The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards recognise and celebrate the huge contribution that smaller businesses and the self-employed make to the UK.
We want to celebrate the UK’s small businesses and recognise each and every person, company or family that owns, runs or works in a smaller business.
You are our innovators, our economic drivers – the backbone of our communities. It is your businesses that embody the creativity and resilience that fuels the UK’s prosperity.
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards is the key date in the small business calendar.
Entering awards are often an essential part of the marketing mix and entering the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards could give you the leading edge in a competitive market in attracting clients and employees. People are influenced by awards when searching for products or services. Everybody likes an ‘award winning’ business!
Entries for 2020 will open 1 August!
Who should enter?
All companies from sole traders up to 250 employees as at 1 August 2019.
Companies must be based in the UK.
Why should you enter?
Our awards are free to enter.
You do not have to be an FSB member to enter, although we hope your experience of being involved in our awards may encourage you to join us!.
How do I enter?
Register your details to create your account for the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2020. Once you have registered you will be given a username and password which you can use to submit or amend your entry details up until the closing date.
What is the deadline?
Each area final has its own entry deadline. Please check your area for the final entry date.
See our FAQ’s and Hints and Tips for further information.
The FSB 2020 Awards will open on 1st August. Entering the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards is easy. The awards are free to enter and are open to all smaller businesses and the self-employed, whether they are current FSB members or not.
We encourage you to read our Hints and Tips document and Frequently Asked Questions.
Hints & Tips
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When are the closing dates for the Awards?
The closing dates are:
South West - 10 January 2020
North West - 10 January 2020
East Midlands - 17 January 2020
West Midlands - 17 January 2020
London - 24 January 2020
Wales - 24 January 2020
North East - 24 January 2020
Scotland - 29 January 2020
South East - 7 February 2020
East of England - 7 February 2020
Northern Ireland - 7 February 2020
Yorkshire & The Humber - 14 February 2020
Why should I enter?
Entering the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards will generate return for all entrants regardless of how far you make it through the judging process. Please refer to our Hints and Tips document for further information
Hints & Tips
Am I eligible to enter?
To find out if you are eligible, please register to give you access to all criteria for each category. Businesses must have less than 250 employees (10 for the Micro Business category). Businesses must be based or have their head office in the UK to apply.
Do I have to pay to enter?
No, entry is free. To attend the area awards final there is a charge of £45 which will cover a two course lunch, drinks reception and one glass of wine or soft drink. If you are successful in reaching the UK finals, you would receive one complimentary ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased.
Can I enter more than one category?
You are only permitted to enter into each category once but may enter as many categories as you so choose, provided that the entry criteria for each category is satisfied.
Can I extend the word limit for my entry?
The limits have been set at a level that we believe offers enough room to fully explain your entry. The word limit cannot be extended.
Can I upload any supporting documents?
There is the ability to upload video links (not video files) and other supporting documentation. There is a 1mb limitation on logo size. Any further limitations will be stipulated at the relevant entry point.
How do I classify the number of employees I have?
The total number of employees you have should be based on full-time equivalents.
Who are the judges?
Our judges bring industry knowledge and category specific skillsets to assess every entry enabling us to maintain the high standard of the awards.
What happens after I enter?
Your entry can be changed, by you, at any stage before the closing date for each Area award.
When will I know if I have been successful in reaching a Final?
Applicants who are successfully shortlisted as Area category finalists will be invited to attend the Area category final.
When will I know if I have been successful in reaching the UK Final?
Area category winners will automatically go forward to the UK Final (bar Community Category winners which are area only).
When is the UK Final?
The UK Final will be held in London on Thursday 21 May 2020. Further details on this event will be provided in due course.
What time is each Area Final?
Each Area Final will commence at 12 noon and finish at approximately 4pm. Further information can be found on each Area Final page.
What is the cost to attend an Area Final?
To attend the area awards final there is a charge of £45 which will cover a two course lunch, drinks reception and one glass of wine or soft drink. If you are successful in reaching the UK finals, you would receive one complimentary ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased.
If you have any questions which are not listed above please email fsbevents@fsb.org.uk