Awards only matter if the recognition is credible and the effort is proportionate. The Business Champion Awards were designed with both in mind.
What every entrant gets
- A fair hearing. Every entry is read in full and scored against published criteria by people who understand SMEs.
- Written feedback from the judging process when finalists are announced.
- An entrant badge for your website and email signature.
- A reason to take stock. Entrants tell us the entry itself – pulling together results, testimonials and the story of the year — is worth the hour it takes.
What every finalist gets
- A seat at the grand final, included in your entry fee. Unlike most awards, being shortlisted does not cost you a ticket.
- A 45-minute presentation to your category’s four judges — online, from your own desk. No travel to London, no day out of the business.
- A finalist profile on this site and coverage in Business Matters.
- Finalist badges and a press-release template to announce the news.
What winners get
Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in every category take to the stage at the grand final on 23 March 2027, receive a sustainably made hardwood trophy, a winner’s badge, and a winner profile that stays on this site — previous winners’ pages are still among the most-visited on the site.
Why the process is different
- Independent. Judges declare conflicts of interest and sign non-disclosure agreements. Your financials are seen only by your category panel.
- Fee for entry, never pay-to-win. The entry fee funds the judging and the grand final. No finalist or winner is ever asked to pay for their award.
- Fully online. Entry, feedback and finalist presentations all happen online, which keeps the process quick for you and keeps travel out of it.
- Judged by peers. Our judging panel has included founders, investors, a professor of entrepreneurship and previous winners of the category they judge.
Who should enter
Any UK-registered business or founder that fits a category. Fourteen categories cover start-ups (New Business of the Year), established SMEs (SME of the Year), fast-growth companies (Growth and Scale-up Business of the Year), innovators, exporters, transformations, and businesses leading on sustainability, inclusion and community. Founders can enter Entrepreneur of the Year; founders under 30 years old can enter Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
[Which category should I enter?]
What it costs
- £199 + VAT per entry, early bird, until 1st October 2026
- £249 + VAT per entry, standard
- £299 + VAT per entry, late entries from 15th November 2026.
- 25% off every entry when the same company enters more than one category
Entries close at 5pm on 31 December 2026.
Ready?
The entry has three short sections and saves as you go. Start now and come back to it whenever you like before the deadline.
[Enter the 2027 awards] [Read the entry FAQ] [How to write a winning entry]