The awards selection process begins when we announce to the readership and subscribers of Finance Monthly magazine that voting is now open and can be accessed via our awards website. The voting process is confidential and all votes are verified to ensure that no abuse of the voting platform can occur.

Each vote is cast via an online form where firms and professionals are invited to vote for individuals and companies in a number of designated categories. The voting is predominantly carried out by 3rd parties, such as colleagues, clients and industry peers. Each vote cast is counted and can be supported by further evidence of the nominees work via a personal recommendation.

Each voting period remains open for 13 weeks to allow businesses and clients the opportunity to send us information on those they feel have excelled in their designated field in the last 12 months. Our voting process is opened to our entire readership and is publicised through Finance Monthly magazine, Finance Monthly Online, social media channels, industry marketing partners and also through our key editorial channels - ensuring the voting platform is available to a substantial audience.

After the voting period has closed, all votes are counted and the companies and individuals that accrue the largest number of votes are then put forward to the next stage: The Shortlist

Once the votes have all been counted and verified the top candidates move to the shortlist stage.

Each candidate that is selected will need to have accumulated at least 20 votes during the voting process. Once a candidate has progressed to the shortlist they will be notified so that we may:

1. Ensure the shortlisted candidate is aware of their nomination.
2. Corroborate the details of the nomination.
3. Allow the candidate the opportunity to accept the nomination and be placed on the shortlist.

The Shortlist stage lasts approximately 21 days; this includes 14 days to receive additional information and a further 7 days to complete the research and judging process. During the 14 day additional information stage, the candidate is permitted to supply any supporting evidence they wish, which can include the following:

• Client feedback
• Client results
• Prior Awards
• Candidate CV
• Testimonials from either clients or colleagues
• Company Accolades

Please note that all information submitted in support of a shortlist will be viewed by Finance Monthly’s research team to ensure credibility and veracity.

Any information supplied will remain confidential and will only be viewed by our judging panel. No shortlist information will be used in the awards publication, online or for marketing purposes without prior permission. The shortlist stage allows our judges to review any additional evidence allowing them to narrow down the best of the best to the very best, so we can select our winners.

Following the shortlist stage our judging panel comprised of the Finance Monthly magazine senior management team will make a final selection and decide each category winner based on our designated criteria. This can include votes, supporting information and testimonials received during the previous stages mentioned above.

The criteria used by the judging panel are as follows:

• Supporting material, covering statements and evidence supplied
• Amount of documented activity/successes in the last 12 months when compared to industry peers
• Involvement in significant business innovation or notable work
• Recognised industry expertise (by peer group)
• Innovation in company turnaround ( where applicable)
• Examples of company innovations that have ‘disrupted’ the industry status quo
• Client Testimonials
• Each winner will then be notified by Finance Monthly magazine and will appear in our prestigious awards Winners' Edition.