For the second year running, All Things Business has been accredited with an Outstanding in the Awards Trust Mark scheme.
The scheme was established with the aim of encouraging more award programmes to focus on their own ethics and transparency and it scrutinises everything from criteria, scoring and feedback, to transparency and judging.
Receiving the Awards Trust Mark cemented All Things Business’s position as the force behind two of Northamptonshire’s biggest awards events, the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards and the Northamptonshire Education Awards – and gave the company the impetus to launch the Milton Keynes Education Awards, for which the inaugural event will be held on September 22.
Ben Thomas, Managing Director of All Things Business, said:
“Getting the Awards Trust Mark accreditation again this year is proof to us that we’re doing things the right way. It’s always been important for us to be open and transparent about the awards and how the finalists and winners are selected and it means a lot to us that this is recognised. Each year we learn about what works best, and we now feel confident that we deliver the best-organised awards events in Northamptonshire.
“Using that as a platform to extend out into Milton Keynes and recognise the fantastic work of its education sector is something we’re very excited about.”
The Awards Trust Mark is the official accreditation presented by the Independent Awards Standards Council. It takes into account all aspects of the process, including feedback from entrants and the judges.
One judge said: “I was really impressed with the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards and genuinely believe that they are good for organisations across the county. The awards are well advertised, and the judging process is extremely thorough and professional. Applicants will gain from the whole application process, as it forces them to detail their aims and successes, and the presentation event is fantastic – giving organisations the chance to celebrate with their colleagues and showcase their successes.”
Another added: “The team for the Northampton Education Awards were very helpful and supportive leading up to, during and after the judging session. The whole experience was engaging and inspiring. I felt as though I was helping make an impact and these awards are recognised by so many in our various industries of business and education in Northamptonshire as pathways to recognise success, opportunity and shine a spotlight on those most rewarding.
“You could feel the electricity on the night of the awards and the excitement and anticipation in the lead up. The winners and those shortlisted represent the best of the best and it is an honour to help shine a light on their ambition and passion.”
Entries for both the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards and the Northamptonshire Education Awards are open until Tuesday, August 15. All award entries are scored against set criteria using a bespoke software scoring system to select the finalists. An independent panel of judges will then choose the winners from the shortlist of finalists.
The winners will be announced at glittering awards ceremonies at the County Ground, home of Northamptonshire County Cricket, on November 9 for the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards and on November 10 for the Northamptonshire Education Awards.
Click here for full details of the categories, how to enter, and how to purchase tickets for the awards events.
