The Business Achiever Awards is the most credible local awards program in NSW. To ensure that we maintain the highest judging standards, there are four (4) judging stages:
Stage 1: Public Nominations
Stage 2: Small Business Questionnaire
Stage 3: Mystery Shoppers
Stage 4: Tally Results
Stage 1: Public Nominations
Stage One brings our readers and local residents into the decision making process. Each of our 19 newspapers will feature a Business Achiever Awards nomination coupon where everyone is invited to nominate their local businesses. This nomination form will run in paper for four weeks per awards region.
During this four-week period, readers will also be able to vote for their favourite business online or via a downloaded nomination form from the website. Online voting makes it easier for people to nominate in each category progressing to Stage Two. There are 28 categories in each area, with the top six nominated businesses in each category progressing to Stage Two.
Stage 2: Small Business Questionnaire
The top six nominated businesses in all categories are asked to complete a business questionnaire. The questionnaire is a key judging component giving finalists the opportunity to give insight into their business and identify what sets them apart from their competitors.
The questionnaire contains questions on customer service, staff training and measuring business performance. Questionnaires need to be completed online and include a multiple choice and written text component. This system will allow us to adequately give feedback on your business using a comprehensive benchmarking system*. Returned questionnaires are reviewed by a panel of reputable judges including a member of the NSW Department of State & Regional Development, local Council and members of the local Chamber of Commerce.
The small business questionnaire makes up 50 percent of the finalist score.
Stage 3: Mystery Shoppers
All finalists will be independently mystery shopped - assessing each business on customer service, product quality and presentation. This section creates a benchmark between businesses, identifying strengths and opportunities for growth and key differentiators.
The mystery shop report makes up 50 percent of the finalist score
Stage 4: Tally Results
After the businesses complete their questionnaire and a mystery shop is conducted, the results will be tallied to find the winner of each category. The Business with the highest combined result will then be accredited as Local Business of the Year.