Last chance to enter the Bath Business Awards 2021

There is still time to enter your business for the Bath Business Awards 2021 as the deadline for nominations has now been extended.

Companies of all sizes and entrepreneurs now have until 2.00pm on Thursday October 14 to enter the awards, which are returning this year after a two-year break.

The ceremony – with headline sponsor Truespeed – will take place at Bath Pavilion on November 10.

The event will recognise the achievements and resilience of the local business community during the pandemic, and as Truespeed chief executive Evan Wienburg recently told BusinessLive, there are many firms that can look back with “pride” at what they were able to do during a difficult period for the city.

Businesses across all sectors in Bath and the surrounding area have worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles presented to them in what has been a rapidly different economic landscape from that of 2019, when the awards were last held.

At BusinessLive we work with awards events across the country, celebrating businesses large and small and honouring the achievements of entrepreneurs in a range of fields.

We think our awards are great showcases for companies of all sizes.

So what’s in it for your business – and why should you put in the effort? Here, we’ve listed ten reasons why we think you should get involved.

And if this convinces you – why not read our tips on how to make your entries stand out?

Free marketing

Just being nominated for an award gives you the opportunity to use this for PR and publicity purposes. Making the shortlist can improve your brand awareness. The promotion which follows is all free!

Stronger position against your competitors

Who are your audience more likely to use if you’re THE award-winning business in your sector?

More sales – more customers

Winning or being nominated for awards is a strong indicator of trust-worthiness among prospective customers. Businesses who regularly enter and win awards report increased sales and income against businesses who don’t enter awards.

Successful businesses like to work with other successful businesses.

Significantly enhances customer retention and loyalty

Entering and winning business awards demonstrates to your customers that your business is at the top of its game, reinforcing their reasons for using you in the first place. It also helps build brand loyalty as customers are always keen to stick with businesses who are perceived to be doing well.

Increased credibility

An award win or short-listing nomination can act as a third party endorsement for your business. A win can give a real stamp of authority and credibility within your industry sector and is a sign of quality for potential customers.

Valuable exposure

An awards ceremony is a good opportunity to put your business in front of a number of influential and noteworthy people who may be key players within your industry, sector or region.

Benchmarking

The application process can force you to look at your business from a different perspective and compare yourself to your competitors. Thinking about how you stand out from the competition, will help you think about doing things better and identify areas of improvement. This could be more valuable than the prize itself.

Levels the playing field

In many cases, business awards give you an opportunity to compete against the big boys and stand side-by-side with them on stage and on the billing. Many categories of business awards allow you to go head-to-head against major blue chip companies and, in many cases, succeed in areas from customer service, innovation and impact.

What value would it bring to your business seeing your company logo lined up against some of the UK’s most well-known brands?

Employee motivation

Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the hard work of your employees and help boost staff morale. Knowing they have contributed to the recognition winning an award brings is a great motivator to continue to perform for your company.

Attract talent

Winning an award validates your hiring stature among new recruits. By pitching yourself as the best, you can attract the talent you need to push your business forward.

Who doesn’t want to work for an award-winning company?

Here are the categories for the 2021 Bath Business Awards, which you can read more about here on the event’s website:

Business of the Year Award –sponsored by Truespeed

Start Up Business of the Year Award –sponsored by HIGOS Insurance

SME Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Opportuni AI Ltd

Large Business of the Year Award –sponsored by Novia Financial

Innovation Award

Business Person of the Year Award

Best Place to Work Award

Tourism and Hospitality Resilience Award

Outstanding Contribution to Bath Award – sponsored by Stone King