There were 43 entries into the Australian component of the Dell Small Business Excellence Awards and the first task of two members of the judging panel was to reduce the 43 entries to 10. The selection was made by comparing the responses of each entry to the four main questions asked. Each of the two judges did this independently and there was a high degree of commonality with nine of the 43 being common and the 10th agreed to through an exchange of emails.

The final judging took place in Sydney with most of the judging panel being present. Those who could not be present sent in their top three candidates. A robust discussion took place and the decision was unanimous.

 

The meeting agreed however that a second place getter would be agreed upon just in case follow-up research into the winner regarding claimed sales turnover levels etc raised issues. Should as expected the winner be formally declared then all other 9 finalists would remain unranked.

The judges were very confident in the efficacy of the judging process and in the way the Awards program had been conducted.