How to Enter
To take part you must first register your company’s interest, or your interest in the individual category, with the chance to win one of the awards at the prestigious presentation evening.
Do note that the awards are open to all companies/organisations and business individuals with a total or substantial presence in and around the Black Country, comprising the four boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.
Decide which categories you might like to enter and fill in our form to register your interest. For each of the categories you select you will receive an Express & Star registration number back by email which should be quoted on the final entry form and without this, your entry will not be accepted.
Having registered your interest, there is a choice of ways to submit your formal entry, or entries. No company may submit more than three completed entries, including one for the individual category.
You can make the whole entry on line by using the hyperlink sent with your Express & Star registration number. The form includes a section asking for common information and then a large text area on which to explain why your business should be selected as one of the finalists. If you are submitting more than one entry, each one must be sent separately with its own Express & Star registration number. All entries must reach us by close of business on Thursday, September 11.
Alternatively you can download the entry form as a PDF file. This will include three blank pages on which to explain why your business should be selected as one of the finalists. Hard copies should be addressed to Best of the Black Country 2008, Promotions Department, Express & Star, Queen Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1ES, to reach us by close of business on Thursday, September 11.
Company information will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be disclosed to anyone other than the panel of judges and final judges, if applicable. Do note that the contact details of all companies who register an interest to enter will be made available to the campaign sponsors. 
Initial judging takes place straight after the closing date and three finalists are selected in each category. Sponsors cannot take part in the competition.
The chosen finalists will be visited on site some time during the middle two weeks of October. The selection of the three finalists in each category will be at the discretion of the judging panel according to the laid down criteria. Video filming of the finalist companies/individuals will take place during October, with this footage used at the awards evening.
Representatives from the three finalists in each category will receive four complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony on Thursday evening, November 27 at Walsall Football Club. The winner of each of the awards will be presented with a trophy and cheque and must be prepared to take part in publicity throughout the campaign.
If you have any queries on the campaign, call the project team on 01902 319362.