As the nation emerges from the recession, what better time to get recognition for your company and the people that make it the world-class performer it is; a leading player in the sector, which isn't content to rest on its laurels for cutting edge innovation. What's more the Awards are free to enter so there's really no excuse.
It's not just about winning praise for those unsung heroes within your company and being seen to be a dynamic employer of choice, it's also about being recognised as a leader in its field by your potential customer base in the retail, wholesale and foodservice sectors.
The Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards really mean something within the food and drink sector. Through a rigorous judging process (thanks to our experienced panel of independent judges who represent all parts of the supply chain), the Awards have grown in status over the years. They are accepted as a benchmark for continuous improvement in the sector.
So what does it mean to be a winner?
Take The Seafood Company: last year's winner of the much coveted Company of the Year Award. Marketing director Helen Oxley described clearly what it meant for her and the rest of the team.
"We are delighted to be recognised for outstanding manufacturing achievement and to win this prestigious award," said Oxley. "It has been fantastic for the site team at Marsden Road to be identified amongst the best companies and best people within the industry and to celebrate their success."
She added: "This, in turn, has also set a benchmark across our wider business and has been recognised across our retail customer base." So, as you can see, it's not just about internal benefits, there are tangible business benefits of being a winner too.
Entry forms are now available for this year's awards. Remember, we've made every effort to simplify the entry process this year without detracting from the rigour of the judging process.
Visit www.foodmanawards.co.uk to find our more about the Awards and obtain an entry form.
The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday July 30, so don't delay in getting your company's entry in!
Awards categories
- Ambient and general groceries
- Bakery and confectionery
- Chilled ready meals and prepared foods
- Dairy
- Fresh produce
- Frozen foods
- Hot and cold beverages
- Meat and poultry
- Seafood
Skills Excellence Awards:
- Productivity through skills
- Diversity in recruitment
Judging for the individual categories is based on a range of criteria covering:
- category management;
- marketing and new product development;
- supply chain improvement;
- quality assurance;
- health safety and environmental
- management;
- process innovation;
- human resources development.
The Food Manufacturing Company of the Year will be selected from the nine sector category winners. We will also be making a Small Company of the year Award typically to a firm that employs fewer than 100 people and has a turnover of less than £10m a year.
Our eminent panel of judges will make a Judges' Special Award to the company that, in the panel's opinion, deserves special recognition for one particular area of the company's activities over the past year.
An award will also be made, once again, for the Personality of the Year. Unlike the other awards, the winner of this accolade will be chosen by the readers of Food Manufacture from a shortlist compiled by the editorial team. More details about the Personality of the Year shortlist and how to register your vote will be published in the June issue of Food Manufacture and online at www.foodmanawards.co.uk.
Remember, the closing date for receipt of entries is July 30, so don't delay.
Contact: Helen Law on 01293 846587 or download an entry form at www.foodmanawards.co.uk