Here are the Shropshire Business Awards categories for 2025 that are now open to enter.
Click the category titles below to view further details and to see what criteria the judges will be looking for:
Company of the Year
The showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Judged on a combination of:
- Evidence of financial success
- Creativity, innovation and ambition
- Leadership and customer service excellence
- Training, people development and marketing strategies
- Giving back – showing a commitment to Shropshire
- Effective response to economic challenges
- Awards, testimonials and accolades
- A commitment to diversity, wellbeing and sustainability
Best New Business
For start-ups in any sector, formed since January 1st 2022. Entries will be assessed on:
- Strength and originality of business vision
- Clear and dynamic business plan
- Financial objectives, and evidence of progress
- Creative and ambitious marketing and growth strategies
- Testimonials, case studies and accolades
Best Small Business
For small or micro businesses in any sector, employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff. Judged on:
- Innovation, and forward-thinking strategies for growth
- Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage
- Commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
- Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
- Accolades, testimonials, and evidence of financial success
Outstanding Customer Service
For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers. Judged on:
- Ways of consistently exceeding customer expectations
- Measuring customer satisfaction, and acting on feedback
- Training and development in customer handling and service skills
- Awards, accolades and testimonials
- Evidence of going the extra mile to deliver five-star service
Outstanding Business Growth Award
For companies who can demonstrate sustained success over the past three years. Judged on:
- Evidence of strategic and profitable expansion including accounts and payroll growth for 3 years, new products/services and expansion into new markets
- A dynamic and scalable business model
- Profitability, plus a growth in staff numbers and/or turnover
- Ability to break into new markets, at home or overseas
- A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
Community Champion - Business in the Community
For businesses which believe in ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:
- Top-to-bottom ‘buy-in’ from staff at all levels, over and above statutory requirements
- Examples of projects which have made a real difference to local people’s lives
- Supporting Shropshire suppliers by ‘buying local’
- Fostering links with schools, colleges and community groups
- Case studies, endorsements and testimonials
Excellence in Manufacturing and Engineering
Celebrating the contribution being made by companies of all sizes in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Judged on:
- Innovation and customer satisfaction
- Quality control processes, and use of new technology
- Effective leadership and management
- Testimonials, and evidence of financial success
- Wellbeing and sustainability policies and processes
Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Achievement Award
For companies making a positive contribution to some of Shropshire’s most important sectors. Judged on:
- Established market position and strong financial performance
- Overcoming challenges to gain a competitive advantage
- Commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
- Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
- Awards, accolades and testimonials
The Trailblazer - Innovation Award
For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it. Judged on:
- Your USP: What makes you stand out from the competition?
- Innovation in products, services or processes
- Evidence of profitability and effective leadership
- Testimonials, awards, and potential for future growth
- A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
The Eco Award
For environmentally aware businesses which promote innovative practices, processes or technology. Judged on:
- Embracing green technology to lower the carbon footprint
- Promoting or producing eco-friendly products and services
- A cross-company commitment to ‘make a difference’
- Substantial and quantifiable improvements in environmental and commercial performance
- A commitment to staff development, wellbeing and sustainability
Young Business Person
Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2025, who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit. Judged on:
- Evidence of a significant influence on the business
- A commitment to training and personal development
- Entrepreneurial attitude, reliability and work ethic
- Strong people skills and maturity beyond their years
- Testimonials from managers, colleagues, and/or customers.
Inspirational Adult Learner
Open to anyone aged 19 and above who can demonstrate a positive or life-changing experience from adult learning, and has studied with a Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin training provider. Judged on:
- A passion and commitment for lifelong learning which will inspire others
- A determination to improve by broadening their skills base
- Ways in which the development of essential skills have made a positive impact on job satisfaction and/or employment prospects
- Achievements which will inspire other adults to return to education, or take up learning for the first time.
- Awards, accolades or testimonials from training providers and/or their employers
The John Clayton Award
Given to an individual who has given an outstanding contribution to the Shropshire business community. They need to have:
- Championed the Shropshire business community over a significant number of years
- Made a significant positive impact on the lives of others
- Given back to the county through either mentorship, volunteering or charitable actions
- Been an inspirational role model who has inspired their colleagues or peers
Champion of Champions
A special award for our 25th anniversary, open to all previous Shropshire Company of the Year winners. Judged on:
- Progress made since being named Company of the Year
- Strong leadership, customer service and financial performance
- Engagement with suppliers and stakeholders to support the local community
- Promoting diversity and inclusion, and commitment to sustainability
- Innovation in products, processes or services to drive the business forward
PLEASE NOTE: Only companies that have previously won the 'Company of the Year' may enter this award. Any other entrants applying will be ignored.
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