Following our annual one-day conference this year, being held on the 7th November, the IED Awards Dinner will take place in the Sky Gallery at the Park Regis Hotel. The awards will recognise achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team, and organisational categories. Eight categories are now open for entry and a ninth, Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development, will be selected by the IED Board and expert judging panel.
Leader of the Year
Economic development professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and management in their role, and who motivate and inspire their team to achieve success through effective leadership.
Team of the Year
Exceptional economic development teams who have gone above and beyond in ensuring the smooth running and effective delivery of economic development functions in their organisations.
Rising Star of the Year
Younger economic development team members aged 30 or under (as of 1st June 2023) who have demonstrated excellence, commitment and gone above and beyond in their early career.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year
Individuals who have strived to actively promote, celebrate and raise awareness of EDI, improving under-represented involvement in economic development in their organisation or externally.
Social Value Champion of the Year
Individuals who have championed and made a significant contribution to social value creation, developing best practice in their field and making positive impacts in their communities.
Most Innovative Project of the Year
Innovative economic development projects which have pushed the boundaries beyond traditional approaches and delivered additional beneficial outcomes as a result of the innovation.
Collaborative Initiative of the Year
Outstanding cross-sector economic development collaboration between two or more partners drawn from local authorities, private sector, third sector, business and academia.
Outstanding Impact
For projects delivered and concluded in the last five years, which demonstrate benchmarked evidence against other similar initiatives. Impacts could include environmental, social, business support (from start-up to growth and scale), rural development and regeneration.
*Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development
Individuals who have made a sustained outstanding contribution to any field of economic development over a minimum of 20 years.
*To be selected by Institute of Economic Development Board and expert judging panel.
To enter the awards, individuals/teams should develop a 500-word entry on ‘why they should win’, together with an optional one page of additional evidence, and submit to admin@ied.co.uk by 5pm on 15th September 2023.