The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards recognise the best small businesses and the self-employed from right across the UK, from every sector and industry and from businesses of all ages and all sizes.
The awards are the leading celebration of small businesses, shining a light on some of the best, most innovative and most determined small businesses.
This is why we choose to keep entries to the awards free, and have them open to all small businesses and the self-employed, whether they are current FSB members, or not.
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, with an incredible 5.7 million small businesses in the UK and we want you to help us celebrate that. The 2018 awards saw over 2,000 entries across the length and breadth of the UK from some of the most innovative and successful small businesses. The 2019 awards promise to be even bigger offering recognition to small businesses across the whole of the UK and culminating in a prestigious and high profile UK Final in London at Battersea Evolution on 23 May 2019.
Winning a FSB Celebrating Small Business Award is a great way to showcase your business achievements and celebrate business success, brilliance and innovation.
Entries Are Now Open
North West: Closing date for entries 7 December 2018
South West: Closing date for entries 14 December 2018
West Midlands: Closing date for entries 4 January 2019
Scotland: Closing date for entries 11 January 2019
Yorkshire & The Humber: Closing date for entries 18 January 2019
Northern Ireland: Closing date for entries 25 January 2019
East Midlands: Closing date for entries 1 February 2019
Wales: Closing date for entries 8 February 2019
North East: Closing date for entries 15 February 2019
East of England: Closing date for entries 22 February 2019
South East: Closing date for entries 1 March 2019
London: Closing date for entries 8 March 2019
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 before starting your entry.
Hints & Tips
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When are the closing dates for the Awards?
The closing dates are:
North West - 7 December 2018
South West - 14 December 2018
West Midlands - 4 January 2019
Scotland - 11 January 2019
Yorkshire & The Humber - 18 January 2019
Northern Ireland - 25 January 2019
East Midlands - 1 February 2019
Wales - 8 February 2019
North East - 15 February 2019
East of England - 22 February 2019
South East - 1 March 2019
London - 8 March 2019
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 23 May 2019. 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