The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Judged on a combination of:

• Financial track record, and pursuit of excellence
• Creativity, innovation and ambition
• Leadership and customer service skills
• Training, people development and marketing strategies
• Commitment to the community
• Effective response to economic challenges
• Awards, testimonials and accolades
• A commitment to staff wellbeing and sustainability

For businesses in any sector, formed since January 1^st 2022. Entries will be assessed on:

• Strength and originality of business vision
• Clear and dynamic business plan
• Financial objectives, and evidence of progress
• Creative and ambitious marketing and growth strategies
• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability

For businesses in any sector employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff, demonstrating a high level of success. Judged on:

• Innovation, and forward-thinking strategies for growth
• Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage
• Commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
• Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
• Accolades, testimonials, and evidence of financial success

For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers. Judged on:

• Ways of consistently exceeding customer expectations
• Measuring customer satisfaction, and acting on feedback
• Training and development in customer handling and service skills
• Awards, accolades and testimonials
• A commitment to staff wellbeing and sustainability

For companies demonstrating substantial growth over the past 36 months. (Please note evidence will need to be provided during the application process) Judged on:

• Evidence of strategic and profitable expansion including last three years of accounts, evidence of new products/services and expansion into new markets
• A dynamic and scalable business model
• A growth in staff numbers and/or turnover, evidence of payroll growth for 3 years
• Ability to break into new markets, at home or overseas
• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability

For businesses which believe in the philosophy of ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:

• Top-to-bottom ‘buy-in’ from staff at all levels, over and above statutory requirements
• Examples of projects which have made a real difference to local people’s lives
• Promoting the value of community work through company vision and values
• Supporting Shropshire suppliers by ‘buying local’
• Fostering links with schools, colleges and community groups

Celebrating the contribution being made by companies of all sizes in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Judged on:

• Innovation and customer satisfaction
• Quality control processes, and use of new technology
• Effective leadership and management
• Testimonials, and evidence of financial success
• Wellbeing and sustainability policies and processes

For companies making a positive contribution to some of Shropshire’s most important sectors. Judged on:

• Established market position and strong financial performance
• Overcoming challenges to gain a competitive advantage
• Commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
• Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
• Awards, accolades and testimonials

For companies who have spotted a gap in the market and thought outside the box to fill it. Judged on:

• Your USP: What makes you stand out from the competition?
• Innovation in products, services or processes
• Evidence of profitability and effective leadership
• Testimonials, awards, and potential for future growth
• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability

For environmentally aware businesses which promote innovative practices, processes or technology. Judged on:

• Embracing green technology to lower the carbon footprint
• Promoting or producing eco-friendly products and services
• A cross-company commitment to ‘make a difference’
• Substantial and quantifiable improvements in environmental and commercial performance
• A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability

Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2024, who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit. Judged on:

• Evidence of a significant influence on the business
• A commitment to training and personal development
• Entrepreneurial attitude, reliability and work ethic
• Strong people skills and maturity beyond their years
• Testimonials from managers, colleagues, and/or customers.

As a member of the Shropshire Chamber Board for over 28 Years, it is appropriate that John is remembered at Shropshire’s premier business awards.

The introduction of the John Clayton Award in 2015 is a fitting way to honour his memory. John gave his time, wisdom and energy to numerous organisations providing support for communities across wide sectorial and geographical areas. It is therefore without question that this award is given to a person who will be independently nominated for their outstanding contribution to the community within Shropshire over the past 12 months.