Category Information
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, this individual has inspired others, driven success and made a lasting positive impact on their business, employees and the wider Somerset business community.
Judges are looking for leaders who not only deliver strong commercial results but also foster a positive culture, embrace innovation and lead with integrity. This award celebrates those who have navigated challenges, seized opportunities and created an environment where people and businesses can thrive.
Judges will be looking for:
- Evidence of inspirational leadership and a clear strategic vision
- Two or three testimonials from peers
- A description of the nominee’s role, what they think makes a great leader and what they are doing to inspire their team
- Demonstrable business growth, improvement or organisational success
- A positive impact on others and the ability to adapt to new situations
- A commitment to developing people, creating an inclusive culture and supporting future talent
- Examples of resilience, innovation and strong decision-making
- Contributions to the wider Somerset business community, where applicable
Please note: should you be shortlisted, the judges would like to meet the nominee and the people who provided testimonials during their visit to the business.
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.
“We found the application process itself very enjoyable as it made us take a breath and reflect on what we have achieved as a business together. It really was the icing on the cake after becoming finalists to win on the night and for the team to get the recognition they deserve. ”
Award Judges
Ceri Stephens, Solicitor and Managing Director of Battens Solicitors Limited
Ceri leads the Planning and Property Dispute Resolution team and is also Managing Director of Battens, based in the Yeovil Office.
She specialises in all aspects of Planning and Property Litigation law, acting for a broad range of clients from developers, local authorities, landowners, to private Individuals. Ceri is an accomplished expert in this field, drawing upon more than 20 years of experience to guide clients through the complexity of the planning system and the challenges of property litigation with clarity and precision.
She has established a strong reputation for sound commercial pragmatic advice resolving contentious disputes effectively and quickly.
Ceri advises on planning application and appeals, lawful use of land, section 106 planning agreements, listed buildings, rights of way, boundary disputes, restrictive covenants, nuisance, trespass, adverse possession and rights to light. Disagreements arising from commercial leases and residential tenancies, dilapidations and property defects, lease renewals, service charges and gaining possession.
She is a member of the Property Litigation Association, the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Planning Panel.
She joined Battens in 1998 as a trainee and qualified as a solicitor in 2000. She became a senior associate in 2005, Director in 2016 and Managing Director in 2021.
Sponsored By Battens Solicitors
Battens Solicitors
Battens is a full-service, award-winning law firm, and our multi-specialist team of lawyers provide outstanding legal advice on a wide range of issues. We cover the full spectrum, from personal and business legal services to specialist niches.
At Battens we want to focus on you, to find the best legal solution for your business, family and your future. We have the expertise to turn challenges into opportunities and what’s more we have been doing it for 300 years. Straight talking, pragmatic advice to guide you through whatever life has in store. The focus on your family and future has been recognised so much so that we have been recently awarded an Investing In Somerset Award by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.
Our experience, your future.
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