Judging Process

A separate panel of judges, organised by the sponsoring company, will adjudicate each of the categories in the Awards. You do NOT have to be a supplier or a customer of any of the category sponsors to enter.

Each panel contains representatives from the sponsoring company, plus an independent expert judge. This panel will draw up a short-list of competitors and will visit each finalist’s business or workplace. Or, the panel may call the short-listed finalists to their premises to be judged.

A member of the British Baker team then joins each of the final judging panels to help decide the finalists, who will take the trip to the awards ceremony in London, as well as the overall category winner.

A company may enter more than one category, BUT different company representatives must enter each of the chosen categories. No one person can enter more than one category.

The majority of the judging takes place between the beginning of May and the end of June 2010. The list of finalists will be published in British Baker at the end of July

Entrants’ checklist

• Make sure the entry form is completed clearly and legibly and that you answer all the questions fully
• Don’t be afraid to shout about your success; be proud of what you have achieved
• Get members of staff involved in entering – don’t do it all yourself. That way it’s a team effort and employees will learn more about your business during the entry process
• Include good quality photographs of your products in your entry pack. These will usually catch the judges’ eye. Remember, a good picture can speak a thousand words
• Paint a clear picture of your business, tell us how you adapt to changes with seasonal items, and make sure you highlight your unique selling points
• Highlight any training and staff development that has taken place and its results
• Describe in detail, plans and objectives you have for the future. Judges want to see that you are forward thinking
• If you are selected for a judging visit, gather together any training material or any other information. This is a great way to showcase your success.
• If you don’t succeed, don’t be disheartened. Look at the process as a positive way of evaluating yourself or the business. And don’t forget, try again!
• Don’t think your business is too small, or at too early a stage for you to enter. These Awards are open to all bakers. You’ve got to be in it to win it, so download your entry form now.