Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2024: tips and hints to enter awards

The ONLY Business Awards where you can win locally, regionally and nationally. The awards highlight and celebrate the expertise, achievements and outstanding contributions that businesses and individuals continually make to the growth of our county.

Whether you’re thinking about entering the Sussex Chamber Business Awards for the first time, or you’re a business that has been shortlisted before, or even won in the past, here are some hints and tips on how you can make the most of your entry.

Allow me to share the judging process and what makes a compelling entry.

The judges

Your entry will be assessed by the sponsors of your chosen category who are business experts and totally impartial. The chances are they may know little about your business and will therefore be solely reliant on your nomination, and how you convey your business story. It means you have to explain who you are, how your business operates and what makes it distinctive. Do not assume judges have prior knowledge of what you do. Make sure you tell the judges the things they need to know.

Follow the instructions

The awards entry process is clearly laid out. Complete all parts of the nomination form in full by the entry deadline and also submit your company logo with the form. Ensure this is concise and keep an eye on the word count.

The categories

Before you enter or nominate your business or individual for a category, make sure that the categories are the right ones for your business. Think about 2023 and your successes and achievements. Occasionally we see entries that miss the story. Feel free to enter more than one category and adapt your story to the nomination entry.

A good story that is told well – back it up and explain

Make sure you give the judges all the information they need to see you in your absolute best light. Give them the right data; support your claims with evidence. Explain why your story is award-winning. Are you better than your peers? Are you outperforming your sector? Qualify everything you include with the context to show what it matters.

You’re as good as your competitors

You will be judged and scored in isolation. The judges will take each entry on its merits and scores compared to those of other entrants. Where you place will be dependent on your entry, but also the strength of the other submissions for that category.

It’s all about the entry

Everything that the judges know about your business and your year will be gleaned from your nomination entry. The judges are independent of each other and all other categories. They do not compare notes and each category is judged by different people. So at times a business wins big with multiple trophies on the night, but that’s as a result of lots of people reaching the same decision independently.

It’s all about winning

It’s a competition and you are competitive, right? You are entering for the chance to take an award back to the office and all the acclaim that comes with it. It can get emotional.

The rewards are huge

Winning isn’t everything. Not everyone can take an award. These awards are hugely competitive and the shortlist represents a small selection of the entries received. Being nominated really is a massive success in itself and the reflection and self-assessment involved in writing an awards entry is hugely valuable. The process of review, marking achievements and measuring your successes across the year is a powerful tool, providing insights that will be applicable across your business.

The most important piece of advice – enter

You really do have to be in it to win it. Get involved and be part of it. There is no correct moment to enter. We never know who is going to enter in each category. So enter now.

Finally, need help with your nomination?

We have partnered with August Recognition who are there to help businesses stand out, scale up and make a dent in the world by achieving outstanding recognition and awards.

Nominations are now open until 16 February 2024. Head over to our website or call the Sussex Chamber team on 01444 259 259.

https://www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/284-sussex-chamber-business-awards-2024.html

Awards Evening 28th June at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel. Immerse yourself in an evening of celebration with celebrity speakers and live entertainment, creating an unforgettable and glamorous experience. Book your place now.

https://www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/events/chamber-events/2024-sussex-chamber-business-awards