Unquote" Awards: tips for entering

Alice Murray
25 June 2014

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As the deadline for entries nears, unquote" is receiving lots of questions about the Awards. Here are some of the most popular queries and our responses.

Q: Where do I find a list of categories and entry forms?
A: All the information can be found on www.britishprivateequityawards.com.
Simply click the 'ENTER HERE' button on the home page to begin your submission. Once registered you will be able to fill in the digital form at your own pace, adding information and editing as you require.

Q: Are there any new categories?
A: Yes! Growth Capital has become increasingly important and so is now recognised in our exit of the year categories.

Q: What should I do with my completed submission and entry form?
A: Forms must be completed by 11 July 2014. Forms will be automatically entered once the submission process is complete.

Q: Is the length / file size of the submission set in stone?
A: The online submission form automatically limits how much information you are able to supply. Our judges are incredibly busy people who will become quickly frustrated at submissions that are too long. Equally, they are unimpressed by cut and pasted press releases.

Q: How are winners determined?
A: A panel of key industry professionals will discuss the entries at the beginning of September. (Names of judges can be found at www.britishprivateequityawards.com). Their picks make up the Shortlist, which will be revealed in September. Readers will then be asked to vote for the winners. Results of this vote, combined with the judges' picks, will determine the winners. The winners will be announced on the night of the Awards on 2 October.

Q: Our numbers/lists are confidential. Will the information be made public?
A: Judges will see all the information you provide, but it does not go beyond the Panel. You are asked to provide a brief statement with the entry (on why you should win), which WILL be sent to unquote's readers for voting, should you make the Shortlist. So this section should not contain any sensitive information.

Q: Can I add logos, graphs, graphics and images to my submission?
A: Yes, there is an option when completing the online submission form to attach files; you can upload up to 5MB. At the bottom of each page there is an upload button; just click to add files.

Q: Can I include supporting documentation or information alongside the submission?
A: Web links to any supporting documentation or websites can be included in the submission but these should not be sent separately to judges.

Judges will exercise their discretion whether to look at supporting documentation/websites. Firms will not be penalised for failure to provide additional information.

Q: Can I submit the submission in a different file format?
A: No. We will only accept submissions through our online service.

Q: What exactly are we looking for?
A: The overall aim of the awards remains the same: to recognise success and innovation in the UK private equity market. This year it is also looking at how the industry Builds British Businesses – so do talk up success that goes beyond LPs' coffers!

Q: What makes a winning submission?
A: Different judges look for different things. However, you stand a much improved chance of winning the award if you focus on how you have innovated and improved the service you provide clients over the 12 months to 30 June 2014. Do not just give numbers – explain them. And when describing new products/innovation, make it applicable to a particular deal to really help judges understand its utility.

One of the big bugbears for judges is that, while a particular firm may have launched an amazing service or product for clients two years ago, or is the biggest firm in a particular area, the submission does not adequately demonstrate what changes and improvements it has made over the period of assessment in question (1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014).

Q: Can I include client quotes/testimonials in my submission?
A: Some judges like to see client quotes, others aren't too fussed. If you have them, they can add colour to a submission but, if not, don't worry about them.

Q: What is the deadline for receipt of submissions?
A: The deadline for the final submissions is 11 July 2014.

Q: Is all the information contained within the submissions treated as confidential?
A: No. The Executive Summary WILL be distributed to our readership for voting purposes if you are shortlisted. However, only the judges will see the rest of the submission. None of this (non-exec summary) information within the submissions will be published by unquote" without express written permission.

Q: How do I buy a table at the awards?
A: For further information about table bookings, please contact Johanna Orring on johanna.orring@incisivemedia.com.

Q: Can I sponsor the awards?
A: Yes! For further information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Johanna Orring on johanna.orring@incisivemedia.com.

Q: What should I do if I have read the above FAQs and still have further questions?
A: Please could you double-check your query is not answered in any of the information above. Should you have any further queries about the awards process, please contact Alice Murray on alice.murray@incisivemedia.com or by calling her on 0207 316 9563.