The Sheffield Business Awards is returning for its 20th year. The awards, which have been held annually in the city since 2001, will celebrate the best of Sheffield business across 15 award categories.
Hosts are aiming to celebrate Sheffield’s inclusivity and attract a more diverse range of entrants this year, with a more easily accessible website and brand-new award categories – the Cultural Vibrancy Award and the High Street Hero award.
The awards will be presented at Peddler Market on December 8, hosted by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and unLTD business magazine.
Tanya Holt, partner at CMS, said: “We’re so excited to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Sheffield Business Awards. It’s a prestigious event which celebrates the very best of business in our city, highlighting Sheffield as a place to celebrate and invest.”
Phil Turner, publisher of unLTD, said: “Sheffield Business Awards encompass everything that’s great about our city – from small businesses to large enterprises, with focuses on environmental impact, high street revival and use of technology.
“It’s an exciting time for Sheffield, with developments happening all over the city, so it’s important we recognise and commend the businesses leading the way for innovation.”
Louisa Harrison-Walker, joint executive director at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “Sheffield is not short of success stories. Fantastic businesses - delivering world-class, innovative, cutting-edge work. But what we don’t do enough of, is shout about it. The Sheffield Businesses Awards is the opportunity for us to do this. For us to show pride and unashamedly celebrate that Sheffield is home to some of the best businesses in the UK.
“Whether big or small, I encourage all to apply. Tell us, and our business community, what you have been doing, and what we as a city should celebrate.”
This year, we have invested in a new website and online application portal, so it could not be easier to apply. Applications are open now until October 10, with shortlistings announced November 3.
Read the category descriptions for each award below and to apply, visit www.sheffieldbusinessawards.org.uk
Cultural Vibrancy Award
This award recognises an individual, business, organisation, community group, or initiative that has made a significant impact on Sheffield through arts, culture or events. This award is sponsored by The University of Sheffield.
Employer of the Year
This award recognises an organisation that excels in offering the most comprehensive work environment, for example through the implementation of a learning and development culture. This award is sponsored by The Sheffield College.
High Street Hero Award
This award recognises an independent business that is playing a vital role in supporting the high street experience in Sheffield. This award is sponsored by Business Sheffield.
The Innovator – Best New Product/Service
This award rewards the company which has launched the most innovative product or service within the last 12 months. This award is sponsored by KitchenEx.
The Above and Beyonder – Best Professional Services Company
This award is all about delighting customers. Entrants must outline how they have shown excellence in their specific sector and demonstrate how they have planned for future growth. This award is sponsored by Brook Corporate Developments.
Small Business of the Year
This award will recognise a small-medium sized business that has achieved consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance. This award is sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University.
Scale-Up Award – Best Business Growth
This award recognises a business that has experienced exceptional growth in the past year, positively contributing to the economy of Sheffield. This award is sponsored by Wayv.
The Automator – Best Use of Technology
This award recognises a business or organisation that has made exceptional use of technology to enhance workplace productivity. This award is sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau.
Large Business of the Year
This award will recognise a large organisation that has achieved consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance. This award is sponsored by Shorts.
Start-Up Business of The Year
This award recognises a new business that has turned an idea into a successful business venture, disrupting the industry and making a positive contribution to the economy of Sheffield. This award is sponsored by Business & IP Centre South Yorkshire.
The Visionary – Creative Impact Award
This award recognises a business or organisation specialising in creative services, which has delivered a creative project or campaign that has made a true impact on their client, the target market and/or overall commercial performance.
Social Impact Award – Best Non-Profit, Charity, or Social Enterprise
This award recognises a non-profit organisation, charity or social enterprise that has significantly contributed toward positive social impact in Sheffield. This award is sponsored by Creative Technology.
Best Entrepreneur Award
This award recognises enterprising and visionary individuals who are making waves in their industry and achieving high levels of commercial success through a culture of innovation and inspirational leadership. This award is sponsored by Chapter II.
Sheffield Maker – Manufacturing Company of the Year
This award recognises a company demonstrating an efficient and innovative approach to manufacturing. Exhibiting growth, improved commercial performance, increased market share and operational effectiveness. This award is sponsored by Wake Smith Solicitors.
The Planet Saver – Green Business of The Year
This award recognises and rewards a business that has shown an outstanding commitment to managing its environmental impact.
To apply for any of these awards, visit: www.sheffieldbusinessawards.org.uk
#SBA22 supports See It Be It: Connecting you to amazing young people in Sheffield, helping you to inspire the next generation of talent & entrepreneurs!