DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 27th FEBRUARY

High Growth Business of the Year

The award is open to businesses of all sizes and recognises businesses that have experienced exceptional growth in sales, profit, market share, jobs or international trade. Judges will be looking for an organisation that can demonstrate the highest levels of growth with a strong plan for sustainable financial performance.

The judges will be looking at:

  • Significant growth and/or expansion
  • Financial performance (turnover / profitability)
  • Workforce / employment growth
  • Plans for further growth, expansion & diversification
  • Sustainability

Download application form – High Growth Form 2026

 

Best Innovation in Business

It’s awarded to a business that can successfully demonstrate innovations by doing something new to their business process or new to their industry. Submissions should highlight how innovation has improved performance, enhanced customer experience, or created a competitive advantage.

The judges will be looking at:

  • Innovation & creative thinking (How does it differ from anything that has gone before?)
  • Creating of a new business unit, product, process or services
  • Bottom-line results based on this innovation
  • Financial Performance to date
  • Plans for further growth, expansion & diversification
  • Sustainability
  • How successful it is

Download application form – Business Innovation Form 2026

 

Net Zero Champion

This award is open to organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and to achieving net zero carbon emissions. It recognises businesses that are taking meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact, implement sustainable practices, and inspire others to do the same.

The judges will be looking at:

  • A clear and measurable plan towards achieving net zero emissions
  • Evidence of sustainability initiatives and environmental innovation
  • Demonstrable reductions in energy use, waste, or carbon emissions
  • Engagement with staff, customers, and the wider community to drive change

Download application form – Net Zero Champion Form 2026

Best Community Impact Award

This award recognizes businesses that have made a significant and positive contribution to their community and the lives of individuals within it. This may include initiatives that support young people, mentoring programs, skills development, charitable work, or other activities that create lasting social value and strengthen community wellbeing.

The judges will be looking at:

  • Programmes, events or projects with not-for profit social objectives
  • An innovative approach to the way the enterprise operates
  • Activities that stimulate interest in the arts, community engagement, encourage enterprise or raise aspirations

Download application form – Community Impact Form 2026

Service Excellence

This award recognises an organisation that shows evidence of a commitment to delivering the best experience and service for customers, taking a ‘customer first’ approach. Submissions must also show evidence of a defined process in place to ensure this service is delivered should be provided, along with evidence of customer satisfaction surveys and/or customer endorsements.

Judges will be looking for:

  • A strong customer-focused culture across all levels of the organisation
  • Clear processes and systems that support service delivery
  • Measurable evidence of customer satisfaction and positive outcomes
  • Innovation and continuous improvement in customer service

Download application form – Service Excellence Form 2026

Manufacturer of the Year

This award recognises a business that demonstrates excellence, innovation, and leadership within the manufacturing sector – including industries such as food and drink, life sciences, and engineering. The winner will showcase a commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement in their production processes.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of innovation and excellence in manufacturing processes
  • Commitment to quality, productivity, and sustainability
  • Investment in workforce skills and development
  • Positive impact on the local economy and industry sector

Download application form – Manufacturing Form 2026

Retailer of the Year

This award recognises a retail business that demonstrates outstanding performance, innovation, and customer focus within the retail sector. The winner will showcase excellence in delivering high-quality products or services, exceptional customer experiences, and strong business growth.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of a strong customer-focused approach and service excellence
  • Innovation in retail operations, product offering, or marketing
  • Business growth, sustainability, and adaptability to market changes
  • Positive impact on employees, customers, and the local community

Download application form – Retailer Form 2026

Micro Business of the Year

This category is open to any business based in Midlothian & East Lothian with less than 10 employees – this includes sole traders. This award is for micro businesses who are performing beyond what you expect for a very small business. You need to demonstrate what makes you stand out amongst other micro businesses.

The judges will be looking for evidence of:

  • How you promote or market your business
  • How you overcome barriers to growth
  • Business performance that is sustainable in the long term
  • Why your business is impressive compared to competitors and peers

Download application form – Micro Business of the Year Form 2026

Family Business of the Year

This category is for a family business, operating in any sector of the economy, which has enjoyed outstanding success.

The judges will be looking for:

  • Evidence of a strong business performance
  • How the business has developed its succession plan
  • How it copes with new family members joining, and that it has a clear long-term vision for the business
  • How the business has used its family values to grow the business.

Download application form – Family Business of the Year Form 2026

SME of the Year

Awarded to organisations employing up to 250 full time members of staff, this award goes to the company that has achieved consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance, while demonstrating a clear understanding of the markets that it operates in.

The judges will be looking at:

  • What differentiates the company’s products/services from their competitors
  • Strong managerial and financial performance
  • Innovation
  • Potential for growth
  • Evidence of the business commitment to staff

Download application form – SME of the Year Form 2026