Nominations open for 2009 BETA Business Awards
Nominations have opened for the 2009 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Business Awards.
The accolades, developed by BETA to reward the equestrian industry’s highest achievers, will be presented during the BETA Gala Dinner on 15th February, the first evening of BETA International, at a new venue for 2009, the National Motorcycle Museum.
Nominations are invited from members of the trade, and consumers in some cases, for the following 2009 BETA Business Awards.
• The UKTI Export Award is open to companies of all sizes that have generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a period of three years. Entries close on 14th January 2009 and 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. Applications will be judged by UKTI.
• For the sixth year, the TSM Rider Award acknowledges the sponsored rider who makes the greatest contribution to the trade. It has previously been won by riders who have participated fully in building a relationship with their sponsor that yields good results for both. Sponsoring companies are invited to nominate riders before 16th January 2009.
• Open to tack shops and feed merchants, the SEIB Retailer of the Year award has categories for large and small retailers plus mail order and internet retailers. Consumers are invited to nominate their favourite retailers via www.retaileroftheyear.org.uk by 8th December 2008. All nominated retailers receive a questionnaire from BETA which must be completed and returned by 19th December 2008 to be considered for the next stage of judging. Short-listed companies are then put forward for a vote by BETA Trade Members and follow-up visits, possibly incognito, and telephone calls will be made to reach a final decision.
• Truly an industry accolade, the BETA Lifetime Achievement Award will go to someone making significant contributions to the equestrian industry over a period of time. Nominations, together with biographical details of the nominee, are invited from all sectors. The closing date is 9th January 2009.
• BETA Sales Representative of the Year is open to sales representatives or agents, employed and self-employed, and will go to the person judged outstanding in their approach to servicing their customers’ and companies’ needs. All companies (retailers and suppliers) may nominate before the closing date of 5th January 2009, the final decision being made by a BETA Members’ vote.
• The Harry Hall Retail Employee of the Year will go to the employee showing initiative, excellence in customer service, product knowledge and commitment to professional retailing. The prize is a weekend for two in London. The retailer employing the winner will also receive BETA training vouchers. Nominations are invited from employers or reps before 5th January 2009. Managers are not eligible as this award is intended for shop floor employees. Short listed candidates will be interviewed to determine the winner.
• Joules Equestrian Event of the Year acknowledges the event that best works with its trade exhibitors. It is open to indoor and outdoor consumer shows and events, with the winner likely to be the fixture that views its trade stands as an integral part of its success. Nominations are invited by 9th January 2009 from event organisers and companies that have participated as trade stand holders at events from January 2008 onwards. An independent panel will make the final decision.
• BETA Trade Supplier of the Year will go to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged by the retail trade to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailers’ requirements. Retailers are invited to nominate their favourite supplier by 9th January 2009. The final judging stages will be overseen by an independent panel.
• The company offering exemplary service in nutritional advice and assistance to customers, both trade and consumer, will be recognised with the Horsemart Nutritional Helpline of the Year award. Nominations close on 9th January 2009 after which a short list will be drawn up for final judging involving incognito calls.
• New for 2009, the BETA Trade Website of the Year award will go to the equestrian trade related website judged to be the most informative and useful to the consumer and/or the trade (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. The winner’s site will be legally compliant, useful and usable. Nominations close on 9th January 2009 after which a short list will go forward for judging by an independent panel of internet experts.
How to nominate for 2009 BETA Business Awards
To make a nomination, 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. Supporting information is welcomed.
BETA Gala Dinner
The BETA Gala Dinner features a pre-dinner reception, three-course meal during which guests will enjoy live entertainment followed by the awards ceremony. The evening concludes with dancing and the chance to have a flutter at the casino. Dress is black tie or lounge suit. Around 500 people will attend.
Last year’s BETA Gala Dinner was completely sold out, so early booking is advised. Prices are £470 for a table of ten, £564 for a table of 12 and £50 each for individual tickets, all subject to VAT. Some sponsorship opportunities are available for various aspects of the evening.
For tickets, contact BETA on 01937 587062 or email tinar@beta-int.com
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