Completing the nomination forms

There are different nomination forms for different award categories: appropriate forms are available from this web site - and there's a handy guide as to which one you'll need.

The forms Microsoft Word files: they are protected documents that will only allow you to complete the fields or form spaces highlighted with grey boxes. The rest of the form will move downwards if necessary to accommodate what you type.

You can move between boxes by using the up and down arrows on your keyboard, or by clicking with your mouse. You can type as much as you like in answer to each question. Once you have finished, click “Save as…” and give the file your own name. You should e-mail the form as an attachment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and also print it and send it to us by post, accompanied by your supporting material.

If you would prefer to, you can draft your text for each question in a separate document, and then copy and paste into the form. This means that you can count the number of words you have written easily.

When it comes to pasting in, select the “Paste Special | Unformatted Text” option, you will maintain the form’s font size and layout.

Do’s and Don’ts on the Descriptive Text

• DO type no more 1,500 words of text, describing your operations, policies and achievements. Use the headings shown as an agenda.
• DON’T exceed the 1,500 word limited – you will lose marks if you do.
• DO use the specified font and type size (i.e. Verdana, 10pt with 15pt line spacing)
• DO leave the top, left, bottom and right hand margins unaltered.
• DO use this form
• DON’T supply text typed separately
• DON’T send PowerPoint presentations except as part of supporting material.
• DO address all the headings below, though you may write more about some than others.
• DO leave some headings blank if you must – but be aware that you may lose marks if you do.
• DO be as positive and upbeat as you are able
• DO include relevant data that shows successful results, particularly if this can be related to stated objectives
• DON’T gushing prose that does not directly address the criteria.

Please note that nominations which ignore this requirement lose marks, and will be liable to disqualification.

Sending Supporting Material

Please support your entry with additional material relevant to the award criteria, such as:

• Visuals and publicity material
• Financial analysis
• Performance assessments.

We welcome supporting digital video of no more than five minutes’ duration. In order to allow us to make best possible use of your footage, the file format should be AVI or MPEG2.

Every separate item must be listed on the form and make sure you put the award category and entry name on each item (particularly CD-ROMs).

Sending Your Photographs

All entries require a minimum of two accompanying photographs.

For industry people categories, please try to ensure that the people are seen in a work environment (i.e. in a driving cab or by a vehicle or with colleagues). For other categories, please send pictures of your project or your company’s activities, but DO send one of the team involved.

These photographs may be used by us in a variety of ways, on the Bus Awards web site, in video presentations and in souvenir brochures and other printed material such as the trade press.

So that we can make the most effective use of the pictures you send us, please take careful note of the following 'dos and don'ts':

• DO ensure that the photographs are high-resolution JPG images (300 dpi) and at least 1200 x 1600 pixels. This implies a file size of at least 750k.
• DO put them on to a CD or memory stick and enclose this with your entry.
• DON'T rely on photographs taken with a mobile phone: they will generally not be of the right quality.
• DO ensure that you send JPEG files and not PDFs.
• DO remember that these pictures may be viewed by people right round the world, and should show your project or your employees off in the best possible light.
• DO ensure that staff look smart, are in uniform where appropriate and their ties are properly done up if they are wearing them. Shirts should be tucked inside trousers.
• DO remember to use file names for the photographs that include your company or project name.