Small businesses urged to apply for Small Awards before the end of February.

Small firms are being urged not to miss the deadline for this year’s Small Awards, a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors.

Launched by Small Business Britain in 2017, the annual awards have eleven categories from long-standing family businesses and innovation-led start-ups, to social enterprise champions and more. They also recognise small businesses that actively support other firms and the broader community.

Retailers are encouraged to vie for the High Street Hero and Bricks and Clicks awards. Sponsored by TSB, the High Street Hero Award recognises small firms that have contributed towards the success of their high street and done something exceptional with their premises.

The Bricks and Clicks award recognises firms that use multiple channels with innovation and skill to develop their business. The award honours businesses that make the most out of these channels, and use them to work with and promote other small businesses.

The Small Award organisers do not want the experience of the pandemic to deter small firms from applying. The Awards are open to all small businesses, even if they are currently closed due to current Covid-19 restrictions.

The full Small Awards categories include:

• Sole to Sole – celebrating the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone as a sole trader.
• Legacy – awarding the unique characteristics, challenges and strengths of family run businesses.
•  Supply Chain Champion – celebrating the best B2B small businesses that are working within the business supply chain, and other businesses large and small.
• New Kid on the Block – applauding businesses that started in the last 18 months and have demonstrated considerable progress to grow and develop.
•  Heart of Gold – recognising the small businesses that contribute most to their local communities, by working with other small businesses, local charities, schools, local councils or their local residents to achieve great things.
•  At your Service – championing the best small service businesses in the UK, with a track record of serving their target customer set.
• Digital Star – for fantastic small businesses that operate only through digital channels, using the internet to market, sell and promote their product and service. The award celebrates strong use of digital channels to engage customers, innovation in web design and functionality, and growth in audience over time.
• Mission Possible – for a small businesses that are driven by mission over and above financial performance, which benefits a group, a community or society more widely.

“The past year has been a hugely challenging time for small businesses”, said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and the Small Awards. “While all small firms deserve recognition for the way they have persevered, adapted and supported staff and communities during this pandemic, through the Small Awards we particularly want to celebrate inspiring small businesses that have been leading the way.”

Judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts, the winners will be announced at a virtual event in May.

Out of recognition of the challenging times many small firms are facing, the pricing has been kept at £25 per application until the closing date.

Applications close at midnight on February 28.

To apply visit – https://thesmallawards.uk/apply