Categories & Entry Criteria 

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Please review the criteria for each category before submitting your application.

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Community Project / Charity of the Year

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Entry Requirements

• Must be a not-for profit organisation.

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have been operating for a minimum of 12 months.

• Must demonstrate measurable community impact.

• Should collaborate with other local organisations (preferred but not essential).

• Must provide supporting evidence.

 

Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Clear outline of purpose and key objectives.

• Details of campaigns, initiatives, or projects delivered.

• Evidence of innovation in reaching or supporting the community.

• Measurable impact (e.g. number of people supported, outcomes achieved, funds raised if applicable).

• Testimonials or feedback from beneficiaries, partners, or community members.

 

Independent Retailer of the Year

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Entry Requirements

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months.

• Must demonstrate a strong local presence and customer engagement.

• Must show commitment to high street or community contribution.

• Must provide supporting evidence.

 

Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Overview of products/services offered and what makes them unique.

• Key business objectives and achievements to date.

• Evidence of customer experience and engagement (e.g. testimonials, reviews, evidence of impact).

• Plans for future growth and development.

 

Medium / Large Business of the Year

 

Entry Requirements

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have more than 10 employees.

• Must demonstrate strong leadership and team development.

• Must evidence sustained growth or stability.

• Must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months.

• Must provide supporting evidence.

 

Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Overview of products/services and scale of the business.

• Key achievements, growth, or performance highlights.

• Details of leadership, team development, and company culture.

• Evidence of innovation and service quality.

• Customer and/or employee feedback demonstrating impact.

 

Small Business / Solopreneur of the Year

 

Entry Requirements

• Must be owner-led or a small team (less than 10 employees) with direct involvement in day-to-day operations.

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months.

• Must provide supporting evidence.

 

Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Overview of products/services and business offering.

• Details of the business journey, including key milestones.

• Evidence of innovation, adaptability, and quality of service.

• Customer testimonials or feedback.

• Demonstration of impact within the local business community.

 

Start-Up of the Year

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Entry Requirements

• Must be independently owned.

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have been trading for less than 12 months as of 1st April 2026.

• Must demonstrate clear market demand or early traction.

• Must provide supporting evidence.

 

Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Description of products/services provided.

• Key business objectives and early achievements.

• Evidence of demand, traction, or customer engagement.

• Plans for future growth and sustainability.

• Customer feedback or testimonials highlighting early success.

 

Tourism / Hospitality Business of the Year

 

Entry Requirements

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months.

• Must demonstrate commitment to customer experience and service excellence.

• Must have a positive impact on Exmouth’s reputation as a destination.

• Must provide supporting evidence.

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Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Overview of products/services and customer offering.

• Evidence of delivering high-quality visitor or customer experiences.

• Details of business journey and key achievements.

• Examples of innovation, service excellence, or unique experiences.

• Customer reviews or testimonials highlighting satisfaction.

 

Trade Business of the Year

 

Entry Requirements

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months.

• Must have turnover below the threshold of £150,000.

• Must operate within a recognised trade (e.g. construction, plumbing, electrical, maintenance etc.).

• Must demonstrate relevant qualifications, accreditations, or industry standards (where applicable).

• Must evidence reliability, safety, and quality workmanship.

• Must provide supporting evidence.

 

Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Overview of services provided and areas of expertise.

• Evidence of quality workmanship, reliability, and professionalism.

• Key achievements, accreditations, or industry standards met (if applicable).

• Customer testimonials or reviews demonstrating trust and satisfaction.

• Examples of projects completed and contribution to the local community.

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Young Entrepreneur of the Year

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Entry Requirements

• Must be based in or actively serve Exmouth.

• Must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months.

• Must be younger than 30 as of 1st April 2026.

• Must provide supporting evidence.

 

Examples of Supporting Evidence

• Overview of the business or role within the organisation.

• Key objectives and achievements to date.

• Personal business journey, including challenges and progress.

• Plans for future growth and development.

• Customer or stakeholder feedback demonstrating success and impact.

 

Judges Choice

 

Entry Requirements

• To win this award, you must enter one of the categories above and the entry is selected from submitted applications across all categories.

• Judges will consider overall impact, quality of submission, and standout achievement.

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