The Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards will award The Best SME of the Year award to an organisation, trading for more than 3 years, based in the Mid-West Region, that is striving to create world class products and services, setting the highest benchmarks and optimising opportunities in their marketplace. This year, the award will focus on businesses that have effectively navigated the challenges of the last 12 months, including rising costs, regulatory changes, digital transformation, and sustainability.
Judges will be looking at:
Customer Satisfaction:
Initiatives to enhance customer experience.
Quantifiable improvements in customer satisfaction.
Testimonials and feedback from customers.
Positive Impact on the Region:
Job creation and retention.
Collaboration with local businesses.
Involvement in community projects and regional economic development.
Sustainability & Development:
Implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Long-term strategies for business growth.
Measurable impacts of sustainability efforts.
Innovation & Adaptability:
Introduction of new products, services, or strategies.
Adaptation to market changes and challenges.
Examples of innovative practices strengthening competitiveness.
Managing Rising Costs:
Strategies to mitigate financial pressures.
Cost-saving measures and efficiencies.
Changes in operational practices to reduce costs.
Navigating Regulatory Changes:
Adaptation to new regulatory requirements.
Successful integration of regulatory changes into business operations.
Digital Transformation (if applicable):
Adoption of digital tools and platforms.
Improvements in efficiency, customer reach, or service delivery.
Successful digital initiatives and their impacts.
Overall Achievements and Contributions:
Summary of key achievements.
Unique aspects of the business.
Reasons why the business stands out.
Eligibility
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Best SME Award, nominees must have been in operation for a minimum of 5 years (see Best Emerging Business for < 5 years) and at least 12 months in the Mid-west region. TheEuropean definition of SME applies and is as follows: "The category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million euro, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euro”.
Please note that if your company forms part of a multinational organisation then it is the multinational organisation that must meet the criteria. In some cases, this might mean that you apply for another category.