Rules of entry

• The British Credit Awards are open to any organisation or individual that offers relevant products and services globally
• For all categories, companies and individuals will need to highlight their work and achievements from within the last 12 months.
• Attachments are limited to 1 A4 Page only in any format per submission.
• The same submission is not allowed to be entered for multiple entries.
• Third party nominations are preferred for individual categories.
• Our judges reserve the right to validate all entries
• Strict word count on each part of criteria – 1250, split over 4 questions.

Criteria:

All entries will have 1250 words limit on each submission. They will each have 350 words maximum on three separate questions and will have 200 word maximum on: Opening Statement – why do you believe you should win this award?

B2B Team of the year Award - Public, Private Sector or International.

Open to teams who have achieved operational excellence in any aspect of credit management delivery in a B2B environment, in the public or private sector This might include support functions, such as sales ledger, onboarding or billing for example. The judges will want to understand what has been achieved, how it has been achieved, and what the benefits have been. Entries will need to demonstrate the power of the team ethos and behaviours.

Supplier of the year Award - Serving the credit industry.

Open to suppliers to the credit management sector who are delivering innovative and effective solutions for credit teams in the public or private sector Entries should set out what the solution is, what benefits it has delivered and how the supplier and client have worked collaboratively to maximise those benefits

B2C Team of the year Award - Public, Private Sector or International.

Open to teams who have achieved operational excellence in any aspect of credit management delivery in a B2C environment, in the public or private sector. This might include support functions, such as sales ledger, onboarding or billing for example. The judges will want to understand what has been achieved, how it has been achieved, and what the benefits have been. Entries will need to demonstrate the power of the team ethos and behaviours

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Project Award - Creating teams initiatives.

This award recognises a credit team that has clearly demonstrated a strategy that puts ED&I at the heart of its business over the last 12 months. It may focus on one minority group, but the winner will communicate a strategy that provides clear support and inclusion for all.

Best Use of Technology Award *NEW* - Demonstrating tangible results.

Recognising the best use of information and communications technology, this award is open to entries from across the credit management spectrum. Entries should demonstrate achievement in greater efficiency and/or effective implementation within agreed budgets and timetables over the last year.

Best Employee Initiative Award *NEW* - Making a difference.

Aimed at recognising employers who have gone the extra mile in the last 12 months. Entries should show what has been achieved, the focus may be on one area, such as learning & development, but the winner will communicate a strategy that provides clear support and inclusion through training, recognition, staff engagement, driving professionalism, and building motivated teams for all.

Risk Management Award - Safeguarding business.

Open to any fraud or risk manager, risk management team, or third-party provider in the private or public sector or internationally, that has made a significant contribution to the avoidance of fraud, advancement of risk management, or can demonstrate the benefits of a risk management programme.

Shared Services Team Provider Award - In house or third party. 

This award is open to any shared service provider supporting business with centralised activity. The provider might be in-house or a third party external resource and the judges will be looking for best in class operations delivering effective and efficient solutions.

Debt Collection Agency Award - Third party recoveries.

Entries for this award can come from organisations providing third-party B2B or B2C debt collection services. They may be debt collection agencies or legal firms providing collection services. The judges are looking for evidence of the best performance within the sector, not only in terms of monies collected but also best use of employee reward, technology, customer satisfaction & integrity, including innovative approaches to niche sectors or markets.

Insolvency Creditor Support Award *NEW* - Practitioner or Team.

Insolvency work involves frequent contact and engagement with creditors. This award invites Insolvency Practitioners and all who work in this sector to demonstrate how they take creditor relationships seriously and work with them to achieve the best outcomes by maximising realisations or otherwise adding value. They will exemplify best practice in supporting, and collaborating with, the creditor community.

Law Firm of the Year Award *NEW* - Litigation specialists.

This award is open to law firms providing legal services to the credit industry. The judges will be looking for evidence of the highest quality service and appropriate solutions, showing how they contribute to better outcomes for the client.

Supporting the Community Award *NEW* - Giving back.

This award is open to any individual or team who shows commitment to making a difference in their community, promotes a charitable cause, or ‘gives back’ in any other way. It recognises commitment of time and energy to help others.

Rising Star Award - Professionals of the future.

The judges will be looking for an individual, two years or less into their career in credit, who has delivered exceptional performance in their role. They will show that they are already punching significantly above their weight and are committed to a career in credit or collections. They will have made a real difference since they arrived on the scene, and results will clearly illustrate their impact.

Technology Development Award *NEW* - Innovative products and services.

Recognising the development of information and communications technology, this award is open to entries from across the credit management spectrum. Entries should demonstrate achievement in greater efficiency and/or effective implementation within agreed budgets and timetables.

Innovation in Credit Award *NEW* - Creating change.

This award is for organisations or teams who have adopted innovative change of any sort to enhance their effectiveness and strength. The judges will want to see evidence of well thought-through change designed to improve the business in any part of the credit arena.

International Credit Award *NEW* - Global focus.

This award is open to teams who have achieved operational excellence in any aspect of credit management delivery globally, or in an overseas location. This might include support functions, such as sales ledger, onboarding or billing, for example. The judges will want to understand what has been achieved, how it has been achieved, and what the benefits have been. Entries will need to demonstrate the power of the team ethos and behaviours.

Team Player of the year Award *NEW* - The unsung hero.

This award is for individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time, energy, and talents to make a positive difference in their team. These individuals may have worked quietly behind the scenes, without seeking recognition or expecting any rewards for their actions. This is the chance to celebrate their contribution and value to the organisation.

Credit Professional of the year Award - Best in class.

This is the ultimate accolade and is awarded to an inspirational role model in recognition of outstanding professionalism in the Credit Industry. Judges will be eager to see entries for candidates who have delivered tangible and measurable improvements in their specialist area over the last 12 months. They will have to show a consistent and rigorous approach to professional development and training, and demonstrate a structured, considered and socially responsible approach to their business.

Internally Judged Categories (Announced on the Night)

Jenny Oldfield Support Women in Credit Award - Legacy Award

This award is presented to a woman currently working in credit management, who display a passion and drive for personal development in the credit industry. The prize is funded support through CICM qualifications at your next level or training, with CICM educational support. This award is provided by and in memoriam of Jenny Oldfield, a Fellow of the CICM who worked tirelessly in our industry, creating numerous opportunities for women both within her own business and companies across UK, US and Europe. She was keen to see more women achieve a successful career in credit management through both education and hands on experience.

Outstanding Contribution Award - Lifetime achievement.

This award recognises someone who has made a real contribution to the industry over a prolonged period of time, who has an accomplished career and is a consummate credit professional.

Sir Roger Cork Prize - Highest marked student.

An annual award presented to the candidate who achieved the highest aggregate CICM examination pass-marks within the calendar year 2023.

Excellence in Credit Management - The highest accolade.

CICM Excellence in Credit Management status is the Chartered Institute of Credit Management’s highest accolade. The professional body awards this accreditation only to organisations that can demonstrate they meet specific challenging criteria as confirmed by the Institute’s Executive Board. Successful applicants will achieve Excellence in Credit Management for a period of 2 years from the date the accreditation is granted.

Organisations can apply for the award annually and up to 5 will be awarded at the British Credit Awards. Judging will be undertaken by members of the CICM Executive Board.