Small Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by CETSAT
For businesses with a turnover up to £500,000
This award recognises an outstanding small business that has demonstrated ambition, resilience and strong performance, while making a significant impact through innovation, customer service and sustainable growth.
Medium Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Handelsbanken
For businesses with a turnover of up to £5 million
This award recognises an outstanding medium sized business that has demonstrated sustained growth, strong leadership and commercial success, while continuing to innovate and deliver exceptional results.
Large Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by UCS College group
For businesses with a turnover of £5 million or over
This award recognises an outstanding large business that has demonstrated exceptional performance, sustained growth and a significant contribution to the Somerset economy, while combinimg commercial success, strong leadership and innovation.
Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Albert Goodman
This award recognises an outstanding family-owned business that has demonstrated long-term success, strong values and a commitment to building a sustainable future and is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors.
Innovation with Impact Award
SPONSORED BY WESTCOTTS
This award recognises organisations that are using innovation to solve problems, improve performance and create meaningful impact, whether through new technologies, products, services, processes or ways of working.
Charity of the Year Award
Sponsored by Clarke Willmott
This award recognises an outstanding Somerset based charity that has demonstrated exceptional commitment, impact and dedication to improving the lives of others, while combining strong governance and financial sustainability with a clear mission and effective fundraising.
Employer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Stephens Scown
This award recognises an outstanding organisation that has created a supportive, inclusive and engaging workplace where people can thrive and where employee wellbeing, development and engagement is at the heart of their business
Investing in Somerset Award
Sponsored by Hinkley Point C
This award recognises organisations that go above and beyond best practice to make a significant contribution to Somerset’s economy through their commitment to local investment, employment, skills development and supply chain partnerships.
Business Leader of the Year Award
Sponsored by Battens solicitors
This award recognises an exceptional business leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision and ability to problem solve, whether leading a small business, a growing enterprise or a large organisation.
Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Weston College Group
This award recognises an outstanding apprentice who has made a significant contribution to their organisation while successfully undertaking an apprenticeship programme within the last 24 months.
Sustainable Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Agratas
This award celebrates businesses that are embedding sustainability into their strategy, culture, operations, products, services and decision making while continuing to achieve commercial success, innovation and growth.
Service Excellence Award
Sponsored by Porter Dodson
This award recognises businesses that consistently deliver exceptional customer service and go above and beyond industry expectations. It celebrates organisations that place customers at the heart of everything they do.
Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence Award
Sponsored by Leonardo
This award recognises an outstanding manufacturing or engineering business that has demonstrated excellence through innovation, operational performance and sustainable growth and is open to organisations of all sizes.
Scale Up of the Year Award
Sponsored by Barclays
This award recognises an outstanding business that has successfully transitioned from an early-stage venture to a high growth organisation, demonstrating strong leadership, innovation and ambition while building a sustainable platform for future success.
KEY DATES
September 9, 2026 – awards open for entry
November 20, 2026 – entries close
December 9, 2026 – shortlist announced
December 14, 2026 – January 22, 2027 – judges’ visits
February 3, 2027 – finalists announced
March 19, 2027 – awards ceremony
Find out more about the awards
How to Enter
We welcome entries from businesses of all sizes and sectors providing they have a valid Somerset postcode (see our terms and conditions below for full details).
Winning companies should be innovative, progressive and demonstrate excellence against the specific category entered.
Applications for a Somerset Business Award need to be made online via the online entry form for each category.
EACH ENTRY MUST INCLUDE:
- An 800-word statement
- Six key points to summarise
- Up to five supporting attachments (no larger than 2MB each)
- A high-resolution company logo
IN ADDITION TO THE CRITERIA, YOUR 800-WORD APPLICATION NEEDS TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (WHERE APPLICABLE):
- A background on your business and a brief history
- Why your company should win
- How you are better than your competitors
- How your business has improved based on the category requirements
- An indication of how the business has benefited financially as a result of improvements in this category
- Financial records where relevant (turnover, profit/loss figures will be treated in confidence)
Please check our Entry Terms & Conditions to ensure that your business is eligible to enter.