Category Information
For businesses with an annual turnover of up to £500,000
This award recognises an outstanding small business that has demonstrated ambition, resilience and strong performance. Open to businesses across all sectors, it celebrates organisations that are making a significant impact through innovation, customer service and sustainable growth.
Judges are looking for businesses that have successfully built a strong foundation, embraced opportunities and overcome challenges while maintaining a clear vision for the future. This award celebrates small businesses that may be modest in size but are delivering exceptional results, creating positive experiences for customers and contributing to the success of Somerset’s business community.
Judges are looking for:
- Evidence of strong business performance and financial sustainability (turnover and profit/loss figures will be treated in confidence and estimates are acceptable)
- A clear business plan supported by defined objectives and measurable achievements
- Demonstrable growth, ambition and a clear vision for the long-term future of the business
- Examples of innovation, adaptability and resilience in response to challenges and opportunities
- Evidence of excellent customer service and positive customer outcomes
- A commitment to developing people and creating a positive workplace culture, where applicable
Please note: Judges have requested that the following documents are included as part of your application:
- Business Plan
- Accounts
For any queries regarding your entry, please get in touch with the Chamber team at info@somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.
How do I enter?
All you need to do is complete the online entry form, making sure that you understand the criteria for the category/ies that you wish to enter.
- Choose your category
- Enter a statement of up to 800 words explaining why your business merits an award
- Highlight up to six key points selling your company to the judges
- Attach up to five pieces of evidence to support your application – attachments can be up to a maximum of 2MB each.
- Attach the company logo
Does my business qualify?
All businesses entering the awards must be based within the district council administrative boundaries of Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Mendip and Somerset West and Taunton. Business can also enter if they are based within the following North Somerset Council and Bath and North East Somerset postcodes:
BS21, 22, 23, 24, 40, 48 and 49
The business should have its head office within the defined eligible area set out above. If this is not the case, the entry MUST demonstrate that the enterprise has local autonomy over business planning, marketing, HR and budget within the eligible areas listed above.
If you are unsure if you qualify, please get in touch.
“The Somerset Business Awards are a great way for local businesses to celebrate their achievements and share their successes. Winning a Somerset Business Award has provided us the opportunity to raise our profile, gain new business and boost staff morale.”
Award Judges
Alan Watkins is Managing Director of CETSAT, a Somerset based technology business supporting organisations across the South West and throughout the UK.
With extensive experience in business leadership, technology and service delivery, Alan has a particular interest in how smaller businesses turn ambition into sustainable growth. As Managing Director, he is involved across CETSAT’s strategy, operations, customer relationships and development of new services.
Alan is passionate about Somerset’s business community and believes successful businesses are built not simply on good ideas, but through strong leadership, great people, customer focus and the confidence to continually evolve.
Sponsored By
CETSAT
CETSAT is a Somerset based technology company helping businesses make better use of technology while keeping their organisations secure, productive and ready for the future.
From managed IT and cyber security to software development, digital transformation and emerging technologies such as AI, CETSAT combines technical expertise with straightforward, practical advice.
Having grown from its Somerset roots while supporting organisations ranging from local businesses to major national and international enterprises, CETSAT understands the importance of ambition, customer relationships, great people and continually adapting as a business grows.
CETSAT is proud to support the Somerset Business Awards and celebrate the entrepreneurial businesses that make Somerset such a strong place to do business.
Our 2027 Sponsors
