The 2027 programme
Celebrate the champions of British business
The Business Champion Awards recognise the entrepreneurs, SMEs and fast-growth companies that make the UK economy work. Fourteen categories, an independent panel of judges who have built businesses themselves, and a black-tie grand final in London on 23 March 2027.
- 14 award categories
- Gold, Silver & Bronze in every category
- 100% carbon-neutral entry process
- Entries open 1 September 2026
- Entry deadline 31 December 2026, 5pm
- Finalists announced 1 Feb 2027
- Grand final 23 March 2027 · London
Built for the businesses that build Britain
A unique opportunity to showcase the best innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs in the country.
Founded in 2021 by the publisher of Business Matters, the Business Champion Awards were designed around one idea: recognition should be worth the effort. So the entry is short and online, every finalist presents to their judges from their own desk, and every finalist's seat at the grand final is included in the entry fee.
Categories
Find the category that fits your story.
Dedicated categories for entrepreneurs, SMEs, fast-growth companies, community, sustainability and inclusion.
New Business of the Year Award
SME of the Year Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
By invitation of the judgesOutstanding Achievement Award
By invitation of the judgesThe Business Innovation of the Year Award
Sponsored by SceneProThe Growth Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Forbes Family GroupThe Community Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by St James's PlaceThe Diversity and Inclusion Programme Award
Sponsored by Trinnovo GroupThe Sustainable Business Award
Sponsored by Eco FoundryThe Business Transformation Award
Young Entrepreneur of the year Award
Founders under 30Exporter of the Year Award
Sponsored by Department for International TradeWhy enter
Why businesses enter
Recognition that carries weight.
Independent judges, published criteria and a fee-for-entry model — never pay-to-win. Winners can say, truthfully, that they were the best in their category in the UK.
A story to tell for a year.
Finalists receive their badge the day they are announced, a profile on this site, and coverage in Business Matters.
Time well spent.
The entry saves as you go and most entrants finish it in one sitting. Finalists present online — no day out of the office, no travel.
Winners
Join our roll call of champions of British business.
- Winner SME of the Year Award Whiskey and Wealth Club
- Winner New business of the Year Award Seeblue Marketing
- Winner The Growth Business of the Year Award Killing Kittens
- Winner The Sustainable Business Award DPD UK
- Winner The Sustainable Business Award Planet Tracker
- Winner Champions in a Crisis Networking Central
- Winner Entrepreneur of the Year Award Daniel Priestly – CEO – Dent Global
- Winner Young Entrepreneur of the year Award Raissa and Joyce De Haas – Double Dutch Drinks
The judges
Judged by people who have done it
Every category is judged by a panel of four business leaders, investors and specialists. Our judging panel has included James Caan CBE, Daniel Priestley, Dean Forbes, Professor Ainurul Rosli and Alex Robson. The 2027 panel will be announced here.
The grand final
The grand final: 23 March 2027, London
A black-tie evening for finalists, judges, sponsors and guests, where every Gold, Silver and Bronze winner takes to the stage. Venue to be announced.
Key details
- When
- 23 March 2027 · London
- Venue
- To be announced
Sponsors & partners
Backed by the businesses that back British business.
Event partners
Education partner
Media partner
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