Chairman of the Year Sponsored by

This category will select the chairman whose strategic input, advice, contacts and market knowledge have identifiably improved the performance and position of the company that employs them. We will be looking to reward ventures whose level of 'corporate governance' is exemplary and which communicate effectively and routinely with their shareholders/investors. Enter award online »

Chief Executive Officer of the Year Sponsored by

A wide range of measures will be used for this award. We will consider the nominees' impact on sales, profits, earnings and share price (all on a 12-month basis) as well as those who have reduced losses and been at the helm of turnaround situations. The main focus will be on 'professional' chief executives rather than those who have founded the company and/or are significant shareholders. Enter award online »

Finance Director of the Year Sponsored by

We will look at those who have posted good earnings per share figures. We will also examine reductions in losses in the company and tight control of costs. Innovative borrowing, banking and/or fundraising facilities will also be considered and we will seek to reward those who have produced exceptionally transparent accounts. Enter award online »

IPO of the Year Sponsored by

We will consider the amount of money raised, costs of float, timing, the type of company being floated, the size of company and its sector. We will also look at the valuation of the company at float and the performance of the shares since flotation – those that go to healthy but not extravagant premiums will be considered. The award will seek to acknowledge the entire professional team involved in the IPO – company, broker and adviser. Enter award online »

Deal of the Year

Sponsored by

Four areas we will consider: 1. The acquisition (of product/company/subsidiary) that was deemed most innovative/opportunistic in terms of price paid. We will consider the structure of the deal (the mix of shares, borrowings, fundraising used) and its impact on earnings for shareholders. 2. The sale of a division that realised the best possible cash value for the company and left it better focused/funded. 3. Reverse takeover deals. 4. Contract wins that materially changed a company's scale and business. As with the IPO award, this award will seek to reward the entire professional team involved in the deal - brokers, advisers and company. Enter award online »

Non-Executive Director of the Year Sponsored by

The winner will be the non-executive who has been the spur/catalyst for deals, contracts, acquisitions, and opened doors with advisers. As non-execs are independent monitors of companies, we will consider those that have engendered good corporate governance. We will use share price, profit and sales growth measures on top of this. Enter award online »

Investor of the Year Sponsored by

This award will look at the serial entrepreneur or fund manager whose stock-picking ability has been superlative in the previous 12 months – and solid over a longer period. We will use market standard performance measures as well as our own databases. Enter award online »

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by

This award will seek to recognise the entrepreneur at the helm of a young growing company whose flair, professionalism, dedication and opportunism has radically improved the trading prospects and the status of their company. Financial measures will be examined as well as various corporate deals, contracts, product development and product positioning. This award will focus on leaders who are founding shareholders or who hold significant stakes. Enter award online »

Specialist Investment Vehicle of the Year Sponsored by

This award seeks to find the specialist investment vehicle – be it a VCT or a fund listed within the “equity investment instrument” and/or “general financial” sector – which has performed strongly over the past 12 months, and admirably over a longer period. We will measure NAV, share-price growth and use other appropriate performance indicators.

Enter award online »

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognising the achievements of a legend of the AIM and small-cap world.