The hunt is on for people, suppliers and retailers who have shone in a challenging year.
The easy-to-remember deadline for nominations for 2021 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Business Awards is 31 December, 2020.
The annual accolades reward those who go above and beyond to serve the equestrian industry. And everyone is welcome to put forward their favourites.
The 2021 winners will be particularly deserving following a year in which the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted lives and livelihoods.
The awards will be presented online early next year. It’s free to nominate and enter.
Here’s the full list and how to nominate.
BETA Export Award
Companies of varying sizes showing substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a three-year period can be entered for this award.
Nominations: Submissions 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 an independent panel.
Weatherbeeta Group Retail Employee of the Year
Nominations are sought for employees showing excellent customer service, great product knowledge and a passion for professional retailing. This is an opportunity to recognise staff for the contribution they have made during a challenging year for all businesses. The winner will receive a cash prize in addition to the award and his or her employer will be given BETA training vouchers.
Nominations: The award is designed for shop-floor staff rather than managers. Nominations are invited from employers or sales representatives. An independent judging panel will compile a shortlist, then a period of interviews will follow to decide the winner.
SEIB Retailer of the Year
An award for tack shops and feed merchants – whether or not they are BETA members – that relies on customer nominations, the SEIB Retailer of the Year award is divided into two categories: Equestrian Retail Store and Online/Mail Order Retailer.
Nominations: Customers can nominate a retailer by completing a nomination form in-store or by filling in a form on the BETA or SEIB Retailer of the Year websites. Alternatively, retailers can add their details to forms to make it as easy as possible for customers wishing to nominate them. On receipt of nominations, retailers will be sent a questionnaire by BETA for them to complete and return to the trade association by 15 January to be considered for the next stage of judging. Shortlisted companies will be put forward to a vote by BETA trade members. This award also involves independent mystery shoppers and incognito telephone calls organised by the trade association.
Click here to make your nomination for SEIB Retailer of the Year
Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an unlevel playing field for many sales representatives and agents, so this particular award will be held over for 2021 and reintroduced the following year.
Equestrian Event of the Year supported by Henson Franklyn
This award has also been held over until 2022 following a year in which Covid-19 resulted in the cancellation of indoor and outdoor shows.
STUBBS ENGLAND Nutritional Helpline of the Year
The company considered to offer excellence in nutritional advice and service to customers – consumer, trade and retail – wins this accolade.
Nominations: Consumer and trade customers can nominate for this award. A shortlist will be drawn up for final judging, which will include incognito calls.
Click here to make your nomination for the Stubbs England Nutritional Helpline of the Year award.
TSM Marketing Effectiveness Award
This award celebrates effective communications and the increased value a company’s marketing campaign has brought to its brands. Marketing plans and activity will be put under the spotlight to see how different aspects, including in-store promotions, mass media advertising, sponsored riders and social media, play a powerful role in helping to solve business problems and generate revenue.
Nominations: Retailers and suppliers are invited to put themselves forward for this award. Judging will reward the contribution marketing has made to business improvement and, because of this, low- or no-budget entries are encouraged.
BETA Trade Supplier of the Year
The manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements will win this award, which is back for 2021. For many suppliers, this past year has been one full of challenges, so it is their chance to highlight how they have continued to offer exceptional service and products to customers.
Nominations: Suppliers are invited to nominate themselves by completing the application form available from the BETA Office. Shortlisted companies will be judged by an independent panel including members of the equestrian and non-equestrian trades.
BETA Lifetime Achievement Award
This award celebrates an individual who has made a long-standing and significant contribution to the equestrian industry.
Nominations: Biographical details of the nominee are invited from all sectors.
MAKING YOUR NOMINATIONS
Nominations can be made by completing a form on the BETA website (beta-uk.org), sent to the BETA office by post to BETA, East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AW or emailed to info@beta-uk.org.
Please remember to provide the name and award category, reason for nomination and your own name and address. Supporting information can be included where appropriate.
All entries must be received by 31 December. Help and advice on making a nomination is available by contacting Agy Mossakowska in the BETA office.
More information about nominating for all the awards can be found here
