The Local Business Awards are conducted over an 11-week period.

The public had the opportunity to nominate their favourite local businesses in a selected category. Customers were able to nominate a business by visiting the Local Business Awards website or submitted coupons located at their favourite business’ premises.

“Finalists were selected based on the number of online and printed nominations they received in their specific category so the most popular businesses were selected,” a spokesperson said.

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“Finalist businesses were notified of their selection by the Local Business Awards by email or telephone.

They received a finalist pack that included an invitation to the Local Business Awards gala presentation evening, a certificate, the judging criteria and general information about the Awards.

“Then finalists were selected based on the number of nominations they received from the public, the more nominations received, the better chance of being selected as a finalist.There was no arbitrary cut-off point, as the number of nominations received varied for each category.

“Once finalists were selected they were judged based on a two stage process of information provided by the business and an anonymous visit by a judge.”

In order to proceed to the final stage of the judging process five qualifying criteria should be met.

Also the anonymous judges visited the business premises of each finalist and evaluated them based on their ability to deliver on the fundamental principles of quality customer service.

The principles of quality customer service included, but are not limited to, customer service, range and/or presentation of products/services, value for money and the overall business presentation, including the online presence of the company and the online experience provided to the customer.

If a visit to the business premises was not possible judges evaluated the business’ website and online presence (social media, advertising etc) and could conduct impromptu telephone interviews.

The winners will be announced at the prestigious Local Business Awards gala presentation evening attended by local business people, sponsors and dignitaries - tickets are only available to finalists and sponsors.

What it takes to be at gala evening

Just some of the criteria:

Is the exterior of the premises well maintained; access for prams, trolleys and wheelchairs plus appropriate signage?

Does the business have a well thought out website and online presence?

Are products easy to find, is there a broad range of products and are they easy to find on the website?

Are products or services well priced and compare favourably to other items of similar standards? Are guarantees (or an exchange policy) offered?

Is the customer welcomed with a greeting, smile or eye contact?

Does the staff member give undivided attention to the customer, and is knowledgeable about the products and services provided?

Does the website answer any questions a customer may have or means to have questions answered quickly by an employee?