Category Information
This award recognises an outstanding business that has successfully transitioned from an early-stage venture to a high growth organisation. It celebrates businesses that are successfully navigating a significant growth journey, demonstrating strong leadership, innovation and ambition while building a sustainable platform for future success.
Judges are looking for businesses that have moved beyond the start-up phase and are scaling successfully through increased revenue, market expansion, investment in people, innovation or new opportunities. This award celebrates organisations that have embraced growth, overcome challenges and demonstrated the leadership, agility and strategic vision needed to achieve the next stage of their journey.
Judges are looking for:
- Evidence of significant business growth over the past two to three years
- A clear strategy for scaling the business and achieving long term success
- Evidence of overcoming the challenges associated with scaling, including access to finance, talent and skills, leadership capability and operational scale
- Examples of innovation, expansion into new markets or the development of new products and services
- Evidence of strong financial performance and sustainable growth (turnover and profit/loss figures will be treated in confidence)
- Investment in people, leadership capability and organisational development
- Examples of resilience, adaptability and the ability to seize new opportunities
- Demonstrable impact on customers, markets or the wider business community
- A clear vision for the future and plans for continued growth
This award is open to businesses that can demonstrate they are successfully scaling their operations, capability and market presence while maintaining a strong foundation for future growth.
For any queries regarding your entry, please get in touch with the Chamber team at info@somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.
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 award has been phenomenal for my business, I have had so many messages from other Somerset business owners congratulating me on the award and arranging catch ups, it’s been brilliant for brand awareness in the local area. ”
Award Judge
Nick Porter, Barclays Regional Leader for Business Banking in Wales & Western England
Nick has spent more than 30 years working alongside business owners, helping them start, grow and succeed. Much of his career has been dedicated to supporting businesses across Somerset – something he is especially passionate about, having grown up in the county and remained deeply connected to its communities and economy.
Alongside his role at Barclays, Nick is a Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, a Director of Digital Somerset CIC, and a Trustee and Co-Founder of Next Stage Somerset. He also serves as an Invest Somerset Ambassador for Somerset Council and contributes to a range of forums and initiatives focused on investment, economic growth, digital innovation and social inclusion across the county.
Nick is widely recognised as both a business leader and community champion. Alongside his work in banking, he is a guest speaker, advocate and ambassador for initiatives that support economic growth, digital innovation and social mobility. His commitment to creating opportunities for businesses, young people and underrepresented groups has led to him reaching the finals of the Barclays Global Citizenship & Diversity Awards three times in the last four years. Through his leadership and community involvement, Nick continues to make a lasting impact across Somerset and beyond.
Sponsored By
About Barclays Business Banking
At Barclays, we believe the success of UK businesses drives the success of our communities and economy. From ambitious start-ups taking their first steps to established businesses pursuing growth, innovation and expansion, we are committed to helping businesses thrive at every stage of their journey.
Supporting over 900,000 small and medium-sized enterprises and one in four UK corporates, Barclays Business Banking combines deep industry expertise with a relationship-led approach. We work alongside our clients to understand their ambitions, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities for growth.
Whether you’re an existing client or exploring a new banking relationship, we provide the insight, tools and support needed to help your business move forward with confidence. Whatever the future holds, Barclays is here to help you achieve your ambitions and realise your potential.
Our 2026 Sponsors
