Members of the trade will gather to watch the award presentations during the BETA Gala Dinner, which takes place at the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham, on Sunday 16 February.
Award categories are the UKTI Export Award, TSM Rider Award, SEIB Retailer of the Year, BETA Lifetime Achievement Award, Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year, Harry Hall Retail Employee of the Year, Blacks Solicitors Trade Supplier of the Year, Joules Equestrian Event of the Year and the Haygain Nutritional Helpline of the Year.
“The awards are a tremendous way for the industry to reward the achievements of individuals and companies,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “Every one of the categories is hotly contested and the number of nominations received seems to grow year upon year.”
Nominations are invited from trade members, although consumer input sought for the SEIB Retailer of the Year, Joules Equestrian Event of the Year and Haygain Nutritional Helpline of the Year.
AWARDS AND HOW TO NOMINATE
To nominate an individual or company, send the name, award category, your name and address, and reason for nominating – by the given deadline – to BETA, Stockeld Park, Wetherby West Yorkshire LS22 4AW, fax 01937 582728 or email tinah@beta-int.com. Please include any supporting information you think appropriate.
UKTI Export Award
Companies of all sizes that have generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a three-year period can be entered for this award.
Nominations: Information should include details about the level of export and growth in relation to the size and turnover of the company, planning and strategy, and the degree to which the products or services have been adapted to an export market. Applications will be judged by UKTI.
Entry deadline: 10 January
TSM Rider Award
Now in its 11th year, this award recognises sponsored riders who have made the greatest contribution to the trade. It is presented to those who have participated fully in building a relationship with their sponsors, generating good results for them as well as themselves.
Nominations: Sponsoring companies can nominate riders, with supporting information such as competition results, details of personal appearances and involvement with product development.
Entry deadline: 17 January
SEIB Retailer of the Year
This award is for tack shops and feed merchants – they do not need to be BETA members – who are nominated by their customers. It includes categories for large and small retailers, and mail-order and Internet retailers.
Nominations: Customers can nominate their favourite retailer online by logging on to www.retaileroftheyear.org.uk as an alternative to the mailing option. Once nominated, retailers will receive a questionnaire from BETA that must be completed and returned by 31 December 2013 to be considered for the next stage of judging. Shortlisted companies are then put forward for a vote by the trade members of BETA. This award also involves mystery shoppers and incognito telephone calls organised by BETA.
Entry deadline: 9 December
Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year
This award is open to both employed and self-employed sales representatives and agents,
and will be awarded to the individual judged outstanding in his or her approach to customer service.
Nominations: Retailers and suppliers can nominate, giving the reason they think the nominee deserves to win. The final decision will be made by a BETA members’ vote and personal interview.
Entry deadline: 10 January
Harry Hall Retail Employee of the Year
Nominations are being sought for the employee showing initiative, excellence in customer service, product knowledge and commitment to professional retailing. The winner will also be given a cash prize of £200 and his or her employer will receive BETA training vouchers.
Nominations: The award is intended for shop-floor employees only, not managers, and nominations are invited from employers or sales representatives. An independent judging panel will draw up a shortlist, followed by interviews to determine the winner.
Entry deadline: 10 January
Blacks Solicitors Trade Supplier of the Year
This award will go to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailers’ requirements.
Nominations: Retailers can nominate the supplier they feel offers them the best service and works to help them build sales and profitability. Suppliers are also able to nominate themselves by submitting a formal application on why they think they deserve to win. Shortlisted companies will be judged, followed by a further retail members’ vote. The final judging stages will be overseen by an independent panel.
Entry deadline: 10 January
Joules Equestrian Event of the Year
This award acknowledges the event – an indoor or outdoor consumer show – that works best with its tradestand exhibitors, taking their needs and requirements into consideration. Visitor experience will also be considered – the award was opened up to consumer nomination and vote for the first time last year.
Nominations: Tradestand holders – individuals or companies – that have exhibited at such events from January 2013 onwards are invited to nominate an event, explaining why they think it caters well for the trade. Consumers, too, will be asked to nominate their favourite event, giving reasons for its success. An independent judging panel will make the final decision. Entry deadline: 10 January
Haygain Nutritional Helpline of the Year
This accolade goes to the company that offers exemplary service in nutritional advice to customers, both trade and retail.
Nominations: Customers can send their nominations by post or log on to the Haygain website, www.haygain.com, to download a form. A shortlist will be drawn up for final judging, which will include incognito calls.
