All information given on the entry forms will be treated in the strictest confidence. Any information that entrants do not want published etc should be clearly marked.

ENTRY CRITERIA

The person who the judges believe has contributed most to the local economy in terms of imagination/business judgement.
Among the factors the judges will be looking at will be:
• Ability to take an idea and turn it into a workable business
• Unusual or imaginative business ideas
• Someone who has taken an ailing/existing business and turned it around
• Someone who has made a recognisable contribution by putting the area on the business map
• A vision of the future

GENERAL

The judges will make their decisions based on dedication, commitment, proven success and imagination. Financial results will be considered (when given) but will be a secondary factor to those mentioned above.

ELIGIBILITY

All businesses operating within the Sunderland Echo circulation area will be
eligible to enter regardless of size, type of business etc. Employees of
NorthEast Press or any of the associated organisations involved with the event (i.e. judges) are prohibited from entering.
All information given on the application forms will be treated in the strictest
confidence. Any information that entrants do not want published etc should be
clearly marked.
Please note: an overall business of the year will be selected from entries in all
categories. If you wish to add further information to support entry into the
overall business of the year category, please complete the application form.