Major awards open to small businesses
Small businesses across Warwickshire will have the chance to compete for a coveted national prize as a major award ceremony returns.
Britain’s biggest business representation group the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched its 2022 FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards, and Warwickshire businesses are invited to enter a wide range of categories as part of the West Midlands Awards.
FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards is the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar.
On average, over 8,000 small businesses register, and both FSB members and non-members can enter for free, with regional category winners having the chance to compete for national prizes.
The West Midlands winners will be announced at an award ceremony on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the Forest of Arden Marriott hotel in Meriden. The closing date for entries is Sunday, January 30, 2022.
The regional winners then progress to the UK Final, which is held in May 2022, with a chance to be named the national winner in their category and vie for the accolade of FSB Celebrating Small Business of the Year.
Warwickshire businesses can enter 12 FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards categories.
Categories are: International Business of the Year; Environmental / Sustainability Award; Business and Product Innovation Award; Micro Business of the Year; Start-up Business of the Year; Family Business of the Year; High Growth Business of the Year; Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Aged 30 and under); Wellbeing Award; Self-employed / sole trader of the year; Digital / E-Commerce Business of the Year; Community Award (Regional level only).
Hollie Whittles, FSB regional chair for West Midlands said: “Over the past 18 months small businesses have faced an incredibly tough time.
“While there have been many challenges faced by small firms, we have also seen lots of inspiring stories and successes from small firms across the West Midlands whether they have just started out on their journey, or have adapted, diversified or seen their business grow over the recent period.
“The awards are an ideal opportunity for small businesses to bounce back and we would love to hear about their recent achievements.
“It is a great opportunity to reward the unbelievable resilience, resourcefulness and innovation from businesses during the past year and half and I’d therefore encourage small businesses across the West Midlands to enter the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards.
“SMEs are a vital part of the West Midlands – and the awards give everyone the chance to join in and celebrate how they contribute the economy and how vital they are to the local community.”
Cllr Kam Kaur, portfolio holder for Economy and Place at Warwickshire County Council said: “We always have a fantastic showing from Warwickshire as part of the West Midlands awards given the variety and strength of businesses in the region and we are looking forward to seeing them go up against the best across the country.
“We recognise the value that small businesses play in our communities, creating both employment and a sense of identity. Our support for them through grants and training throughout the pandemic has shown our commitment. We are encouraging all local businesses who take pride in their work and want to represent the region in their chosen category to enter and are backing them to go all the way.”
Kevin O’Toole, Managing Director of Sky Connect, Headline Sponsor said: “The resilience, innovation and creativity that small business owners have shown over the last 12 months is awe-inspiring.
“At Sky Connect our mission is to help small businesses succeed, stay connected to their customers and bounce back even stronger post-pandemic.
“We’re thrilled to become headline sponsor of the FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards and help recognise and celebrate their vast achievements.”
For more information and to apply visit www.fsbawards.co.uk
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Karen Woolley, FSB Development Manager at Karen.Woolley@fsb.org.uk