Entering Your Local Business Awards

 

 

There are numerous local business awards available that can benefit your business. Here is some valuable information on the location of some key awards and advice on applying.

The Benefits Of Entering Business Awards

Regardless of the size of your business you can enter a business award. There are a variety of local awards and the benefits of entering include:

• Free marketing/PR
• Attracts new talent
• Strengthens credibility
• Motivates employees

Here are some local business awards and how to apply for them:

Sheffield Business Awards

The Sheffield Business Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the region, now in its 16th year.

Date and Location: Thursday 7th December 2017 in the International Hall at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

Categories:

• Excellence in International Trade Award
  Judges will look for innovative approaches to establishing and entering new markets
• Outstanding Business of the Year
  The judges will be looking for an award winner that excels in innovation, diversity, growth, customer service, investment in people and strategic thinking.
• The Sheffield Business School SME of the Year
  Open to organisations employing up to 100 full-time members of staff and not exceeding a ~50 million annual turnover.

Brighton And Hove Business Awards

Designed to raise awareness and to applaud the diversity and uniqueness of Brighton and Hove, the BAHBAs is the city’s premier business awards scheme, now in their twelfth year.

Date and location: Thursday 14th September 2017 at Proud Country House.

Categories:

• The Judges Award for Business of the Year
  The judges are looking for a business that they feel has stood out head and shoulders above all others.
• The Best New Kids on the Block
  Open to independently owned businesses, less than three years old. The judges are looking for companies that show clear evidence of their ability to make their business succeed. Franchises are not permitted to enter.
• The Creative Industries Award
  The Brighton-based businesses who enter should be producing cutting-edge creative media and/or technology that have made a big noise in the creative world and beyond.

Croydon Business Awards

The Croydon Business Excellence Awards is the borough’s biggest and most successful business event.

Date and location: Thursday, October 5th, 2017 at The Grand Sapphire Hotel, Croydon.

Categories:

• Business of the Year
  The winner will demonstrate all-round business competence and become a champion for Croydon.
• Tech Innovation of the Year
  The judges are looking for achievement in the development, sales and implementation of technologies, evidence of customer satisfaction and strong business/financial/market performance amongst other criteria.
• Best Start-Up Business
  This category is open to all business who have been trading less than 18 months. Companies should demonstrate a proactive leadership and management approach, strong financial growth performance, and a clear and impactful plan for sustained growth

The Leicester Mercury Business Awards

The Leicester Mercury Business Awards aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies throughout Leicestershire.

Date and location: 27th April 2017 at Leicester Arena

Categories:

• Company of the Year
  Judges look for a business that can be universally respected for their commercial practice and dedication to success.
• Business Entrepreneur of the Year
  The judges will select finalists that best represent the entrepreneurial spirit of the area, looking at the achievements of the entrepreneur and the results returned by their business.
• Excellence in Science & Technology Award
  Finalists are judged on the quality of their products and services and their commitment to innovation and the sustainability of their business.

Oxford Business Awards

The Oxfordshire Business Awards has been held for 23 years, recognising, rewarding and promoting the excellence of Oxfordshire-based companies.

Date and Location: Friday 16 June 2017 at The Kings Centre

Categories:

• The Oxford Science Park Innovation Award
  The judges will seek evidence of the development or introduction within the last three years of an innovative product, process, service or business method.
• The BRITA Green Award
  This category is open to any organisation, irrespective of size or industry sector.
• The Darke & Taylor Business of the Year Award
  The winner of this most prestigious Award will be the business most able to demonstrate all-round achievement, a clear vision for the future, success against objectives and sustained growth.

Tips For Entering

• Enter the category based on your strengths as a company.
• Accuracy – avoid spelling and grammar mistakes and keep it simple. Write in plain English.
• Answer the questions and make sure you write enough to be judged on. Award entries are usually best written by the PR / Marketing team.
• Include evidence of what you have done.
• Allow enough time to complete the application before the deadline and answer all the questions
• Research who the judges are.

There are many more local business awards available, so it’s possible to find the right award for your company, and even just applying for an award can provide significant benefits to your business.