FSB Awards
Another year means another great event hosted by none other than the Federation of Small Businesses. And what an event it was! Although Merewyn sadly was unable to attend, the FSB hosted their Small Business Awards final on 19 May 2022. Winners of the geographical awards finals advanced to the UK final of FSB Awards with an opportunity to win their category. They honoured 11 outstanding businesses in the UK, representing a range of industries and sizes. Additionally, crowning Amity Fish Company Ltd as the official FSB Small Business of the Year 2022!
Each year, the FSB honour the accomplishments and contributions of small businesses and those who are self-employed from all over the UK. The prestigious FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are accessible to everyone and are free to enter. It is the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar. It’s an opportunity for wider recognition considering winners from each category are guaranteed a place at the coveted UK final and the potential to be named the UK Small Business of the Year. A panel of top business professionals with years of expertise in each participant’s field will judge those entering.
First, it’s completely free. If that’s not reason enough, here are a few more; gaining exposure for you or your business- this is a great opportunity to promote your products and services with the help of the event’s media coverage. This kind of exposure also leads to recognition. This event is a great opportunity for you to take a step back from all the hard work you’ve done and celebrate your accomplishments, whether that’s by being selected for an area award or advancing all the way to the national final. Regardless, you’ll be surrounded by people & businesses who are in the same boat as you, so you’ll be receiving the recognition you deserve. Following on from this, it’s a great chance to build your network by meeting likeminded individuals! You can then reflect on your own success whilst seeing how far you’ve come, or what you could be doing better!
Lastly, you are in for a shot in winning a snazzy award- everyone loves awards.
Winning awards can massively improve your company’s reputation and help you stand out from the competition. It can also help raise morale for yourself or your small team of hard-working individuals.
If your business is new, getting awards might let everyone know that you’re officially the new ‘hot player’ and therefore strengthen your credibility. For companies who have been up and running for a longer period, accolades and honours demonstrate your legacy while also highlighting your continued innovation and dynamism. In conclusion, winning an award is the ultimate proof that whatever it is you’re doing, must be pretty great!
There are 12 categories to choose from in total when you are considering entry. The FSB allow any business/individual to enter as many categories as he/she desires for free, although only one entry per category is permitted. A tip from the FSB? Read over the requirements for each category. Take the time to comprehend these and think about which would work best for your company.
Below are the award categories:
- Community Award (Geographical only)
- Business & Product Innovation Award
- Larger Small Business of the Year
- Family Business of the Year
- Micro Business of the Year
- Self-employed/ Freelancer of the Year
- Start-up Business of the Year
- Sustainability Award
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year (30 years & under)
- Exporter of the Year
- Diversity & Inclusion Award
- Service Excellence Award
Entries are open to both FSB members and non-members. Although each area of the UK has a different deadline, the deadline for entries submitted in the Yorkshire & The Humber region is 5 January 2023. We recommend checking out the official website if you are wanting more information regarding deadlines in your area – https://www.fsbawards.co.uk/when-to-enter.html.
After you have entered, there will be 12 area finals across the country which will occur between 24 February 2023 and 5 April 2023. Lastly, winners from each geographical category will enter the official FSB UK final, which will take place on 18 May 2023 at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham.
Are you going to enter? Find out more about the FSB Small Business Awards & how you can enter here.
You can also get in touch with Merewyn if you would like to find out more about her role in the FSB, or just want a chat!