Shortlist 2012 is out

Don't shoot the messenger

As you will probably see from the headline - the 2012 shortlist is now out.

The judges met this morning and spent several hours discussing the results before deciding on the shortlists.

I have to say it was a unanimous belief among the judges that the standard of entry has increased dramatically this year and therefore it really has been harder than ever to make the grade.

I am also pleased to say there are some newcomers to the awards process this year so it was great to see them, along with the more familiar faces.

I'll say it again - thanks very much for all the effort and hard work that has gone into the entries this year - it really shows.

I cannot give feedback on every individual entry - that is just an impossible task, but inevitably my answer will be the ones that made the shortlist really did give the judges a wealth of information to use, and included stronger case studies/testimonials to make their entry stand out.

Some entries didn't really contain enough facts and figures, some didn't have any testmonials or case studies, and some just were too long without actually telling the judges anything. I cannot stress enough how less is more.

Also in the case of some vendor entries, they were just not focused enough on the UK, or didn't really give the judges any idea of how the vendor has operated and interacted with its channel partners over the past year.

That really is all I can say to anyone wondering why they didn't make the list. Unfortunately not everyone can be on the shortlist. Otherwise it wouldn't be much of a competition.

However please don't give up if you didn't make it - there is always next year. Read through your entry, compare it with the criteria and imagine you were one of the judges looking at the entry based on that criteria - did it really put your company in the best light? Think about what could have been done better and I'm sure you will see your name in the shortlist next year.

As for those that did make the cut, a huge well done. This was not an easy year to be shortlisted at all - so it is a real achievement and one to be very proud of indeed.

Entries will now go onto the second stage judging panel, and for those of you that have made the 'big three' - Vendor/Reseller/Distributor of the Year - remember you have to come and present to the judges on our second judging day - Monday 24 September - so you have plenty of time to get working on your presentation. You will be sent full details of the day shortly.

Congrats to all our shortlisters.