The Northern Star Business Awards are just over a week away and our 39 finalists will learn which of them will join a constellation of around 160 winners over the past 12 years.
But why is it important for businesses to enter awards?
Some companies see the opportunity as a free marketing tool.
Being shortlisted alone can help to raise a company’s profile and promote the business to new markets.
All finalists in the Northern Star Business Awards can use the finalists logo which can be included on all marketing materials, website and eMails.
Many companies find that being a finalist for an award helps improve their credibility; a third party endorsement.
Ultimately being a winner can be seen as a sign of quality for existing and potential clients and can help differentiate businesses from their competitors.
Awards typically recognise the hard work and achievements of employees – there’s no successful business without successful employees – so winning can really help with staff morale.
Employees will focus on what’s great about the company they work.
Two of the Northern Star categories include "Commitment to People Development" and "Excellence in Customer Service", both of which identify with the importance of employee engagement.
In a similar vein, winning a business award can help entice new talent.
By pitching a business as the best in its field, it attracts not only media attention but future business leaders.
Ultimately, the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce holds the annual Northern Star Business Awards to let businesses in this region shine.
Every one of our finalists is up for an award given by business to business and they’ve all got here through fierce competition.
They are all winners in our eyes.