OPEN FOR ENTRIES

In difficult times, we need innovators more than ever. Human progress and problem-solving has depended on innovators and entrepreneurs since long before the advent of the internet. These are the game-changers, the companies that set new norms for others to follow. These are the ventures that will respond to the terrible impact of the coronavirus pandemic with brilliant ideas in bioscience, data analytics, logistics, digital communications and 3D printing of vital manufactured products — just as, in happier times, the online auction, home-stay, ride-share and crowdfunding pioneers created markets that barely existed before, to the great benefit of consumers and society at large. So, who are the companies that will rewrite the rules and help rebuild the economy in 2020? The Spectator and Julius Baer have come together once again to celebrate creative entrepreneurship across the UK. Julius Baer, founded in Zurich in 1890 and now a fast expanding player in the UK wealth management scene, has an instinctive sympathy with business-builders that bring new thinking and positive change to established markets. Entrants for these awards will be innovators with real passion for their product. And we hope they will come from every corner of the UK. We’re looking for entries that are already in the commercial marketplace — not still in the research stage — as well as financially resilient and in a position to scale up, nationally and internationally; and we’re particularly interested in those that have the potential to make a positive contribution to society and human wellbeing. We’re seeking four regional winners, and we’ll be asking high-profile judges in each region to help us choose them. We’ll also have a special award for outstanding social impact. The winners will be named at a gala dinner in central London and will be invited to join The Spectator’s elite private dining club of business leaders as well as benefiting from the extensive media coverage that these awards generate Now open for entries. Remember, we’re looking for companies that are bringing radical positive change to their sector, making a valuable social contribution, and capable of achieving national or international impact.

Closing date for entries: Wednesday 1 July 2020.

Please fully read the Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.

Please complete the entry form that follows in full. Incomplete entries will not be processed.

If you experience any problems entering the Economic Innovator of the Year Awards 2020 please email innovator@spectator.co.uk detailing the problem and we will reply to your enquiry as soon as possible.

The Economic Innovator of the Year is awarded to the company that the judges feel has been outstanding in innovating its marketplace. The decision is subjective and has no wider implications.

SECTION 1

1. Company name:

2. Your full name:

3. Your telephone number:

4. Your email address:

5. Will you be the main contact for all communication during the awards process?(If Yes, please proceed to Question 11)

YES/NO

6. Additional contact full name (if you answered ‘No’ to Question 5):

7. Additional contact job title (if you answered ‘No’ to Question 5):

8. Company name (if different) (if you answered ‘No’ to Question 5):

9. Additional contact telephone number (if you answered ‘No’ to Question 5):

10. Additional contact email address (if you answered ‘No’ to Question 5):

11. Are you the founder/co-founder of the company?If yes, please proceed to Question 14

YES/NO

12. Who is the founder? (if you answered ‘No’ to Question 11)

13. Is he/she still involved in the business? (if you answered ‘No’ to Question 11)

14. What is your job title now?

15. Date the company was founded:

16. Company address:

17. Company website:

18. If your company has a Twitter account, please include it here:

19. What sector(s) is your business involved in?

Agribusiness/Food/DrinkAutomotive/TransportBioscience/Healthcare/MedicalBusiness/Professional ServicesConsumer/LeisureEducationEnergy/EnvironmentalFintechSocial MediaOther

20. Which region do you wish to be selected for?

London & South EastWest & South WestMidlands & North EastScotland & N. Ireland

21. How did you hear about The Economic Innovator of the Year Awards?

SECTION 2

The next set of questions ask about your business, and why it is a Innovator.Please answer each question in 250 words or less.

22. Please describe your business very clearly:

23. Why do you believe your business deserves the Spectator’s Economic Innovator Award? Which market(s) has it disrupted — and how?

24. Is your business based on software or products you designed yourselves? Do you hold any patents?

25. Who are your closest competitors? How would you compare yourselves with them?

26. Is your company listed on any price comparison or review websites?If No, please proceed to Question 28

YES/NO

27. Please list price comparison and review websites which rate or comment on your products or services (if you answered ‘Yes’ to Question 11):

28. How has the business expanded since you began, in revenues, numbers of customers, staff etc.?

29. What plans do you have to expand and develop your business over the next three years? What are the biggest challenges you will have to overcome?

SECTION 3

The next set of questions relate to your company’s financial information.

30. How many people do you currently employ?

31. What were your total revenues for your last financial year, broken down between sales and other revenues (please specify briefly)?

32. What do you project total revenues will be in the current financial year, and next year?

33. What was the Net Asset Value of your company in your last audited accounts?

34. What was the seed capital for your business? Did you have backing from family members or angel investors?

35. What is your primary source of funding now?

Self FundedBank LoanGovernment GrantsAngel Investors, Venture Capital or Private EquityOther

36. Do you have plans to raise more equity capital in the near future?If No, please proceed to Question 38

YES/NO

37. How do you intend to do so? (if you answered ‘Yes’ to Question 36)

38. Who are your company’s professional advisors and mentors?

39. As well as entering your regional category, would you like to be considered for the Award for Social Impact?If No, please proceed to Question 41

YES/NO

40. Please say briefly why you think you should be considered (if you answered ‘Yes’ to Question 39):

41. Lastly, would you like to receive email newsletters about the Economic Innovator of the Year Awards 2020?