Follow the awards criteria
The most important rule is to ensure your answers adhere to the awards criteria. The criteria are there for a reason and are used by judges to evaluate your application. Follow the guidelines set by the awards program and directly answer the questions.  This includes making sure you redact personal information where specified.

When answering the questions do not forget to include evidence such as data, statistics, revenue increases, profit growth, or efficiencies gained, as well as testimonials and recommendations from peers and clients. 

Submission deadlines 
Please pay close attention to submission deadlines and allow sufficient time to prepare and review your application. Once submission deadlines have passed, we are unable to accept new or amend existing applications. Please do not leave it to the last minute to start your application! 

Consider the judges’ perspective
Judges often have to review dozens of high quality submissions within a short time frame.   This means they often look for reasons to rule out entries. If your submission doesn’t capture their attention immediately or you haven’t met the criteria, they are more likely to rate your sumission lower compared to other applicants who have a concise but compelling sumission.  Remember to answer the questions carefully and follow instructions.  

Tell your story 
A compelling story can make your submission stand out and a story structure helps to make your submission more memorable and engaging. Use a narrative style with a clear beginning, middle and end. Remember, no one can tell your story better than you.  

Use the word limit – online submission 
Sticking to the word limit for each question and video. Judges may struggle to assess your application if your responses are too brief, too long, or repetitive. Use the word count wisely to make your answers impactful. 

Use the time limit – video submission 
Please follow the criteria of the of your video submission and stay within the recording limit, which is a maximum of 3 minutes. Consider the quality of the video itself, particularly the audio (see Tips below).  

Take your time and proofread your submission
Winning a prestigious award requires careful planning, and succinct, concise answers. Give yourself enough time to perfect your submission. 

Spelling and grammar errors can negatively impact your submission. Start early enough to give yourself time to step away and return with fresh eyes for proofreading purposes. Ask someone to review and proofread it. Once you are confident in the accuracy of your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and tone, you can submit your entry. 

Tips for a high-quality video: 

• Place your laptop or phone on a stable surface so that it does not move throughout the clip. 

• Try to surround yourself with as many soft furnishings as possible, and   

• Avoid a large, empty room with floorboards (which echoes) or a noisy outdoor location that makes it difficult for the judges to hear you. 

• Film against a plain or simple background in a bright space without clutter or too many background colours/distractions. Remove anything in the room that will distract viewers, such as moving objects or other digital screens. Hide or remove any confidential information from view. 

• Ensure you are central to the camera without being too close or too far away.  

• If you are recording at home, choose a location where you won’t be distracted or interrupted. Natural daylight is always preferred as it will give you the nicest complexion. Position yourself next to a large window and test whether your interior lights add to or reduce the quality of your image 
• Stay within the allotted time limit of three minutes
• As with the written aspect, a compelling narrative can make your video submission stand out – will your video make sense when the judges watch it?