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
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%)
• Contribution to job creation locally or nationally
• Ongoing provision of education and training for employees
• 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 at least 15% 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 will recognise an accredited B Corporation for standing out amongst a field of socially and environmentally friendly organisations.
A B Corporation (B Corp) is a type of for-profit company that prioritizes social and environmental impact alongside financial performance. B Corps are certified by B Lab, a non-profit organization, after meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
The judges will evaluate the company’s success as a B Corp 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. B-Corp Excellence (weighted 75%)
• Evidence of the company’s impact across various areas such as governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
• Evidence of commitment to balancing profit with purpose, striving to make a positive impact on society and the environment while operating as a sustainable business.
• Evidence of B Corp Status/Accreditation
The retail sector is vital to the health of the UK economy. The retail industry in the UK consists of over 300,000 separate businesses. It employs over 2.7 million people representing over 8% of all UK jobs. The retail sector is also facing unique challenges, with factors such as changing consumer behaviour, increased internet shopping and challenging economic conditions changing the way retailers operate. This award recognises outstanding companies within the retail sector and those who are operating successfully in the face of challenging conditions.
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 retailers 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 retail business stands out as a leader in the retail sector
• Innovation: Evidence of how your retail business has innovated to navigate the changing landscape of the retail sector
• Social Responsibility: Evidence of a commitment to values and social responsibility
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.
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