet retailers.
Nominations: Customers can nominate their favourite retailer on line by visiting www.retaileroftheyear.org.uk as an alternative to the mailing option. This award involves mystery shoppers and incognito telephone calls organised by BETA to help source an overall winner. Entry deadline: 6 December

BETA Lifetime Achievement Award for those who have made significant contributions to the equestrian industry over a long period of time.
Nominations: Biographical details of the nominee are invited from all sectors. 
Entry deadline: 19 January

ETN Sales Representative of the Year is open to both employed and self-employed sales representatives and agents, and will be awarded to the individual judged outstanding in his or her approach to customer service.
Nominations: Retailers and suppliers can nominate, giving the reason they think the nominee deserves to win. Entry deadline: 18 January

Harry Hall Retail Employee of the Year is given to the employee showing initiative, excellence in customer service, product knowledge and commitment to professional retailing. The winner also wins a weekend break for two in London and his or her employer will be awarded BETA training vouchers. Nominations: The award is open to shop-floor employees only, not managers, and nominations are invited from employers or sales representatives.  Entry deadline: 14 January

BETA Trade Supplier of the Year goes to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailers’ requirements.
Nominations: For the first time this year, suppliers are able to nominate themselves by submitting a formal application on why they think they deserve to win. Retailers are also invited to nominate the supplier they feel offers them the best service and works to help them build sales and profitability. Entry deadline: 14 January

Joules Equestrian Event of the Year acknowledges the event that works best with its tradestand exhibitors. It is open to both indoor and outdoor consumer shows and events.
Nominations: Trade stand holders – either individuals or companies – that have exhibited at such events from January 2010 onwards are invited to nominate an event, explaining why they think it caters well for the trade.       Entry deadline: 14 January

HAYGAIN Nutritional Helpline of the Year is awarded to the company offering exemplary service in nutritional advice and to customers, both trade and retail.
Nominations: Customers can send their nominations by post or by visiting the Haygain website, www.haygain.com        Entry deadline: 14 January

BETA Trade Website of the Year will go to the equestrian-related website judged to be the most informative and useful.
Nominations: These should be made for websites that perfectly reflect and reinforce the company’s brands, and are legally compliant and usable. E-commerce content will not be considered, because it falls under the remit of the SEIB Retailer of the Year Award’s Internet category.   Entry deadline: 14 January