SMALL BUsINESS AWARDS: WHY IT'S TIME TO PUT YOUR BUSINESS FoRWARD
Running a small business means you’re always thinking about what’s next. The next client. The next project. The next big idea.
But how often do you stop and look at what you’ve already achieved?
Entering a small business award is a chance to do exactly that. Tell your story, celebrate your team and put your business in front of new people. And you don’t need to be turning over millions or employing 50 people to be worth recognising.
Here’s why it’s time to put your business forward.
YOU DON’T HAVE To BE A BIG BUSINESS TO MAKE A BIG IMPRESSIoN
It’s easy to look at an awards programme and think your business isn’t ready yet. That you’re still too small. That you haven’t been around long enough or done anything ‘award-worthy’.
Awards aren’t only about turnover or rapid growth. There are categories celebrating everything from innovation and sustainability to customer service, creativity and community impact. What matters is finding an award that reflects what your business does well and having a strong story to tell.
At PLATF9RM, we’re proud to support the Brighton Girl Awards, which celebrate the women, non-binary and trans women making a difference across the city, from Wellbeing Champion and Creative of the Year to Green Business of the Year.
They’re not the only awards recognising businesses for more than the ‘traditional’ markers of success. From workplace culture to community impact, there are categories celebrating all kinds of achievements.
There could be an award out there with your business’s name on it. Keep an eye on the Brighton Chamber website and your industry networks for awards and opportunities that celebrate what you do best.
CHOOSE THE RIgHT AWARD FOR YOUR BUSINEsS
With so many awards out there, how do you know which are worth your time?
Start with what matters to your business. If sustainability drives what you do, go for a green award. If community is your thing, find one that celebrates your impact. Choose an award that shares your values and celebrates the difference you make.
Then, think about who you want to reach. If your customers are mostly in Brighton & Hove, a local business award could get your name out there in the community. If you work in a specialist sector, an industry award will carry a lot of weight with your clients.
There are different awards out there depending on what stage of the journey you’re at, too. Just starting out? Look for start-up or new business awards, and there are even categories for young entrepreneurs.
It’s not about picking the award that’ll look best on the shelf in your office. Go for the one that means something to you, your business and your customers.
dO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFoRE YOU ENTER
Before you start writing your application, do a little digging.
Is the award backed by a respected organisation or industry body? Will being shortlisted give your business meaningful exposure? Take a look at previous winners too. Are they businesses you recognise and respect?
There are a few red flags worth watching out for. Vague judging criteria, no named judges or being declared a finalist almost immediately should all make you ask a few more questions.
A good business award should also be upfront about the cost of entering. Look out for whether it’s just the entry fee, or if you’ll need to pay for things like ceremony tickets, a table for your team or a winner’s package, too.
Keep an eye out for any emails suddenly announcing that your business has been ‘selected’ for an award you didn’t enter or you’ve never heard of. These might not be the real deal and could come with hidden costs later on, so always do your research before accepting anything.
HOW TO WRiTE A WINNING APPLICATIOn
Writing an award application gives you a rare chance to stop and think about how far your business has come. Tell them what sets your business apart and the impact you want to make.
The key thing is to be specific. Back up your growth with real examples and data, shout about how much your customers love you with Google or Trustpilot reviews and show off your impact through your testimonials and success stories. You can’t include everything, so choose the evidence that tells your story best.
Think about how you can win over the judges. They’ll be reading application after application, so give them something they’ll remember.
Show what your business stands for and the difference you make beyond your day-to-day work. Being a PLATF9RM member gives you plenty to talk about. Do you support our partner charity, Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, or another local cause? Make sure you include it. It’s a great way to show how your business contributes to the local community and the values that drive your work.
You Make Work Wonderful every day. Now tell the judges how.
AsK FOR HELP FOR YOUR APPLICaTION
Writing an award application for the first time can feel daunting. You don’t have to do it alone.
One of the perks of being a PLATF9RM member is being surrounded by founders and small business owners who have been through the same experience. Join one of our networking events or more informal community get-togethers and get talking. Ask for tips. Learn from what worked for them.
You can also get free mentoring through our in-house Business Support team and our partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs. They can review your application with a fresh pair of eyes and give you valuable feedback before you submit it.
PLATF9RM also regularly partners with Brighton Girl, from networking events to the Brighton Girl Awards. Even if the Brighton Girl Awards aren’t the right fit for your business, don’t hesitate to chat to them to find out how business awards work and pick up useful tips for your own application. Every award has its own criteria, but knowing what judges tend to look for is a great place to start.
sHORTLISTED? SHOUT ABOUT IT
Winning isn’t everything. Being shortlisted is already something worth celebrating.
Enjoy the experience. Go to the ceremony, bring your team and celebrate with your clients and partners. Meet the other finalists and get talking. Your next client, collaborator or business connection could be sitting at the next table.
And make sure you shout about it. Share the news on social media, add it to your newsletter and website and – if it’s a local award – reach out to the local press. Being shortlisted is a great opportunity to get your business noticed and share the moment with the people who helped you get there.
Whether you’re shortlisted or you bring the trophy home, we want to know about it. At PLATF9RM, we’re super proud of everything our members achieve. Let us know and we’ll celebrate with you and share the good news with our community.
Join PLATF9RM and unlock access to a welcoming, inclusive community that supports your business, celebrates your wins and helps you grow.
Sign up today and build something wonderful with us.
