START-UP AND SME AWARDS

Start-up and SME Business Awards

Whether you’re a start-up or an SME, winning business awards can hugely enhance your business growth.

As a small company, it may seem daunting to enter awards, especially when you see big brands on the list of past winners – but all businesses have to start somewhere! Don’t be put off, there are awards out there specifically designed to celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of SMEs and Start-ups.

There is no time like the present to begin entering awards and the whole process of entering awards is a fantastic opportunity to analyse your business. You will enjoy valuable networking, get yourself in front of an audience of potential customers, and some awards even provide benchmark reports as feedback which you can use to improve for the future.

So it’s time to lose the “we’re too small to compete” attitude and start focussing on the benefits of winning!

How to start winning awards

If you don’t enter the right business awards competition you won’t have any chance of success, no matter how big or small your business.

You need to play to your strengths and think about your business goals. A good place to start is with an awards strategy that highlights the awards you should be entering over the year, and which categories are most suited to your business.

To get you started, here’s our top 6 SME and Startup Awards.

Top Start-up and SME Awards

Federation of Small Business Awards
With a cash prize for winners and a badge that shows credibility the FSB awards are very popular across the UK, these awards bring benefits to members and non-members alike.

Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards
A big awards name award with a big brand audience, but with a lot of love and support for small businesses. The Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards dedicate a category especially to small businesses and new entrepreneurs.

British Small Business Awards
The BSB Awards celebrate the best of Britain’s small businesses with an annual ceremony taking place in London.

Chamber Business Awards
Run by The British Chamber of Commerce this is a great award for gaining local business support, allowing you to enter regionally before winners compete for a national title. Free to enter for members and contrary to popular belief you don’t need to be a Chamber member to win.

Growing Business Awards
The awards do exactly what they say on the tin – champion the hottest growing businesses in the UK. With inspirational talent on the judging panel, your business could get a fantastic audience of potential clients, investors and partners just by entering the awards.

More awards opportunities for small businesses

Don’t forget to look into the brilliant business awards run by your local paper, magazines and business networks. These are especially beneficial to companies with a local customer base and can gain you some valuable PR.

You could also take a look at our top picks for Women in Business Awards and our top 10 Entrepreneur and Business Leaders Awards.

When you’re ready to enter and want some winning support, contact us and we will help you win the valuable business awards you need to grow!

Take a look at our bespoke business awards services and fill out the enquiry form below to book your free consultation with Awards Expert Donna O’Toole.