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Categories

You may only apply to enter one award category, with the exception of the Emerging Leader category*. 

*All award categories are a business nomination, except for the Emerging Leader category which is an individual nomination. This means that an individual may apply for the Emerging Leader category as well as enter the business they own or work for in one of the business categories.

Ask yourself:

  • What is distinctive about my business that enables us to stand out from the crowd?
  • What makes us exceptional?
  • What sets up apart from our competitors?
  • Why do our customers and staff love us?

The following category explanations and business types are provided as a guide to assist you in selecting the most appropriate category to enter. You may also look at our past winners in each category to assist you to make your decision.

If you are still unsure about what category to enter, we recommend that you select a likely category and then move on to drafting answers to all the written submission questions. Once you have completed answering all the questions, review your category selection and consider if it still feels like the most appropriate choice based on what you have written about your business. Select the category that your business has excelled in the most over the past 12 months and that you can provide written evidence of success for.

Business Technology Excellence Award
This award recognises a business that has implemented new or advanced technologies into their business and/or within their client’s business to drive performance, growth and/or profitability.

Examples of Advanced Technologies:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Autonomous systems
  • Robotics
  • Bioengineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Software as a Service
  • Quantum computing
  • IOT
  • Augmented/Virtual Reality
  • Web3

Community Contribution Excellence Award
This award recognises a business that has achieved outstanding results in the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. CSR needs to be incorporated into their business strategy, extending beyond the financial bottom line, and integrating social, ethical, environmental and/or philanthropic values into core decision-making processes and company culture.

Customer Service Excellence Award - Professional Services
This award recognises a professional services business that has maximised performance, achieved growth and/or increased profitability through focusing on excellent customer service.

Definition and Examples of a Professional Services Business:
A business providing services that require highly specialised skills, expertise and knowledge with accredited professional certification, including current membership of a professional body with a prescribed code of conduct, ethical rules, and education and licensing requirements. 

  • Architects
  • CAs and CPAs
  • Civil and civic engineers
  • Lawyers and barristers 
  • Medical and dental practitioners and specialists
  • Psychologists and psychiatrists
  • Town planners

Customer Service Excellence Award - Trade, Retail & Services
This award recognises a trade, retail or services business that has maximised performance, achieved growth and/or increased profitability through focusing on excellent customer service.

Definition and Examples of a Retail Business:
A business engaged in the sale of goods to end users for use, consumption, or resale through multiple channels of distribution – from a physical or virtual location.

  • Retailing (Business to Consumer)
  • Retailing (Business to Business)

Definition and Examples of a Trades/Services Business:
A business engaged in the sale and delivery of a service to an end-user.

  • Trade services
  • Hairdressing and beauty services
  • Dry Cleaners
  • Mechanics, builders, painters, plumbers, etc.
  • Pest Control
  • Cleaners
  • Car Detailers
  • Mending and Repair Services
  • Storage, transport and logistics
  • Wedding Planners
  • Online and home-based trading businesses

Indigenous Business Excellence Award
This award recognises a majority Indigenous owned and/or operated business for exceptional business practices and achievements.

Innovation Excellence Award
This award recognises a business that has successfully developed and/or implemented an innovative new product, service, process or business model, that has commercial, social or organisational value, and has subsequently driven performance, growth and/or profitability.

Marketing and Communications Excellence Award
This award recognises a business that has a well-targeted and engaging marketing approach that has demonstrably contributed to their success and/or their client’s success.

People Management Excellence Award
This award recognises a business that has achieved outstanding success through effective people management.

Sustainability and Environmental Excellence Award
This award recognises a business who is actively working to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment and/or provides products or services that have a positive environmental impact. 

Emerging Leadership Excellence Award
This award acknowledges an individual, aged 18-35, who has demonstrated strong professional development and has made a contribution to the Cairns business community as an emerging leader. The winner will be awarded for their commitment to professional excellence, community service and leadership.