Ahead of the inaugural TBE Awards this October, we’ve been chatting to some of the judges to find out more about them.
Today we hear from Fiona Scott, Founder of Swindon-based Scott Media
A proud member of the TBE Award judging team, Fiona’s had an enviable career working for a number of media institutions including ITV and BBC. She cut her teeth in local press as a reporter in North Somerset and progressed to become Business Editor during her time at the Swindon Advertiser.
She then moved on to work in TV, working for ITV West in Bristol where she became a series producer in current affairs. When she went freelance she continued to work with ITV in Wales and for six years, she was a location director on BBC TV’s daytime series Flog It, right up until the final series aired in 2020.
She shares her thoughts below…
What excites you about the TBE Awards?
We have so few local or regional awards open to us in business and often they are aimed at a certain type of business with staff, which are scaling up and therefore a whole group of valuable and valid business owners are excluded. These awards are all about inclusion and they recognise how diverse business is and that all business owners have value even if they are sole traders.
What award are you most looking forward to judging?
For me it would be the ‘going the extra mile’ award as I’m a huge believer in ‘giving back’ and any business can do that regardless of size, also ‘flying the flag for the South West’ as I also have a strong sense of place and I don’t believe success is ‘out there somewhere else’ I think it starts locally and moves outwards.
What do you like about the way TBE does awards?
The awards have an element of fun and joy and there’s nothing stuffy about them. For me personally, there’s no need to try to squeeze myself into some kind of uncomfortable ball gown which, frankly, is my idea of hell!
What are you hoping to see from entrants this year?
Passion backed by evidence. Also, a willingness to stand up and be counted even if they don’t win. Entering takes effort and commitment and that should be recognised. Success can often come from simply showing up.
What makes a standout entry?
One that answers the requirements and fills the brief and does so with an authentic tone of voice. No BS, no flim-flam, just truth with supporting evidence as required.
What are you most looking forward to on Awards Night?
Meeting all of the people and celebrating with everyone who attends.
Are there any specific criteria or values you always look for when assessing potential winners?
Passion, purpose and an eye to profits. For me in that order. No business can survive without making money, however businesses which have purpose and passion alongside that are the businesses I want to work with, collaborate with and celebrate.
How do you think winning a TBE award can impact an individual or organisation?
This is hard to quantify and of huge value. Great credibility, it speaks to success as the entries are judged by a panel of qualified people and there’s rigour in that process. There’s also the exposure and natural brand awareness which comes from it and it can serve you for weeks, months and several years. Winning a credible award gives potential clients confidence in your brand and your team. You cannot put a price on that.
To find out more about the TBE Awards and to enter visit: www.tbeawards.co.uk
Pictured above: Fiona Scott, Founder of Scott Media
