SME London Business Awards

Apprenticeships are a valuable and important opportunity for both apprentices and employers, as well as the wider economy. Our criterion to win the award is simple – tell us how you as an employer look after your apprentices so they can take care of your business.

Winners in this category won’t be standing still and doing the same old things, they’ll be moving and shaking, leading in their markets. In terms of this category, enterprise can be defined as showing initiative and willingness to undertake new projects.

If you’ve come into business in the last two years (start date on or after 1 January 2021) with a bang and are getting noticed for what you do, tell us what makes you the best of a great new crop for your chance to win this award.

Innovation in your business means doing something new, different, smarter, or better that will make a positive difference. Innovation therefore ranges from implementing a time-saving office procedure to a brand-new product.

This award will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative and imagination, as well as sound management practices, demonstrating sustainable growth combined with commercial success that is exceptional for the size of the business.

The winner of this award will be a business with more than 50 employees who have shown initiative, boldness, and imagination in their field, combining sustainable growth with commercial success. 

This award will go to a business person or entrepreneur who has demonstrated growth and success within their field, with strong entrepreneurial skills and evidence of how they are taking their business to the next level.

This award will be presented to the best female business owner or a female who has had a positive impact on a business/es. They will show how they have exceptional drive to succeed and how they have been integral to making the business or businesses a success.

This category celebrates Community Businesses and Not for Profit Organisations, where their focus is on positively benefitting society. All profit from a community business is reinvested in the local area and all profit from a charitable organisation goes to fulfilling their objectives.

This award recognises businesses prioritising their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and demonstrating a commitment to change in areas of environmental responsibility, human rights, philanthropy, and economic commitments. 

This award is for employees who are engaged in company values and promote sustainable employee welfare, engagement, and development. Tell us how you as an employer look out for your employees so they can take care of your business.

This award recognises companies that have run a successful operation selling goods and/or services overseas – compliantly and sustainably. Successful entrants will be innovative and dynamic with a great story to tell.

The winners of this award combine their passion for business with their shared family values. Whether you were passed down your business, or you started one with your family in mind, judges will be looking for how you grow your business with core family values at the centre. 

High growth firms are referred to as ‘gazelles’ for the way they are racing ahead, contributing massively to employment growth. Our judges want to know about your achievements and plans for even more success.

This award will recognise a business that has set the benchmark for excellence, value and innovation within the hospitality, leisure or tourism sector. Tell us how you’ve delivered outstanding experiences and pushed the boundaries of innovation.

This award will go to a company that has established a permanent presence overseas and is increasing its turnover and profitability through international trade. They will also demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practises at home and overseas.

Businesses using the new era of technology to trade and showcase their USP to the world. These companies will operate predominately online with a flashy, up to date website to draw in customers, a customer friendly ordering and purchasing system and an interesting array of products or services on offer.

The winner of the category will be innovating and adapting their business to not only thrive but benefit the wider community. Our judges will be looking at how you plan to create a positive impact, and what you are currently doing to put this in place.

The winner of this category will give outstanding assistance and advice to those who buy or use the business or organisation’s products or services. They will be able to provide customer testimonials to back up their submission.

Being “green” and “sustainable” in business terms means reducing or removing the harmful impact that products and/or services have on the environment. Tell us how your practices today are bettering the world of tomorrow.

Irrespective of your size, your website says it all. It should look great, be easy to navigate, and showcase whatever it is you do but most importantly, it should engage the viewer and keep them on your site for as long as you need them.

For business people aged 30 or less (by 1st January 2024) who have demonstrated a high degree of entrepreneurship, creativity and vision for the future. A strong understanding of the relationship between your own development and the success of the business is vital.