Eastern Daily Press Director of the Year award 2014 - Apply Now!

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• published: 09 Jul 2014
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Archant Dialogue are sponsoring this award for the first time, an award which recognises great business leadership making it a keenly-contested category. The award is a recognition that companies of all shapes and sizes, from both the private and public sectors, need leadership from its directors to drive performance and set a strategic vision for the future, while also demonstrating innovation in their products and services. Judges in this category will particularly be looking for someone who has excelled in a manner which has really brought benefit to their industry, to the county of Norfolk, or to a significant sector of the community. And they will not only be looking for a director who has been able to accomplish significant profit levels, but also for an individual who is seen as a positive symbol of creativity in the workplace and of genuine customer care, as well as maintaining a priority towards the growth of their staff. Last year's winner was David Horton-Fawkes, estate director at Holkham, a complex and diverse mix of privately-owned businesses centred on farming, property, and leisure employing more than 300 people. From 2000, the business, which had previously focussed on farming and property management implemented a rapid programme of diversification into multiple activities and his priorty was to consolidate this diversification period and optimise the performance of the businesses, which were viable, confront those which were not viable, and to establish a commitment to quality and then to build a platform for future growth from which to launch new ventures. His strategy established a clear structure, identified and empowered capable managers, and described a common vision and values to unite the company. Gavin Miller, managing director of Archant Dialogue, said he was looking forward to the opportunity of engaging with business leaders across a range of sectors. "We are absolutely delighted to be the sponsor of this category," he said. "It is fantastic opportunity to identify our leading business talent. "In our fast moving world, directors need to be able to draw on a vast portfolio of skill sets in order to set the strategy and operational direction for their businesses. "This award has been one of the most keenly contested categories in the EDP Business Awards and it will be fascinating to see which businesses make it to our final three and the awards night on November 6." Follow Archant Dialogue's coverage of the category on Facebook and Twitter. AWARD CRITERIA Strong leadership is a vital ingredient in business success and this award seeks to highlight the achievements of those at the forefront of their businesses and organisations. The award aims to recognise the hard work, creativity and innovation of Norfolk's business leaders, with the judges looking for someone who has not only excelled in the role but someone who has brought innovation to his or her industry, the county of Norfolk or to a significant sector of the community. Judges will be looking for directors who have vision, clarity and the ability to keep their eye on the ball in a challenging economic climate. The director will have not only accomplished significant profit levels, but will also be someone who is seen as a positive symbol of creativity in the workplace.