Open to all businesses, both EBN members and non-members.
Welcome to the first ever
Business Awards brought to you by
Effective Business Network
ACHIEVEMENT. RECOGNITION. CELEBRATION.
You pour your heart and soul into every aspect of your business, constantly striving to be the very best you can be. Showing up through the good times, and the tough times. Navigating the challenges which come your way and never giving up.
Isn't it about time you get rewarded for everything you do?
Submit an entry form for yourself, or nominate a business owner in any category.
Who they're for, the judging criteria, how to enter, all the info you need is here...
What this award recognises.
Your chance to show how uniquely brilliant you are!
Businesses that demonstrate all-round excellence
Significant success or achievement in any area of business
Owners who are intentional, impactful, and consistently high-performing
Judges are looking for clear evidence of brilliance
This could be results, growth, standout service, innovation, or a big milestone
Who it's for.
This is the one that says you've truly nailed it!
The Business Brilliance Award celebrates all round excellence.
From the way you run your business day-to-day, to the impact you’ve made, and everything in between.
No matter what industry you're in, this is your moment to shine and show off your brilliance!
Why it's good for business.
Winning this award shows that you're excelling at what you do!
It’s recognition that your hard work, consistency, and commitment to excellence haven’t gone unnoticed.
It boosts your credibility, gives you something powerful to shout about, and sets you apart in a sea of businesses.
Even just entering helps you reflect on what’s working, see how far you’ve come, and practise telling your story with clarity and confidence; an important skill to master in any business.
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
Have you overcome challenges to get where you are?
What makes your approach different, strong, or successful?
What does brilliance mean to you and how do you show this in your business?
What are the standout achievements in your business over the past year or so?
What impact have you made, with clients, in your industry, your team, or your community?
Show the story behind the success, the judges will be interested to see the person behind the business.
What this award recognises.
Meaningful impact in the local, or wider community!
Initiatives that create real social, local, or environmental impact
Businesses that are actively involved in supporting or improving their community
Charities, non-profits, and CIC organisations whose work directly impacts the local community
Business owners who lead with kindness, purpose, and generosity
Genuine authenticity and a desire to make a difference not matter how big or small
Who it's for.
This is the one that says you care and you want to make a difference!
The Community Champion Award celebrates the those who make a real, meaningful difference in their local or wider community.
This could be as an individual, as part of a business, charity, or CIC organisation. Where showing heartfelt commitment and a sense of purpose far outweighs profits.
If giving back is an intrinsic part of your business, organisation, or your personal values, we want to hear all about it!
There are so many unsung and unseen heroes doing amazing things and we want to give you the recognition you truly deserve.
Why it's good for business.
Winning this award shows your integrity, responsibility and leadership!
Being seen as a business that truly cares builds powerful trust and loyalty, not just with customers, clients, or users of your services, but within your wider network.
For charities and CIC organisations every bit of recognition shines a light on what you do and is crucial in helping to raise your profile, allowing you to support more of the people who really need what you offer.
Entering this award helps you reflect on the impact you’ve already made, and gives you the chance to be recognised for the values that set your organisation apart.
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
What outcomes have you had, big or small?
What does being a community champion mean to you?
Why did you get involved and why did it matter so much to you?
How does your community work align with your business values?
What community focuses projects or initiatives have you led or supported?
You don't need a huge charity campaign, small meaningful contributions count too!
What this award recognises.
Creativity in all forms, shapes, and sizes!
Creative professionals across any industry with a distinctive voice or style
Meaningful visual or written impact through creative processes
Creative minds who are exceptional problem solvers and ideas people
Judges are looking for outstanding originality and uniqueness
This could be through creating words, ideas, actions, images, brands, videos, products, crafts, skills, or services
Who it's for.
This is the one that says your mind is a marvellous place!
The Creative Spark Award celebrates the designers, photographers, brand builders, writers, content creators, and visual storytellers who bring their imagination to life, and make it look effortless.
But it doesn't stop there. You may creatively solve problems in your business, or find solutions for your clients in creative ways that others may not ever consider.
We are all creating every day, our thoughts, words, and actions are all created in our minds, the important part is how we harness our creations. This is where you can share the impact and results that stem from your creativity.
Why it's good for business.
Winning this award shows your creativity drives real results!
Creative work is often what catches attention, starts conversations, and sticks in people’s minds, but it’s not always easy to measure.
This award gives you the chance to show how your creativity and originality is the bedrock of what you do.
Being recognised for your creative skill can open doors, raise your profile, and help clients or collaborators understand the value of what you do on a whole new level.
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
What makes your work stand out creatively?
How would you describe your creative style or process?
What are you most proud of creatively in the past year or so?
Have you used your creativity to solve problems, or deliver results?
What do your clients or audience say about the impact of what you do?
Showcase your spark and don't hold back, unleash all of your creative powers right here!
What this award recognises.
Brilliance in tech, digital, and the online world !
Those harnessing digital tools to elevate their business or the businesses they support
Tech and IT pros who make the complicated feel simple
Online wizards behind websites, platforms, and automations that power progress
Individuals whose innovation drives results in the digital space
People who are always one step ahead of the ever increasing digital landscape
Who it's for.
This is the one that says you're the ultimate tech wizard, or wizardess!
The Digital Dynamo Award celebrates those working in tech, IT, software, web development, digital strategy, or online systems support.
You could be the one implementing, or the one teaching others how to confidently navigate new tools.
Whether you’re streamlining processes, building platforms, or guiding others through the tech maze, this one’s for you!
Why it's good for business.
Because people need to know who to talk tech with in an ever changing world!
Being recognised as a leader in your digital field builds trust, authority, and visibility.
This award can open new doors, showcase your capabilities, and position you as the go-to expert when businesses need digital solutions that just work.
Entire businesses can be adversely affected with the wrong person in the driving seat. Winning this award shows people you are the one for trusted tech talk and advice when they need it the most!
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
What problems do you solve and what difference does your work makes?
What makes your approach, services, or products truly trustworthy and dynamic?
How do you make sure you stay current and continue developing your digital skills?
What are your biggest wins, results, or achievements in your digital journey?
What projects or tools have you created or implemented, and the impact they’ve had?
How have you helped clients or your own business embrace tech or digital transformation?
What this award recognises.
New businesses from day zero up to two years.
Businesses that demonstrate all-round excellence
Significant success or achievement in any area of business
Owners who are intentional, impactful, and consistently high-performing
Judges are looking for clear evidence of brilliance
This could be results, growth, standout service, innovation, or a big milestone
Who it's for.
This is the one that says you've truly nailed it!
The Rising Entrepreneur Award celebrates anyone with a business from start-up to less than two years trading.
Business owners who are putting their all into building something new with fierce ambition and determination.
Open to all industries and business types, whether you're launching a new product, offering a new service, or both!
Why it's good for business.
This award is about more than potential, it's also about momentum!
It’s recognition that your hard work, consistency, and commitment to excellence haven’t gone unnoticed.
It boosts your credibility, gives you something powerful to shout about, and sets you apart in a sea of businesses.
Even just entering helps you reflect on what’s working, see how far you’ve come, and practise telling your story with clarity and confidence; an important skill to master in any business.
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
What standout successes, stories, or strategies set you apart?
How do you stay informed, proactive, and adaptable in your field?
Your approach to building trust and offering clear, human-centred advice?
Times you’ve helped reduce stress, increase profit, or unlock new potential?
The difference your financial expertise has made for your clients or your business?
Examples of how you’ve improved someone’s financial situation or decision-making?
What this award recognises.
Business is all about the right people around you.
Recruitment pros who connect the right people to the right roles
HR experts keeping workplaces positive, productive, and protected
Trainers, mentors and coaches building confidence and skill sets
Wellbeing champions who support the mental and physical health of people in business
This could be results, growth, standout service, innovation, or a big milestone
Who it's for.
This is the one that says you drive impact and success through supporting people!
Whether you’re recruiting top talent, managing HR and compliance, delivering training, or supporting wellbeing, this category shines a light on businesses that prioritise people and build strong, sustainable workplaces from the inside out.
You could be the driving force behind getting the right people, in the right place, at the right time. Or you could be the person responsible for delivering training, or supporting the wellbeing of business owners, or teams.
If your business is built around people, this one’s for you.
Why it's good for business.
Winning this award shows you understand that people are at the heart of everything!
This award recognises the power of people-first businesses, because people make business happen.
Being known for nurturing others, whether that’s staff, clients, or communities, is a huge reputational strength that creates trust, loyalty, and long-term success.
It highlights you know that building relationships and supporting people to reach their full potential are the keys to a successful business. And that's what your potential clients need to know you are the best at!
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
What success stories or case studies could you share?
How do you create impact in the lives, businesses, and careers of others?
What people-related services do you provide, who, and how do you help?
How do you stay up to date with changing regulations and best practices?
How have you responded to challenges in people-based work e.g. hiring gaps, burnout, complex compliance issues?
What’s next for your people-powered business, where do you see yourself in the future?
What this award recognises.
New businesses from day zero up to two years.
Businesses from start up phase to two years trading
Entrepreneurial spirit, drive, and success
Strong potential for future growth and impact
Judges are looking for spark, substance and forward thinking ideas
This is about showing you're building something exciting and meaningful from scratch!
Who it's for.
This is the one that says you've taken a chance and are backing yourself!
The Rising Entrepreneur Award celebrates anyone with a business from start-up to less than two years trading.
Business owners who are putting their all into building something new with fierce ambition and determination.
Open to all industries and business types, whether you're launching a new product, offering a new service, or both.
Remember, just as getting off the starting blocks is a success, so is the planning beforehand. If you're in that phase right now, or in the first two years of a new business, this is the award for you!
Why it's good for business.
This award is about more than potential, it's also about momentum!
Being recognised in your early years gives your business a credibility boost and puts you on the radar of potential collaborators, investors, clients, the wider community, and your target audience.
You already know that starting a business and getting your name out there is hard work, winning this award will make it a little bit easier.
It also gives you a chance to reflect on everything you’ve achieved so far and build confidence for whatever comes next.
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
What have been your biggest wins or turning points?
What are your goals and aspirations for your business?
What makes your business stand out from your competitors?
What challenges have you faced and how have you dealt with them?
What inspired you to start your business and what has your journey been like?
Be open, honest, and proud about your experience so far and share your uniqueness!
What this award recognises.
Leading a business with courage and confidence!
Showing outstanding skills to lead themselves and others
Having a clear vision and effectively achieving goals
Strategic thinking, innovation, and proven impact
Judges are looking for standout leadership that has delivered results
Not just financial, but also in terms of culture, direction, engagement, targets, individual and team achievements!
Who it's for.
This is the one that says you're inspiring others!
The Small Business Leader Award celebrates those who lift others up. People who don't just grow a business, they make sure everyone is coming along on the ride too.
If you've shown real vision, courage, and consistency in leading a business through growth, change, or challenge, this is for you.
You're a positive role model for others and you love to lead by example in supporting others to succeed.
And don't forget, this still applies if the only person you're leading is yourself, because that is often the most difficult to get right!
Why it's good for business.
Winning this award shows you are a person who makes amazing things happen!
Being recognised as a leader within the small business space builds trust, visibility, and massive credibility.
Not just for you, but for your team and your clients too.
It shows that your approach to leadership is working, that people believe in you, and that your impact is being felt.
And let’s be honest, taking a moment to acknowledge your own leadership journey? That matters too.
What to include in your entry and points to think about.
Use text, images, audio or video to help bring your brilliance to life!
What results of impact has your leadership created?
How do you lead and support your team, or yourself?
What major decisions or changes have challenged you?
What makes your leadership style effective, unique or meaningful?
What's your vision for your business and how are you putting it into action?
Think about the impact you have on those around you and highlight your inspiration!