unquote" Awards: More tips for entering

1. Read this entry guidance and answer the questions. It is a bad idea to submit a collection of marketing documents and press releases – the submissions should be created specifically for the judges and answer the questions. Entry forms are on the awards site.

2. Focus on achievements you have made over the time period for which the awards are being judged. You stand a much improved chance of winning an award if you focus on how you have innovated, performed and improved the service you provide clients over the 12 months to 30 June 2013 (versus talking up the last five years or so).

3. Clearly state how your innovations and successes during the year have helped build British businesses. The overall aim of the awards remains the same: to recognise professionals that offer the highest level of innovation and performance for their shareholders as well as the wider stakeholder community. It's not just about the IRRs but also the external rates of return, as former BVCA chief exec Mark Florman has coined it (more on this later this week).

4. Make sure that you present your information in a clear, engaging and entertaining way. Short sentences and simple words are always best.

5. Think more about what the judges need to see to decide your firm is best in category rather than just giving them the information you want to tell them. Firstly, they need to be able to effectively compare your submission to others in your category. Secondly, if the exciting elements – such as IRR or headcount growth – are buried underneath general information about your firm, judges may not get to it. Once you've determined what the judges need to read, keep that as the main focus.

6. The competition is particularly fierce this year so make sure you think laterally. Think of ways to make your submission stand out from the crowd while ensuring that you meet all our requirements for length and size of submission.

7. Do not over-write your submission. The size limit is four sides of A4 paper and 500KB on a word document. Judges do not appreciate submissions that are longer than specified (or ones which require going to dozens of external sites to get additional information).

8. Submit your entry on time. Entries for this year's Awards are due on 5 July – no extensions will be granted. Sorry, but the Panel meets less than two weeks later and must be given ample time to read and consider all submissions.

Good luck! Winners will be announced on 3 October at the Awards Dinner.

Click here to read our FAQs on entering the 2013 unquote" British Private Equity Awards.

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