How does the process work?
1. Choose your category: Select the categories that best suit your business and pay a £12 entry fee to complete your registration.
2. Submission Form: After selecting a category, you will receive a detailed submission form via email. This includes thought-provoking questions and space to provide evidence that showcases their strengths and successes.
3. Review and Qualification: Each submission is carefully reviewed by our team to ensure it meets the competition standards. We assess the quality of responses and supporting materials to determine qualification for the next stage.
4. Finalist Announcement: If your submission meets the criteria, you will be notified as a finalist and receive a distinguished finalist pack and a digital certificate directly in your inbox.
5. Judges’ Review: Shortlisted applications are anonymised and reviewed by our panel of judges, each with relevant experience in the specific category. Every judge provides an independent score, and the final results are determined by averaging those scores to ensure fairness and objectivity.
6. The Final: Finalists are invited to attend our prestigious Golden Carpet event, where the National Top 10 are announced and celebrated. While attendance is encouraged for those who want to join the celebration and network, it is completely optional, winners can still be announced and recognised even if they choose to watch from home via our free live stream.
Why do I need to pay for an entry?
Unlike many awards that reveal hidden costs after nomination, often charging hundreds of pounds to progress or claim a win, The UK Small Business Awards keeps things transparent and fair from the start. We charge a small £12 entry fee to help cover essential running costs, including personalised Finalist Titles created by our design team and dedicated support from our customer service team. If your entry isn’t successful, you’ll receive a full refund with no catch.
Can I enter multiple categories?
Yes, you can enter as many categories as you like! Simply complete a separate submission form for each category you wish to enter. Each entry requires its own £12 fee.
When is the deadline for submissions?
The submission deadline is 31st August 2025.
Can I update my submission after I’ve entered?
Once your submission is submitted, you cannot make changes to it. We recommend reviewing all details carefully before submitting to ensure accuracy.
How will I know if I have qualified as a finalist?
If your submission meets the competition standards, you will receive an email notifying you that you have qualified as a finalist. Along with this, you will receive a Finalist Pack, including a digital certificate and guidance on next steps.
How do I promote my involvement in the awards?
Once you're a finalist, you’ll receive a Finalist Pack with assets like logos, social media badges, and more. We encourage you to share your achievement on social media to celebrate with your followers and boost your visibility.
Who are the judges?
Our judging panel consists of highly qualified industry professionals, each with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in their respective categories. To maintain the integrity of the awards, our judges remain completely anonymous. This anonymity ensures they can make unbiased decisions without external pressure or influence. As independent experts, they specialise solely in evaluating entries based on merit, and unlike other awards programmes, they don't receive social exposure or public recognition for their role.
How do I attend the ceremony?
Tickets are now on sale for The UK Small Business Awards! Join us on 13th December in Birmingham, for an evening celebrating the nation’s top small businesses. Get your tickets now and don’t miss out! For more information, contact tickets@smallbusinessawardsuk.co.uk
What placements are available this year?
During our Golden Carpet ceremony, the National Top 10 will be revealed on stage. First place winners are then called out and invited to collect their trophies on stage. For winners unable to attend, trophies will be securely dispatched after the event. For each category, we will also release the UK Top 10 for each category in a PDF following the event. Please note that all finalists have an equal chance of winning, regardless of whether they attend in person or watch via our free livestream.
I haven't received an email regarding the decision on my application?
We appreciate your patience as our team individually reviews each submission form. Due to the high volume of applications, it may take up to 12 weeks to receive a decision. Rest assured that we will promptly notify you once a decision has been made.
There is an error on my certificate, what should I do?
If you notice any discrepancies on your certificate, such as misspelled names or positioning errors, please reach out to us at hello@smallbusinessawardsuk.co.uk. Our dedicated team will swiftly rectify the issue and provide you with an updated certificate.
If you have any further questions or require assistance, our team is here to help. Feel free to contact us at hello@smallbusinessawardsuk.co.uk. We strive to deliver exceptional customer service and ensure that your Small Business Awards experience exceeds expectations.
What is your refund policy?
We understand that circumstances can change. Requests for refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. We encourage you to contact us at hello@smallbusinessawardsuk.co.uk to discuss your refund inquiry.