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.

Creative and media start-ups in the borough are integral to the movement transforming White City in to a new Business Innovation District. H&F has a long tradition in this sector, and is a great place to start such a business. This award will recognise those who have taken the big decision to launch a start up, who have built a great plan, and are already making progress.

Judges will particularly be looking for:

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

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.

This award will go to the business which goes the furthest to make sure that not only is it a growing and dynamic company, but also that it has environmental sustainability at the heart of its business practice and processes. The could be a company in any sector taking exemplary measures to minimise their environmental impact.

Judges will particularly be looking for:

• A company which ensures a foundation and grounding of environmental good practice is at the heart of their activity.
• One which continually identifies and implements improvements to green practice, initiatives and policies.
• An organisation which demonstrates leadership in sustainable practice and is an inspiration to others.

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.

This award is for businesses that have been trading for less than 18 months. It might be an established product, a new product or service, a traditional concept or a business that has identified a gap in the market. It might be a new shop on the high street. Businesses should be no more than eighteen months old.

Judges will be particularly looking for:

• Revenue and 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.

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.

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.

Are you small but perfectly formed? Are you successful, nimble, responsive, and close to your customers? If you are a business with up to 10 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.

Not-for-profit businesses make a growing and vital contribution to life in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Judges will want to see:

• A genuine commitment to social objectives.
• Local engagement – does your work deliver for local people, what difference do you make to local lives?
• Success – profit may not be the goal, but judges will want to see you delivering against your objectives.

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.