AWARDS CATEGORIES
Our award categories encompass a broad spectrum of business accomplishments and their contributions to the UK economy and society.
If you would like to enter the British Business Awards please choose a category (you are welcome to enter in more than one category) below and find guidance on submitting an entry here
This award acknowledges the exceptional entrepreneur who can showcase outstanding vision, leadership and entrepreneurial flair in founding and advancing a business.
Judges will evaluate the candidate’s entrepreneurial attributes through a blend of the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Entrepreneurial Attributes (weighted 75%)
• Entrepreneurial spirit: willingness to take risks, overcome obstacles, display perseverance
• Pioneering: introduction of innovative approaches
• Strategic direction: formulation of a clear business vision, establishment of growth objectives
• Leadership: establishment of a conducive company culture, and demonstration of effective leadership qualities
• Impact: influence on the business landscape and within their respective industry and wider community
This award celebrates the individual influence of the UK’s most accomplished CEOs and business leaders. Distinguished CEOs are invited to join as industry champions representing the private, public, and third sectors.
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period.
In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Demonstration of Leadership (weighted 75%)
• Performance: The CEO’s accomplishments and impact on the performance of their organization in the past two years
• Company Culture: How the candidate has fostered a positive company culture
• Vision: An overview of the candidate’s leadership approach and their vision for the future
• Stand Out: Evidence of how the CEO stands out as a leader in the business community
• Evidence of a commitment to values based leadership
This award honours the finest SME in the UK, spotlighting exemplary small-to-medium-sized enterprises that serve as the backbone of the UK’s economy.
Judges will seek evidence of exceptional SME performance based on a combination of the following criteria:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. SME Excellence (weighted 75%)
• Expansion: Expansion of operations
• Industry Leader: Demonstrated excellence within their respective industry
• Subject matter experts, evidence that you are an authority in your field
• Company Culture: Evidence of a positive company culture
This award acknowledges the UK’s premier large businesses, showcasing the achievements of both public limited companies and enterprises with a turnover exceeding £100 million.
Judges will seek evidence of exceptional performance from large companies based on a combination of the following criteria:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Large Company Excellence (weighted 75%)
• Evidence of job creation
• Demonstrated social responsibility
• Company Culture: Evidence of a positive company culture
• Industry Leader: Demonstrated excellence within their respective industry
This award acknowledges the exceptional family businesses that are integral to the UK’s economy, ranging from multi-generational companies to family-run SMEs and prominent family run employers.
Judges will assess the excellence of the family business by considering a combination of the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Family Business Excellence (weighted 75%)
• Family leadership: Presence of a family member or members in senior leadership positions
• Details of the family history associated with the business
• Evidence demonstrating how the family’s values and dynamics contribute positively to the business’s success
• Evidence of how the family’s influence supports a positive company culture
This award celebrates businesses that prioritize their responsibility to the environment, local communities and wider world. The award highlights the positive impact of businesses on broader society and the social impact that businesses can have.
In addition, judges will evaluate corporate social responsibility achievements based on the following criteria:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility (weighted 75%)
• Demonstrated strong and consistent commitment to corporate social responsibility
• Positive impact on the environment or evidenced reduction in carbon footprint
• Positive impact in the community
• Positive impact on charities
• Effective implementation of ethical sourcing in the supply chain
• Actions and impact extending beyond the business’s bottom line
• Establishment of a robust corporate social responsibility culture
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This award honours businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in accomplishing environmental objectives alongside their business goals. The recipient will have effectively aligned business and environmental aims.
Additionally, judges will evaluate the environmental credentials of the business based on the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Environmental credentials (weighted 75%)
• Evidence of a well-defined and integrated environmental strategy
• Innovative methods employed in environmental management
• Promotion and provision of green products and services
• Measurable evidence demonstrating the organization’s achievement of environmental goals alongside business success
• Evidence of reduced carbon footprint
This award acknowledges the business that exemplifies a customer-centric approach at the core of its operations and demonstrates high levels of customer satisfaction.
Additionally, judges will evaluate the quality of the business in terms of customer care based on the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Customer Satisfaction (weighted 75%)
• Evidence of acquiring new customers
• A substantial level of repeat and referral business
• Description of how a robust customer friendly culture has been established
• Evidence of exceeding customer expectations and anticipating new customer needs through innovation in products and services
• Evidence of customer satisfaction
• Social Responsibility: Evidence of a commitment to values and social responsibility
This award honours the business that exemplifies the most effective growth strategy, resulting in exceptional achievements in sales, profit, and market share enhancement, whether through organic means or via integration and acquisition.
The judges will evaluate the effectiveness of the business’s growth strategy based on a combination of the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Growth Strategy (weighted 75%)
• Specifics of the growth strategy employed, such as adding new locations, investing in customer acquisition, or expanding a product line
• Evidence of successful impact of growth strategy
• Evidence that strategy is sustainable and will have lasting impact
• Social Responsibility: Evidence of a commitment to values and social responsibility
This award celebrates the exceptional employers in the UK, regardless of their size, who have fostered job creation and provided working environments where employees can excel and thrive.
Additionally, judges will evaluate the company’s excellence as an employer based on evidence of one or more of the following:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Employer Credentials (weighted 75%)
Please provide evidence of some or all of the below criteria:
• Contribution to job creation locally or nationally
• Ongoing provision of education and training for employees across the
organisation
• Cultivation of an environment or company culture conducive to employees
thriving
• Providing employment to youth or underrepresented groups
• Introduction of a specific human resources innovation
• Evidence of employee satisfaction
• Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI)
This award celebrates the accomplishments of UK businesses that demonstrate a significant level of international sales or operations.
Judges will seek evidence of the company’s exceptional international success through a combination of the following criteria:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. International Excellence (weighted 75%)
• Specifics detailing growth from exports and/or international business within the past two years
• Demonstration that a meaningful percentage of revenue is derived from overseas operations
• Evidence of successful operations internationally
• Details of future growth strategy to develop international markets
• Social Responsibility: Evidence of a commitment to values and social responsibility
This award honours the most exceptional companies in the financial services industry and is available to any financial service company operating in the UK.
Judges will evaluate the calibre of the financial services company based on a combination of the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Financial Services Excellence (weighted 75%)
• Contribution of the company to the UK’s reputation as a financial services hub
• Evidence of customer satisfaction
• Evidence of positive company culture
• Evidence of social responsibility
• Evidence of being a good employer
This award celebrates the UK’s most dynamic tech and digital companies that are spearheading innovation in the UK economy and globally, spanning from apps to cloud computing to Ecommerce to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Judges will seek evidence of excellence in a tech company based on a combination of the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Technological Excellence (weighted 75%)
• Development of a scalable business model facilitated by technology
• Successful commercialization of technology
• A successful track record in either researching, developing, manufacturing, or supporting tech tools
• Evidence of future growth potential of technology business
• Social Responsibility: Evidence of a commitment to values and social responsibility
This award honours the company that most effectively showcases its capacity to develop new products, innovations, or processes that enhance the commercial performance and future prospects of the company.
The judges will evaluate your entry by considering a combination of the following:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Innovation (weighted 75%)
• Commercial success of the new product or innovation, including sales performance or enhanced efficiency resulting from the innovation.
• Customer Focus – evidence of how your innovative approach meets your customer needs
• Specific details regarding the new product or innovation
• Evidence illustrating how the company culture or environment fosters innovation
• Social Responsibility: Evidence of a commitment to values and social responsibility
This award honours the investment partnership firm whose capital, expertise, and ecosystem support have driven exceptional growth and transformation across UK businesses. From scaling ambitious start-ups to unlocking mid-market potential, this category celebrates the catalytic role of strategic investors and partners in powering Britain’s business success.
Judges will evaluate candidates based on the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Strategic Impact (75%)
- Portfolio Company Success, Transformation – Demonstrated ability to drive significant growth and transformation within portfolio companies.
- Value-Add Contributions – Clear evidence of strategic, hands-on support (e.g., board guidance, talent development, ESG integration, or market expansion) that created measurable value.
- Positive Economic, Sectoral, or Community Outcomes – Proven contribution to broader economic, industry, or community impact through sustainable and inclusive investment practices.
- Scale and Impact of Capital Deployment or Value Creation Efforts – Demonstrable scale, reach, and effectiveness of capital deployment or value-creation activities leading to sustained performance.
This award honours the UK’s most outstanding senior executive or partner teams, showcasing collaborative leadership at the highest level. Whether steering through transformation, innovation, or scaling success, this category recognises the collective strength, vision and agility of a C-suite or leadership group that delivers business excellence.
Judges will evaluate candidates based on the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Team Excellence (75%)
- Team Cohesion and Aligned Strategic Vision – Recognises leadership teams that demonstrate strong unity, shared purpose, and clear alignment around a compelling strategic vision that drives organisational success.
- Delivering Strategy and Overcoming Challenges Collaboratively – Celebrates teams that have successfully executed their strategic goals through collaboration, agility, and effective decision-making — particularly when navigating complex challenges or change.
- Commitment to Culture, Values, and Long-Term Growth – Honours teams that foster a positive organisational culture built on integrity, inclusivity, and shared values, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainable, long-term performance.
- Commitment to High Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standards – Highlights leadership teams that embed ESG principles into their strategy and operations, demonstrating accountability, ethical leadership, and a commitment to positive impact.
Women routinely face multiple barriers in the entrepreneurship and business sphere. For example, in 2022, of the UK’s multi billion pound venture capital funding, female entrepreneurs routinely received less than a 2% share of the investments made each year. This award recognises the female business leaders and entrepreneurs, running exceptional companies. In addition, this award celebrates those who are providing inspiration and empowerment to female business leaders in a range of industries.
The judges will evaluate your entry by considering a combination of the following:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Other (weighted 75%)
• Performance: The leader’s accomplishments and impact on the performance of their organization in the past two years.
• Company Culture: How the candidate has fostered a positive company culture
• Vision: An overview of the candidate’s leadership approach and their vision for the future.
• Demonstrated evidence of their positive influence on other women in business, whether through inspiration, mentoring, public speaking, or efforts to encourage more women to enter their industry.
• Evidence that they have been trailblazers or opened new doors for women in business.
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The legal sector is critical to the ecosystem of the business sphere and interacts with every commercial industry. In 2023, the sector had a strong year with firms achieving an average of 8-10% in fee income growth. This award recognises the outstanding contributions of legal firms and teams shaping the landscape of law.
The judges will evaluate your entry by considering a combination of the following:
1. Commercial Success (weighted 25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Other (weighted 75%)
• Performance: The legal firm’s key accomplishments and performance of the organization in the past two years.
• Company Culture: How your firm has fostered a positive company culture
• Stand Out: Evidence of how your legal firm stands out as a leader in the legal community
• Social Responsibility: Evidence of a commitment to values and social responsibility
This award recognises the professional services firm that has demonstrated exceptional client impact, innovation, and industry leadership. Celebrating organisations that combine excellence in delivery with a commitment to people, culture, and thought leadership, this category honours those shaping the future of professional services in Britain.
Judges will evaluate candidates based on the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Advisory Excellence (75%)
- Client Success Stories and Sector Influence – Demonstrated ability to deliver outstanding client outcomes, build enduring partnerships, and show measurable influence and leadership within their sector.
- Innovation in Delivery Models or Service Excellence – Proven record of redefining service excellence through innovation, digital transformation, or new approaches that create measurable client value.
- Internal Talent Development and Culture – Evidenced commitment to investing in people, fostering growth, collaboration, and a culture that attracts and retains top talent.
- Thought Leadership and Industry Impact – Demonstrated contribution to advancing the profession through thought leadership, research, or initiatives that shape industry standards and best practices.
This award recognises the company that has made a substantial and lasting contribution to the UK through major investment and job creation. Celebrating both domestic and international companies, this category honours those whose commitment of capital, talent, and innovation has strengthened Britain’s economy — driving regional growth, advancing industry capabilities, and creating meaningful employment opportunities across the nation.
Judges will evaluate candidates based on the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Investment Impact (75%)
- Scale and Impact of UK Investment – Demonstrated record of significant capital investment in the UK, delivering measurable economic impact and long-term value creation.
- Employment and Skills Contribution – Proven commitment to job creation and workforce development through training, upskilling, and meaningful career opportunities.
- Regional and Sectoral Growth – Evidence of investment that supports regional development or sectoral transformation, driving innovation, competitiveness, and resilience across the UK.
- Commitment to Sustainable and Responsible Investment – Demonstrated leadership in responsible investment aligned with ESG principles, ensuring sustainable and inclusive prosperity for the UK.
This award celebrates an exceptional individual whose leadership has driven outstanding business performance, transformation, and impact. Honouring visionary leaders who inspire teams, champion innovation, and navigate change with purpose, this category recognises those shaping the future of British business through bold strategy, integrity, and lasting influence. This award will honour leaders who make a wider contribution beyond their organisation.
Judges will evaluate candidates based on the following factors:
1. Commercial Success (25%)
Participants must exhibit measurable proof of growth and commercial performance. We advise you to submit figures and percentage rises in turnover and profit. You can also provide other details of commercial success and growth such as: staffing levels, expansion of operations, market share, profitability. This information should be provided over a three-year period. In cases where entrants are not realizing profit or experiencing commercial growth, they should offer an explanation along with evidence outlining when growth and/or profit is anticipated to occur.
2. Investment Impact (75%)
- Visionary Leadership and Strategic Impact – Demonstrated ability to set a clear, ambitious vision and successfully steer their organisation toward exceptional growth, innovation, or transformation.
- Business Performance and Results – Proven record of delivering measurable achievements under their leadership, from operational excellence to market expansion or brand elevation.
- People and Culture Leadership – Evidenced commitment to building strong teams, fostering inclusive cultures, and empowering people to reach their full potential.
- Influence and Broader Impact – Demonstrated leadership beyond the organisation, contributing to sector advancement, community development, or responsible and sustainable business practices.