Entries are now open for the 2019 Awards for Excellence - a celebration of our island, its people and their achievements.

Now is the time to applaud the excellent work of your colleagues.

It is a chance to let our community know about the success of your business or cutting-edge innovation and to share with everyone how you have raised awareness of the island or helped others to flourish.

In short - it’s time to wave the flag for the Isle of Man.

NEW CATEGORIES REFLECT CHANGING ATTITUDES

As the Awards for Excellence reaches its 14th year, the categories have been refreshed to reflect changes in the island’s social, economic and political attitudes. Details of each category and entry forms can be found at www.excellence-awards.im

Five new awards are being introduced this year.

The Manx Telecom Award for Entrepreneur of the Year will celebrate the Isle of Man’s robust and daring entrepreneurial spirit - a vital factor in our economic success.

The Sure Award for Innovation in Technology will be won by an organisation that uses technology to the measurable benefit of the organisation or its customers, perhaps by optimising processes, enabling growth, or increasing efficiency.

The Domicilium Award for Nurturing our Arts, Culture and Heritage will recognise outstanding support for the island’s art, culture and heritage sectors and for encouraging people to join in.

The Wi-Manx Award for Promoting the Isle of Man as a great place to visit, live and work will recognise excellence in raising awareness of the island’s attractions, opportunities and benefits. It is a category that will appeal to those working in marketing, media, hospitality, tourism or business support.

The PokerStars Award for The Third Sector: Supporting our Community will honour an outstanding non-profit, voluntary or charitable group that has made people feel a part of our supportive community and able to reach their full potential.

LOOKING FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

The achievements of our business community will continue to be celebrated with these categories:

The Utmost Wealth Solutions Award for Business Leader of the Year, The Browne Craine and Co Award for Company of the Year, The Claremont Award for International Business of the Year, The Appleby Award for Small and Medium Size Enterprise.

In all these categories the judges will be looking for evidence of measurable benefits to customers, employees, industry and the island. They will be also be interested in how the businesses reflect the Isle of Man’s values of resilience, resourcefulness, independent thinking and community loyalty.

FAVOURITE TOPICS RETURN

With the focus on climate change and its impact on the environment intensifying, a high number of entries are expected for the Capital International Group Award for Protecting our Environment. This category will reward commitment to protecting the Isle of Man’s environment through activities that support our Unesco Biosphere status as a special place for people and nature.

The Lansons Award for Public Sector Achievement of the Year invites entries from small teams of a few people to individual schools, cross-department groups or larger public sector groups which have delivered an outstanding project or service that has met clients’ needs effectively.

Among the returning categories are these which have proven popular across large or small organisations in the private, public or third sectors.

The Annexio Award for Enhancing Wellbeing in the Workplace,

The Manx Gas Award for Innovation and Independent Thinking,

The Zurich Award for Providing Excellent Customer Service,

The Isle of Man Government Award for Sharing our Freedom to Flourish,

And The Award for Teamwork.

PASSION AND FACTS

On average, about 150 entries are submitted each year. ’Some applicants succeed in their first attempt, but others return from year to year, polishing their entries and enjoying the opportunity to celebrate excellence together,’ according to a former long-serving judge, Carol Hunter.

To encourage even greater numbers this year, the forms have been shortened and simplified. Informal sessions offering advice on how to complete entries are being held, too.

Entries will be judged by a panel with specific expertise in strategy, marketing, human resources, information technology, operations and community involvement drawn from the island’s business, professional, public and non-profit sectors.

With over a decade of experience on the panel, Carol says: ’The winning entries will have moved judges with their passion and persuaded them with facts.

’And without doubt the winners’ pride in the Isle of Man will also inspire all those who join in the celebrations at the awards ceremony on November 14.’

Trudi Williamson, deputy chair of Isle of Man Newspapers, coordinates the Awards for Excellence.

She said: ’The awards could not succeed year after year without their generous support and their belief in the excellence of the island and its people.’

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The informal sessions on how to complete entries will be held on Wednesday, July 24, from 3pm to 4pm and Thursday, July 25, from 10am to 11am.

To book your place, or seek further advice, please contact Trudi Williamson at 695695.