Entries are now open for the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) annual awards, created to celebrate the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self-employed across the UK.
As the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar, the high-profile FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are free to enter and open to all.
Winning a business award is an amazing achievement and can bring enormous benefits to a small business through positive publicity and greater awareness of what you do.
There are twelve awards categories to choose from and you can enter as many categories as you wish, just select the ones that play to your strengths and reflect your business the best:
AWARDS CATEGORIES
Community Award
For businesses who undertake activity and initiatives that support their local community, including apprenticeships, or make a positive impact through employee-led activities. Judges will be looking for evidence of businesses that have been either set up to support the community through their activities or for businesses who help support the community through donations, resources or other activities.
Business and Product Innovation Award
This award is where bold, new business models and innovative products delivering dramatic results can shine. Judges will be looking for businesses which either offer a ground-breaking product or service, or that are using an exciting new approach to improve or disrupt a traditional market.
Larger Small Business of the Year
This award celebrates the larger small businesses who have expanded to 10-100 full and/or part-time employees. Judges will be looking for businesses that have demonstrated strong revenue, whilst retaining their service level standards and employee retention records.
Family Business of the Year
Championing the big contribution family firms make to business, this category seeks to reward the UK's top family-run SME with less than 250 employees. Judges will be looking for an organisation that can demonstrate how the family business's nature and values have contributed to success across the business.
Micro Business of the Year
This award celebrates micro businesses punching above their weight, for businesses with 9 employees or fewer. Judges will be looking for businesses that have demonstrated strong revenue growth and a product or service of a quality that stands above competitors.
Self-Employed/Freelancer of the Year
This award recognises freelancers and the self-employed and celebrates the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone. Judges will be looking for you to demonstrate considerable progression, a sound business plan and a sense of purpose for the future. Entrants must be able to show consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance, while demonstrating a clear understanding of the markets that they operate in.
Start-up of the Year
This award is open to start-up businesses operating for under two years in any business sector. Judges will be looking for businesses that have identified and exploited a market opportunity while building a solid foundation upon which their business can thrive.
Sustainability Award
This award is designed to recognise the most ethical, socially responsible, or green business. Judges will be looking for businesses that can highlight their main sustainability achievements, demonstrate how they have made an invaluable contribution to their business, and showcase how they are helping to drive wider progress in the green economy.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (aged 30 and under)
This award is for entrepreneurs aged 30 or under who have demonstrated the traits to achieve a level of business success that belies their age. Judges will be looking for young entrepreneurs that have seized the opportunity to establish their own business and are passionate for progress. This entrepreneur will be a beacon of inspiration to business people irrespective of age and industry.
Exporter of the Year
The Exporter of the Year category is open to both novice and established exporters. Judges will be looking for businesses that can demonstrate how working internationally has benefited their business profitability, growth, and strategy.
Diversity & Inclusion Award
This award celebrates the company who uses their role to ensure diversity and inclusion are at the heart of their business or specific project.
Service Excellence Award
Open to small businesses able to demonstrate how they have gone above and beyond to deliver first-class customer service. The Judges will be looking for how you have approached meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY
Deadlines for entry vary by geographical location, so check the dates here: Dates and deadlines (fsbawards.co.uk)
Shortlisted geographical finalists will be invited to an area finals event, which will take place across the UK between 24th February and 5th April 2023. The winners for each geographical category will then be entered for the UK Final, which will be held on 18 May 2023 at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham. Each category will have a winner, and the overall winner will be chosen from these finalists.
With winners from each category securing a spot at the prestigious UK final and a chance to be crowned the UK Small Business of the Year, it’s an opportunity for widespread recognition. Entrants will be judged by a panel of leading business experts with a wealth of experience in their industry.
You can find full details of the FSB awards, with lots of helpful advice on drafting your entry here: Entering the Awards (fsbawards.co.uk)
