Judging Process

So what happens after I apply?

1. Provincial Judging Process

Once the closing date for entries of 30th November has passed, applicants will automatically enter our provincial judging process in Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht based on the business address of the company. Provincial judging will take place between December and January. Our provincial judging panels are made up of industry experts and successful local entrepreneurs. The panels will shortlist three companies** in each of the eight award categories who will be invited to a provincial awards event by early February.
One winner in each category is announced at each of the provincial awards who then advance to the national judging process where all 32 companies will be put before our national judging panel.
** Please note that if you’re a shortlisted provincial finalist you will be asked to submit additional financial information about your company ahead of the provincial awards. Specifically a set of up to date accounts and/ or projections will be required.

2. National Judging Process

As part of our national judging process, each of the 32 provincial winners is visited by a filming crew and must complete a three minute pitch to camera outlining details of their business, future plans for the business and why they deserve to win a national award.
Each provincial winner must also complete a 300 word update on their business since they entered the awards to give our national judging panel a clear picture of developments in their business.
The panel is made up of representatives from our awards partners and other industry experts. The national judging panel will review the pitches of the businesses (along with the previously submitted application form, 300 word update and financial information) and choose the national award winners in each of the eight categories along with the overall Ulster Bank Business Achiever.