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
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 local authority boundary of Somerset Council. Businesses can also enter if they are based within the following North Somerset Council and Bath and North East Somerset postcodes:
BS21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 39, 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.
However, we appreciate businesses are now working differently post pandemic and some may not always fit neatly into the above criteria, especially as many people now work from home full-time.
If you believe your business should qualify to enter the awards as a Somerset business – not just one with customers in Somerset – please explain why in no more than 300 words for the judges’ consideration – BEFORE APPLYING.
While we cannot extend the geographical boundaries of Somerset, we do not want to disadvantage genuine Somerset-based businesses. The judges’ decision on eligibility will be final.
If you are unsure if you qualify, please get in touch.
Do you accept joint business entries?
Can I enter my business into more than one category?
Please note that you will be required to make a separate 800 word application for each award category.
I am a community interest centre, can I enter?
Good news, we do accept applications from community interest centres.
Do I have to include attachments?
You can apply without any supporting evidence, however, it is strongly encouraged to include at least two attachments. More often than not, the supporting documents take a good entry to a winning one.
My customers are based in Somerset but my business is not, do I qualify?
No, sadly not. The aim of the Somerset Business Awards is to celebrate businesses based in Somerset. The business should have its head office within the defined eligible area set out below:
All businesses entering the awards must be based within the local authority administrative boundary of Somerset Council. Businesses 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
Can I enter again if I have entered before?
Yes, absolutely! All previous applicants and winners are welcome to apply again each year. However, if your business has entered and made it through to the finals for three consecutive years in one specific category, we would ask you to consider entering different categories – or maybe take a break for a year!
I have entered . . . what happens next?
The initial shortlisting process will take place between November 25 – December 9, after which you will be notified if you have made it through to the next stage.
If your entry passes the first shortlisting process, you will be contacted by one of the judges who will make an appointment to come and visit you at your premises. The visits will take place between December 11, 2024 – February 10, 2025 so you will need to ensure you are available during this time.
After that, the judges will meet to give careful consideration to all the entries received. You will then be notified if you have or have not been successful in reaching the final shortlist.
If you make it to the final shortlist, you will automatically be invited to the black-tie gala, receiving two free tickets to the night. Additional tickets will be available for purchase in due course. If you are successful in becoming a finalist, you will also be visited to produce a short 30 seconds film to be shown on the awards evening.
What are the key dates I need to know?
Awards open for entry – September 11
Online Benefits of Entering Event – TBC
Entries close – November 22
Applications sent to sponsors for shortlisting – December 11
Judges’ visits – December 11, 2024 – February 10, 2025
Tickets go on sale for finalists – February 2025
Tickets go on sale for general public – February 2025
Awards ceremony – Friday, March 28
How much will it cost me?
It is free to enter the awards, apart from your time. Finalists will receive two free tickets to the awards with the option to buy more for their teams or guests.
Do I need to be a Somerset Chamber member to enter?
No, the awards are open to all Somerset businesses.
Need help with your entry?
We will be running a ‘Benefits of Entering’ event in October, to help you learn from past winners and judges and to give you some top-tips about writing an award-winning entry. If you missed it and want to catch up you can watch it here.
