Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter?
Who can enter?
What is a "small to medium sized family business"?
How do I enter?
I entered last year, can I enter again?
Who is ineligible to enter?
Can I nominate myself?
Can I nominate another Business Partner?
Do I have to be at the awards night?
I haven’t got time to spend on putting together a flashy entry and I don’t think I’d have a chance up against some other business partners?
Is there a deadline for submitting entries?
Do you have any tips for completing my entry?
Who are the judges that evaluate my entry?
Is my entry confidential?
What happens to my entry after the awards?
How will I know if I have been selected as a finalist?
Where can I get assistance with completing my entry?

Q: How much does it cost to enter?
A: Entry is free for all HIA Business Partner Network Members. The continued support of HIA Insurance Services has allowed for HIA to maintain free entry for this prestigious award.

Q: Who can enter?
A: The criteria is:

• The business must be a current financial member of the Housing Industry Association Limited (HIA);
• The entrant must be a member of HIA’s Business Partner Network (BPN); and
• The entrant is a family or staff member working in some capacity in a small to medium-sized family business.

If you are not a BPN, click here to join.

Q: What is a “small to medium sized family business”?
A: Any family business with a turnover of up to $250 million is eligible.

Q: How do I enter?
A:Complete the following steps:

• Check to see if the entrant is eligible for this award
• Download and complete the entry form
• Include at least one image of the entrant electronically. This should be presented as a high-resolution jpeg of tiff format files (300dpi at A4 dimensions).
• Submit the entry plus image/s by 4.00pm Monday 5 July 2010, by either:

Email:         bpn@hia.com.au
Post:          HIA - BPN Awards
                  PO Box 884
                  NORTH RYDE BC NSW 1670

Q: I entered last year, can I enter again?
A: Winners of the 2009 Regional Business Partner of the Year Award and winners or entrants from the 2010 National Business Partner of the Year Award are ineligible to enter the 2010/2011 competition. However, all finalists of the 2008 competition are permitted to enter, as are winners from earlier years.

Q: Who is ineligible to enter?
A: 

• Judges and suppliers of the awards; and
• Winners of the 2009 Regional Business Partner of the Year Award and winners or entrants of the 2010 National Business Partner of the Year Award. 

Q: Can I nominate myself?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Q: Can I nominate another Business Partner?
A: Yes, you can. Just complete that section of the entry form which asks whether the person completing the form is someone other than the entrant. You will also need to consider whether you would like the nomination to be a surprise, so HIA know not to contact the entrant directly. 

Q: Do I have to be at the awards night?
A: It is not compulsory for entrants to attend the awards night, but you are encouraged to come along and enjoy the entertainment and a great social evening with your industry peers. Finalists and winners of the 2010/2011 National Business Partner of the Year Award will be announced at the 2010 regional awards events.

Q: I haven’t got time to spend on putting together a flashy entry and I don’t think I’d have a chance up against some other business partners?
A: Your entry doesn’t have to be complicated or ‘flashy’ to be in the running to win. You do however need to make sure that it is comprehensive and that you address the criteria and provide the information required for the award. Keep in mind, unlike some of the housing awards categories, the Business Partner of the Year award is judged solely on the entry form – so the judges need as much information as possible.

Q: Is there a deadline for submitting entries?
A: Yes, entries need to be received by 4.00pm, Monday 5 July 2010 . Please note, late entries will not be accepted.

Q: Do you have any tips for completing my entry?
A: Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Start by making bullet points as rough notes for each question in the entry form. This will make sure you cover off on all your achievements. You can then flesh out the details from there.
• Get a second opinion. Ask a friend, colleague, or your partner to look over your entry form. You may have forgotten to include something important, or they can even check for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Start your entry early – make sure you give yourself plenty of time to consider your answers for the questions.   

Q: Who are the judges that evaluate my entry?
A: The judging panel is made up of the Chair of HIA’s National Membership Services Committee, plus two previous BPN Award winners.

Q: Is my entry confidential?
A: Yes, all entries are treated as confidential. The details contained in your entry are only accessible to staff of HIA and the judging panel.

Q: What happens to my entry after the awards?
A: One copy of your entry will be retained by HIA for our reference. All other copies will be destroyed. Your entry will not be returned to you, so please only include copies of documentation, not originals (such a certificates or newspaper articles). 

Q: How will I know if I have been selected as a finalist?
A: A letter will be sent to all entrants to inform them whether they are a finalist or not.

Q: Where can I get assistance with completing my entry?
A: You can call your local events team on 1300 650 620.