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Awards Application Process

All award categories must be entered via our online process. We have made this as simple as possible and all entrants will complete the same steps for every category. It is important to note that if you do not complete a section or leave it unanswered, no score can be allocated.

All award categories must be entered via our online process. We have made this as simple as possible and all entrants will complete the same steps for every category. It is important to note that if you do not complete a section or leave it unanswered, no score can be allocated.

There are four questions per category and a maximum of ten points per question. You are encouraged to answer the questions succinctly and concisely but providing as much information to answer the question as possible. Please be aware that there is a maximum WORD COUNT of 450 words per question * Also, remember that the judges are unlikely to know your business so provide as much relevant information as possible.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL ONLY BE SEEN BY THE INDEPENDENT JUDGES. ALL ONLINE JUDGING, MYSTERY VISITS AND INTERVIEWS ARE CARRIED OUT BY A THIRD PARTY JUDGING COMPANY AND ARE INDEPENDENT TO THE BELFAST CHAMBER OF TRADE and COMMERCE.

Step 2

Read through the categories and decide which categories you want to enter. Read and check the Terms & Conditions.

Step 3

Answer the four questions relevant to the category being entered and complete the online entry form. Submit your entry. NB. (1) You will then receive a copy of your submitted entry for your own records. (2) Maximum WORD COUNT is 450 words per question.

Step 4

All entries will be reviewed and judged via an online process and a shortlist created for each category. The shortlisted finalists will then either be Mystery shopped or you will be contacted to attend for an interview with a panel of experts. All shortlisted finalists will be notified*.

Step 5

Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards on Friday 21st October 2022 in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast. Contact Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce on 028 9033 1399 to buy your tickets or purchase directly via the website. Tickets are priced at £115 + VAT for members and £125 + VAT for non-members and this includes drinks reception, fabulous meal, wine on the tables, celebrity hosts, award presentations, entertainment, and late bar.

Independent Judging Process

Judging for all 22 award categories is completely independent from the organisation of the awards. An independent panel of judges will review all online submissions and score the entries under specific headings.

Four questions are asked for EACH category and there are a maximum of ten points for each question. Entrants are encouraged to answer the questions succinctly. Do bear in mind that the judges may not be familiar with your particular business so provide as much relevant information as possible.

  • All scores will be collated and ranked to provide a final short-list in every category
  • All questions must be answered, scores will not be allocated for sections left unanswered
  • Shortlisted businesses/individuals will undertake either an interview with an expert panel of judges and/or a mystery shopping visit *this will be dependent on the category entered

Please note that the judge’s decision is final and is bound by a strict confidentiality agreement and no correspondence will be entered into. In any instance where it is deemed that there may be a conflict of interest, the chair of the judging panel will declare an ‘exclusion’ for any specific judge.

All shortlisted finalists will be notified by email on Tuesday 20th September 2022.

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