How much does it cost to enter?
Why do I need to pay?
How long does it take?
Where will the judging take place?
Who are the judges?
What criteria do we need to meet?
Who can enter?
Can we get feedback if we are unsuccessful?
Why should we enter?
How many awards are there?
What can we get out of it?

How much does it cost to enter?
The cost per entry is £150 + VAT (£176.25).
 
Why do I need to pay?
This Awards programme, unlike many others, has a very rigorous and robust judging process. The short-listing usually takes a panel of judges more than two weeks and the presentations usually take a further two weeks. The nominal fee that you are required to pay contributes towards the expenses of some of these judges and also lets us know that entrants are committed to seeing the process through, making planning more convenient. We are pleased to introduce a Benchmark Report, included in your entry fee.

How long does it take?
We suggest that you allow at least 1 - 2 hours to complete the application. All the questions are important and need careful consideration. Short-listed companies will be required to present in person to a panel of judges. The finalist judging will take 45 minutes where you are required to make a 15 minute presentation followed by a 10-15 minute question and answer session with 10 minutes allowed for set up and break down of any equipment.

Where will the judging take place?
Presentations to a judging panel for short-listed finalists will take place during July at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Cookham, Berkshire.

Who are the judges?
Judges are drawn from leading businesses, public and private sector organisations and think-tanks. All are selected for their business acumen, experience and knowledge of the specific subject matter.

What criteria do we need to meet?
There are separate criteria for each of the categories and this appears in the category description. The underlying values associated with all categories are ethics, success and innovation. Judges will be looking for evidence of best practice and excellence in customer service.

Who can enter?
Individuals and teams from any size organisation from any industry sector.

Can we get feedback if we are unsuccessful?
All Entrants will receive a Benchmark report which profiles the strengths and weaknesses of your entry and benchmarks your entry against the finalists/winner.  No further correspondence can be entered into after you have received the Report, as the judges do not reconvene at any time. 

Why should we enter?
The National Customer Service Awards is the largest event of its kind to offer National Recognition against a broad base of Industry sectors. The feed back we get is that just to be recognised and nominated is fantastic, to be selected as a Finalist is truly an honour. Attending the Oscars style awards ceremony is highly motivating and an amazing experience.

How many awards are there?
There are 28 Awards from Young Customer Service Professional to the Lifetime Achievement Award.

What can we get out of it?
Benefits include : awareness amongst hundreds of other competing organisations; association with the values of this robust competition; recognition of effort and benchmarking performance against your peers; Benchmark Report.