The winner of this award will be the business that can demonstrate innovative thinking, enlightened approaches and new initiatives that make their business a great place to work.

Who should apply?
Any MR agency or organisation that can prove it is a great place to work.

What will the judges be looking for?

• practical demonstration of professional development of staff at all levels (including management)
• encouragement of new working techniques
• development for the good of the individual as well as the business
• a business that rewards staff for a job well done
• In particular, the judges will look for evidence that employees are offered real career prospects and than an agency is seeking to widen the skills and knowledge base of its employees beyond the research world and into the wider commercial arena.

How to apply

• one copy of the submission document
• one copy of the entry form
• a high resolution copy of your company logo (in jpg format)

Entries should be sent to researchawards@mrs.org.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 27 July 2011.

Submission format
Basis of submission: 500 word (max) statement supporting your case plus specific additional information.

Your statement should specify:

• date of incorporation
• numbers employed (split between executive and support staff)
• fees and profit data for two years (where possible)
• you may also include up to three short ( 100 words max) anecdotes from members of staff

Only electronic applications in the required format will be considered for this award.

• Download and complete the MS Word submission document and entry forms – these two forms will constitute your award application.
• Your submission will be judged on the merits of the submission document alone – no appendices or additional material will be considered.
• You must send a high resolution version of your company logo, or two logos if the project is an agency/client partnership, in print quality jpg format (about 300dpi) to be used for publicity purposes if your entry is shortlisted for an award.
• The submission document, entry form and company logo should be sent as attachments to the same email with the subject line Best Place to Work Award Entry 2011.

Rules of entry – Best Place to Work in Research

• You must nominate a primary contact on your Entry Form who will take overall responsibility for the entry.
• The primary contact must ensure that permission to enter the Awards is obtained from all parties involved including any clients or suppliers.
• Entries must not overtly ‘sell’ any organisation. Company logos are acceptable.
• The judges’ decisions are final. The Panel will not enter into correspondence about why an entry is not selected as a finalist.
• All submission materials will remain confidential to the Judging Panels and MRS during the judging process. We may subsequently wish to publish information based on the materials provided but specific permission to publish will always be sought from the entrants.
• Entries must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 27 July 2010 to qualify. No extensions will be granted.

There is an entry fee for this award. You will be invoiced once your entry has been processed. Failure to pay by 01 September 2011 will cancel your application.

One ticket to the Research Awards Dinner in December will be allocated per shortlisted entry. Additional tickets can be purchased nearer the time at the standard advertised price.