The creative sector plays an ever-increasing role in the borough and the number of new and developing creative businesses is expanding. This award will recognise businesses who dare to think differently through their ideas, innovation and creativity. From architecture to advertising, the arts, antiques, crafts, design, designer fashion, film, interactive leisure software, music, the performing arts, publishing, software, television and radio, the range of businesses that can enter this category is extensive.

Judges will particularly be looking for:

• Rate of growth of key performance measures such as turnover, profit and volume.
• Innovation and creativity!
• Clear objective setting, strategy and planning.

The borough’s vibrant arts scene and creative industries draw people to live and work here. Our arts strategy aims to make H&F a national and international arts beacon, to stimulate more local artistic achievement and to open up the arts to everyone. This award will recognise the great work happening now.

Judges will particularly be looking for:

• Engagement with local communities, going beyond the basics, and really reaching out to grow the numbers appreciating their efforts.
• Innovation and creativity.
• A real difference in terms of the offer – something special.
• Excitement, novelty and surprise!

Judges will also be particularly looking for:

• Exceptional customer delight and retention – with testimonials.
• Evidence of staff training and development targeted at enhancing the customer experience.
• Evidence that the customer is at the centre of business planning and management.
• A real commitment to continuous improvement.

Businesses must show evidence that they have a proactive disability inclusion policy supported by schemes and initiatives that have the maximum positive impact on recruiting, retaining and promoting disabled talent
Disability inclusion must be a central business priority.

Judges will want to see:

• A successful business which goes beyond the basic requirements recognising and celebrating the value that diversity in the workforce can bring
• Outstanding leadership and commitment to inclusion from the top down
• Is a great place to work for everyone
• An influencer of inclusive employment practices

Entrepreneurs are visionaries with ambition, drive, talent and passion. We are looking for an outstanding individual who has identified a market opportunity to create an exceptional business.

Judges will be particularly looking for:

• Strong performance and optimism despite market uncertainty.
• Significant growth.
• Customer loyalty.
• Innovation.
• Strong leadership.

Independent High Street businesses are what makes town centres and local shopping special. Are you a treasured local retailer? Do you add that extra something to your location? The winner will be the business who has found their place as a dependable part of the community, and an asset to their location.

Judges will particularly be looking for:

• Success! The business should be profitable and growing.
• Fantastic customer understanding and service.
• A genuinely high quality service and product range.

Category Rules: Entrants must be ‘independently owned’. This is defined as a business which is substantially owned by its founders and/or a group of independent investors.

Hammersmith & Fulham has a thriving evening and night time economy. If you are one of the many fantastic restaurants, cafes, takeaways, pubs, night clubs and bars, theatres, cinemas, live music and comedy venues, sports clubs, venues or companies, then this category is for you.

Judges will want to see:

• High quality products and services, and a commitment to excellence.
• Fantastic customer understanding and service.
• Innovation and novelty
• Hospitality and an amazing atmosphere
• The highest of standards in all aspects.

Judges will be looking for:

• Awesome drinks! Be it coffee, tea, juice, wine, beer, ale, spirits, cocktails.
• Hospitality and a great atmosphere.
• Fantastic service.
• Additional attractions e.g. Free wifi, good food or bar snacks, a children’s menu, monthly events, signature drinks.

Judges will be looking for:

• High quality food, innovative menus, and a commitment to excellence.
• Fantastic service.
• Hospitality and an amazing atmosphere!
• The highest of standards in all aspects.
• Signature dishes or home cooked specials.

If you are a great small business with between 10 and 50 employees, this category is for you.
Judges will want to see:

• Revenue & profit growth and/or other evidence of success, or results.
• Evidence of planning, research, and of having established the business in response to a real customer need.
• A strong vision from an inspirational leader.

Are you small but perfectly formed? Are you successful, nimble, responsive, and close to your customers?
If you employ 10 people or less or are a sole trader this is the category for you.
Judges will want to see:

• Revenue & profit growth and/or other evidence of success, or results.
• Evidence of planning, research, and of having established the business in response to a real customer need.
• A strong vision from an inspirational leader.

Hammersmith & Fulham is becoming a leading place for technology with the new innovation district emerging at White City. The use of new technologies today is key to moving ahead in a competitive market place and producing sound commercial and financial success.
Judges will particularly be looking for:

• A great start-up business with excellent potential.
• Technological innovation and creativity – what’s clever about your business?
• Evidence of planned success – that your technology will deliver a service people need.