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Bournemouth Excellence Awards, 29 Jul 2027

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Best Business Awards

Business Excellence AwardsEvergreen

SME of the Year Award

For the small or medium business punching above its weight

RecognisesBusiness growthCustomer servicePeople & cultureResilienceInnovationCommunity impact
RecognitionBusiness

About this category

The SME of the Year Award recognises a small or medium-sized business that has delivered outstanding results this year, for its customers, its people and its community.

It celebrates the businesses that make up most of the economy: well run, close to their customers and growing in the right way.

Eligibility

Open to small and medium-sized businesses with up to 249 employees, in any sector, based in or serving the region. Self-nominations and nominations made by others are both welcome.

Judging criteria

  • Entries are judged on financial performance and growth
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Investment in people
  • Innovation and community contribution

Qualitative criteria

  • Clarity of vision and offer
  • Reputation with customers and partners
  • Culture and the team behind the business

Metrics

  • Revenue and growth
  • Customer satisfaction and repeat business
  • Jobs created or retained

Additional criteria

  • Include figures for the last one to two years
  • Examples of standout work and testimonials from customers or partners

Know someone who fits?

Put their name forward. It is free, and a few honest lines about why is enough to start. Save a draft and finish whenever it suits you.

Nominate someone

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