How to Enter…
- You can submit an entry for your own business or you can nominate another business
- Use the Entry Form to enter your own business
- Use the Nominate Form to nominate another business
- If a business is nominated they will be contacted to invite them to submit a full application
- Please check to postcode criteria for entries –
- You can view the award categories here:
- The closing date for entries is Friday 18th September 2026
- The awards ceremony is on Friday 6th November at The Charmandean Centre
- Watch the ‘Top Tips for Entries’ presentation here
Top Awards Tips…
- A business award (gained either by winning the outright competition, an award category or just being a finalist) is an overlooked marketing tool which can highlight your company beyond the normal marketing routes.
- Ensure that you meet the deadline date! The closing date for entries and nominations is Friday 18th September
Why should I enter?
- An award provides an opportunity to showcase your business to customers and suppliers.
- An award can provide credibility and status.
- An award can raise your profile, thus opening doors to new customers and suppliers.
- An award paves the way for considerable press coverage, otherwise perhaps out of reach. The press is always interested in stories of successful small businesses.
- An award will attract possible partners or investors.
- Including your staff at the Award Dinner has a great effect on morale boosting. Use it to say “thank you” for their hard work. Remember – your employees have helped you get there!
- Entering an award competition will help you focus on your business issues. This in turn usually helps your bottom line.
Guidelines to help you with your entry…
- Ensure that your application is clear and concise. Remember the judges are looking at a considerable number of entries. You need to make an instant impact.
- Read the entry criteria and ensure that you understand what the judges will be looking for.
- Understand the category you are entering and tailor your information to suit
- Evidence bases everything you state. You cannot just state that you have achieved something; you must prove your statement.
- Remember to “market” your company. Attach samples of publicity material, press cuttings and other relevant material to the online entry form. Be innovative!
- It is important to be able to evaluate anything that you have introduced into the business. Pinpoint how these changes have improved your profit, customer base, costs, and staff recruitment/retention. Ensure that you measure any improvement.
- Don’t forget to showcase your business. Be proud of what you have achieved!
- Check your entry before submission; ensure all the relevant information is included before submitting your online entry
Get a second opinion…
- Writing a submission can be intensive and the person writing it can become too close to the project. Have someone proofread the submission to get a second opinion or leave it alone and go back to it after a couple of days. You will be surprised at how many changes you will make.
Finally, when you are happy you’ve got it covered, then use the online form to enter!