Advice to Entrants

The criteria has been put together with the aid of experts to help the judges make their decision. When writing your entry answer the questions posed by the criteria. It will help structure the entry, lend clarity to your response and keep the judges engaged. Departure from the criteria will be viewed negatively.

Don't use the firm's brochure as your entry. This has been tried in the past and judges see through it and take a dim view. It will almost certainly fail to address the criteria and indicates a distinct lack of thought about the awards.

Don't make bold statements without evidence to support them. In the past many entries have been filled with superlatives that sound impressive but are vague and unsupported by any facts. State clearly what your precise achievements are and try to use measures to illustrate your claim.

In the past good testimonials from clients have proved the difference between success and failure in the awards. Statements from identifiable contacts go a long way to convince judges that an entrant is successful. Anonymous quotes could be from anyone and have generally only prompted doubts among the judges.

Don't use life stories or comprehensive histories as the basis for your entry. The award is not about the firm's 50 years since foundation, or the 25 years of a colleague's career. It's about the difference and changes they've made in recent times.

Judges like brevity but half a dozen bullet points are unlikely to deliver the full story about your entry. Take advantage of the word counts but don't overwrite or provide reams of background papers. The judges want you to get to the point, deliver your messages clearly and with critical information.

Your step by step guide to entering The British Accountancy Awards

1. Select your category
Visit the categories page to view the full criteria

2. Register on our online entry system & select your categories
You only need to provide your contact details at this stage. You can return to update your entries at any stage prior to submitting your entry. You can re-visit your entries at any time by using the page 'Manage My Entries'

4. Writing your entry
Once you have selected the categories you want to enter you can fill in the entry form. You can also upload any attachments and supporting documentation here. Entry forms and documentation can be updated and altered at any time until you choose to submit your entry.

Visit the 'Manage my Entries' page to access your entries

5. Submit your entry
When you are ready to submit your entries, login to online entry system, select your category and hit the 'Submit' button at the bottom right hand corner of the page. Congratulations you have now officially entered The British Accountancy Awards 2012!

You should receive an automated email to confirm your submission has been received. If you have any questions you can contact the awards team on 020 7004 7447 or email Natalie.WillmottTurner@incisivemedia.com

The judging day for all entries will take place in September 2012 and the short list announcement will follow shortly after.

6. Reserve your place at The British Accountancy Awards 2012
Everyone is welcome at the British Accountancy Awards. You don't have to have to be a finalist, or even have to have entered an award to attend. Timings, Table pricing and individual seat rates will be available shortly.