When do entries close?
At 5pm on Thursday 31 December 2026. Entries opened on 1 September 2026.
How much does it cost to enter?
£199 + VAT per entry until [CONFIRM: F-02] (early bird), £249 + VAT standard, and £299 + VAT for late entries from [CONFIRM: F-02]. If the same company enters more than one category, every entry is 25% off.
What does the entry fee include?
The judging of your entry against the category criteria, written feedback [CONFIRM: F-07], and, if you are shortlisted, a 45-minute online presentation to your category judges and one seat at the grand final on 23 March 2027. Finalists never pay for their award or their seat.
Why is there a fee at all?
The fee funds independent judging and the grand final. The awards are fee-for-entry, not pay-to-win: no winner or finalist is asked to pay to accept an award.
Who can enter?
Any business registered and trading in the UK, and the founders and leaders of those businesses. Categories have their own criteria — for example Young Entrepreneur of the Year is for founders under 30 years of age, and New Business of the Year is for businesses trading for three years or less.
How do I enter?
Online at businesschampionawards.co.uk/enter. Create an account, complete the three sections (about you, your entry, your financials) and submit. Your entry saves as you go.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes. Every entry from the same company is 25% off. Judges are chosen for each category, so each entry is judged on its own merits.
Can I nominate someone else?
Yes. Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year accept nominations. Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Achievement are by invitation of the judges; you are welcome to suggest a name to awards@cbmeg.co.uk.
Can I edit my entry after submitting?
Yes, until entries close at 5pm on 31 December 2026.
When will I hear?
You receive confirmation by email as soon as you submit. Finalists are announced on 1 February 2027.
How are entries judged?
Every entry is scored against the published criteria for its category by an independent panel. Each category has four judges — business leaders, investors and specialists — and the panel includes a previous winner of the category wherever possible. Finalists then present to their panel for 45 minutes, online, presentation and question and answer session.
Do I have to travel to present?
No. Finalist presentations are online. The judges meet at the awards office in London; you present from wherever you are.
What do finalists and winners receive?
Finalists: one seat at the grand final, a 45-minute presentation to the judges, a finalist badge and press-release template, a profile on this site and coverage in Business Matters. Winners: Gold, Silver or Bronze presented on stage, a sustainably made hardwood trophy, a winner’s badge and a lasting winner profile and PR campaign activations.
When and where is the grand final?
Thursday 23 March 2027 in London. Black tie. Venue to be announced. Every finalist’s seat is included; additional tickets and tables go on sale on 1st December 2026.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Judges sign non-disclosure agreements and declare any conflict of interest. Your financials are seen only by the shortlisting team and your category judges.
Can I get help writing my entry?
Our guide, How to write a winning awards entry, covers what the judges look for. You are welcome to use an awards-writing agency, but you do not need one: the questions are designed to be answered by the people who run the business.
Who do I contact?
awards@cbmeg.co.uk or 020 7206 2502, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.
Timeline graphic alt: “2027 Business Champion Awards timeline: entries open 1 September 2026, close 31 December 2026, finalists announced 1 February 2027, grand final 23 March 2027”
Internal links: /enter/, /entry-terms/, /categories/, /judges/, /grand-final/, /grand-final/tickets/, /blog/how-to-write-a-winning-awards-entry/, /contact/.