PUTTING innovation at the heart of operations has helped some businesses in and around Leatherhead thrive in these tough economic times.
Other businesses have used technology to improve their competitiveness and keep afloat during the downturn.
This year's Leatherhead and District Business Awards are looking to recognise these businesses with a Technology and Innovation Award.
Sponsored by ExxonMobil, this award is also looking for firms which have developed a new product or service or conducted research and development activities.
For companies wishing to enter, the judges will be looking for details, statistics and examples in relation to the following criteria:
Innovation: What significant product or process innovations have been introduced in the past few years which have had a positive impact on your finances, operations or customers?
Differentiation: How has your organisation differentiated itself from competitors through use of digital, technological or process innovations?
Benefits: What business benefits have been gained as a result of the use of technology or development of innovative procedures? Has the organisation reduced operating costs or created a new revenue source?
Culture: How has the organisation developed a culture of creativity and innovation? Has this enabled the organisation to secure new customers or enter new markets? How has it aided staff recruitment and retention?
Wider Impact: What effect has the technology or innovation had on the marketplace as a whole? Has it benefited the environment in which you operate?
TODD Creative Services, an ideas consultancy based in Fetcham, won the award last year for one of its new products.
Geoff Todd, the company's managing director, said: "Winning the Technology and Innovation Award was a great achievement for our small and very focused team and a fantastic way in which to raise the profile of our innovative product. We encourage other companies to take advantage of the awards programme and put forward entries this year."
ExxonMobil has been associated with the Leatherhead and District Business Awards since their inception in 2009, and is once again sponsoring the Technology and Innovation Award.
Sophie Foale, from ExxonMobil, said: "At ExxonMobil we apply leading-edge technology to enable us to help meet the world's growing energy needs, so this award category is particularly appropriate for us."
Any business from Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham, Effingham, Mickleham and Fetcham is entitled to enter the competition. The categories for the awards are:- Technology and Innovation award sponsored by ExxonMobil. The award is for a business which is at the forefront of technology or offering something completely innovative.
- Business Personality of the Year award is sponsored by Prowse and Co. The award is for a business person who has shown outstanding achievement, dedication and enthusiasm for their role or been a champion for the local business community.
- Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year award is sponsored by Menzies LLP. The award is for a charitable business or social enterprise which is giving something back or making a real difference.
- Customer Service award is sponsored by Riverbridge House Business Centre. The award is for a business which has an exceptional standard of customer service.
- Young Person of the Year award is sponsored by the Leatherhead Advertiser. The award is for a young person aged 17 to 25 who has demonstrated a strong commitment to business.
- Small and Medium Enterprise award is for the exceptional company of this size.
- Business of the Year is sponsored by the Leatherhead and District Chamber of Commerce. The award is for a business which has entered into one of the other categories and will be selected by the judging panel for this coveted award.
