The Awards process

Stage 1 - Nominations

Nominations open Monday 5 October 2026 and we will be encouraging nominations from across the country. We want to hear about businesses that go the extra mile, who support their local economy and about people who are the unsung heroes in their community. The more we know about the business, the more it helps us when it comes to drawing up our Scottish, Welsh, Northern Ireland and English Finalists. Nominations will close on Sunday 13 December 2026.

Stage 2 – scottish, welsh and northern ireland finalists (english finalists to follow)

Once we close to nominations, we will read every one of them and draw up our list of Finalists in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, based on the information we have received from their loyal customers. These Finalists will be announced in early January 2027.

Finalists in England will be announced in mid-February 2027.

Stage 3 – Vote for your scottish, welsh and northern ireland champions

Once we have announced our Finalists, we will go back out to the public and ask you to vote for your Champions.

Online voting for Northern Ireland Finalists will open in early January and close on 14 February 2027.

Online voting for Scottish and Welsh Finalists will open on 1 February and close on 29 March 2027.

Online voting for English Finalists will open on 1 March and close on 18 April 2027.

Stage 4 – scottish, welsh and northern ireland winners

We will announce our Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Champions in late spring to early summer of 2027 at Champions' Receptions held in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Those businesses who win the public vote will go forward to the national finals where they will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their business. This must be returned to us (by dates to be confirmed later) if they want to go through to the Champions stage of judging. 

After this, our Champions just have to enjoy their title! The hard work will now begin for the judges, who meet to decide our National Champions.

Stage 5 – Champions’ Reception (House of lords, london)

Our Champions' Reception will take place at the House of Lords in London in July 2027. Make sure to check back and follow us on social media closer to the time for more information.