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.
Business of the Year Award
(Small)
Sponsored by enterprise south west
This award recognises businesses with 1-5 employees.
All winners of a “Business of the Year Award” will have demonstrated how they stand out from the crowd in their category through areas such as ambition, profitability, growth…
Business of the Year Award
(Medium)
Sponsored by Brook Financial
This award recognises businesses with 6-25 employees.
All winners of a “Business of the Year Award” will have demonstrated how they stand out from the crowd in their category through areas such as ambition, profitability, growth…
Business of the Year Award
(Large)
Sponsored by PKF Francis Clark
This award recognises businesses with 26+ employees.
All winners of a “Business of the Year Award” will have demonstrated how they stand out from the crowd in their category through areas such as ambition, profitability, growth…
Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Albert Goodman
This award recognises sound, family-owned businesses across all sizes and sectors.
The winning company will demonstrate how the family has had significant influence on the business, such that one or more family members are involved in the management…
Best Use of Technology Award
Sponsored by Porter Dodson
This award is aimed at businesses who use new technology to assist with business growth/development, whether it be providing new services or new innovative types of working…
Charity of the Year Award
Sponsored by Clarke Willmott
This award celebrates the fantastic work of charitable organisations.
The winning Somerset-based charity will need to demonstrate not just how much money it raises or spends, but also how it uses fundraising…
Employer of the Year
Sponsored by Elite Staffing Solutions
This award recognises organisations that have created a stimulating and supportive work environment and a real commitment to the welfare of its employees…
Investing in Somerset Award
Sponsored by Hinkley Point C
Does your business live for all things local?
This award recognises companies who are passionate about supporting Somerset’s economy through local activity…
Start-Up of the Year Award
Sponsored by Teapot Creative
Returning for a third year, our judges will be looking for innovative ideas or a new concept for businesses that have been registered from April 1, 2020…
Employee of the year Award
Sponsored by Weston College
Our employees are the life blood of any business, and the Employee of the Year category is a superb opportunity to recognise those members of staff who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference over the last year…
Environmental Achievement
Sponsored by Gravity
Organisations are becoming increasingly aware of their environmental responsibilities, from reducing waste and energy use, to encouraging staff to adopt green travel plans and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, both within their companies and in the wider community…
Service Excellence Award
Sponsored by Cetsat
Are you a business with more than just “good” customer service? This category recognises companies that provide a level of service over and above normal industry expectations…
Somerset Manufacturer & Producer Award
Sponsored by Garador
This award recognises the most innovative and agile manufacturers and producers in the county.
The judges will be looking for a commitment to proven research & development practices, a passion for continuous improvement and a solid track record of business planning and growth…
Rebuild and thrive award (NEW)
Sponsored by Barclays
A new category for the 2022 SBA’s, we’re looking for inspirational businesses who are be able to demonstrate their response to adversity, whether it be Covid, Brexit or other issues that have affected the business. You will have created a plan demonstrating a clear idea of how to rebuild or change the business, to recover and thrive and will be able to demonstrate how you and thriving and moving towards a brighter future…
Key Dates for your diary:
16 September – Entries open
14 October – ‘Benefits of Entering’ event
3 December – Entries close
17 December – 28 January, 2022 – Judges’ visits
1 February, 2022– Ticket sale for finalists
15 February, 2022 – Ticket sale to general public
11 March, 2022 – Awards ceremony
