The annual awards will celebrate the best achievements of the UK’s small and medium sized businesses. Each of the seven award categories will recognise a different area of business, with winners picking up HP kit, winners rights and a package of business support services.
One business will also be awarded the overall title of HP Smart Business of the Year 2012.
“We are delighted to announce the opening of these awards, HP is keen to promote all the fantastic work SME’s have been doing in the UK, especially during these tough economic times,” said Susan Bowen, HP UK&I Director of Strategy. “SME’s are the engine of growth and innovation for UK economy and we will be rewarding the best in the sector every year and we will be there to support them every step of the way.”
Businesses winning the category awards will receive an individual award trophy and logo, an HP product bundle (laptop, printer and relevant software) and a LinkedIn Pro account.
The winner of the HP Smart Business Award of the Year will receive business mentoring from HP advisors and a branding consultant where the winner will receive expert advice on how to develop and grow their business.
The overall winner will also be rewarded with a place on a Santander Breakthrough Trade Mission – activity which will help the winning business to develop a strategy for international trade.
The award categories are:
Social Media – For the small business that has demonstrated an innovative use of social media to promote a brand, product or service
Global Reach – This award will honour the business which demonstrates an understanding of what it means to be a global player
Next Generation – This award will celebrate successful business owners aged 25 or below who have driven innovation forward against the odds
Community Support – This award will honour the business making a measurable difference to their local economy or community
Manufacturing Innovation – This award looks to celebrate the business, whether small-scale start-up or long-standing company, that has displayed innovation in UK manufacturing
Green Award, sponsored by AMD – This award will commend the business that has operated with a positive environmental attitude over the last 12 months
Use of Mobile – This award will honour the business that displays the ability to think differently and can demonstrate the most innovative use of mobile devices to promote or sell a product or service.
The HP Smart Business Award.- The award for the HP Smart Business of the year 2012 will reward the business that has excelled across the board, delivering exceptional performance and results
Closing date is 29th June 2012 to enter go to www.hpsmartbusinessawards.com select a category and explain in 250 words why your business should win.
There is guidance on putting the best award entry together if you visit HP’s LinkedIn Business Answers page.
