The Sheffield Business Awards are back!

Let’s celebrate, recognise and showcase the great organisations, initiatives, people and projects that call Sheffield their home!

Thursday 17th October 2024
The Octagon Centre, Sheffield
6:30 PM
– 2:00 AM

Key Dates for your Diary

Applications Open

Midday, Wednesday 15 th May 2024

Applications Close

Midnight, Monday 17 th June 2024

Shortlist Announced

Midday, Thursday 25 th July 2024

Awards Ceremony

Thursday 17 th October 2024

2024 Award Categories 

The Spirit of Sheffield Award

About this award

The Spirit of Sheffield Award recognises initiatives that have significantly impacted the city’s reputation on regional, national, and global levels. This award honours individuals and organisations who have genuinely contributed to Sheffield’s growth and success, embodying innovation, entrepreneurship, and community spirit. It celebrates initiatives from the arts, music, film, creative, and marketing industries that have pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and left a lasting impression on their audience.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration/ Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Impact
  2. Innovation
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Community Spirit
  5. Lasting Impression
Sponsored by

The Community Impact Award

About this award

The Community Impact Award recognises projects that have made a positive impact on the lives of people who live, work, and visit Sheffield. This award celebrates initiatives that have helped to enhance the local community, promoting social inclusion and improving the quality of life for all. It honours individuals and organisations that have made a real difference and contributed to the betterment of Sheffield’s society.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Positive impact
  2. Community enhancement
  3. Social inclusion
  4. Quality of life
  5. Real difference
Sponsored by

The International Trade Champion

About this award

The International Trade Champion showcases companies that have excelled in global import and export operations while contributing significantly to the Sheffield economy. This award recognises the outstanding achievements of organisations that have expanded their business horizons, forged international partnerships, and demonstrated exceptional expertise in cross-border trade. It honours the vital role that international trade plays in Sheffield’s economic growth and success.

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Global import/export operations
  2. Contribution to Sheffield’s economy
  3. Business Expansion
  4. International partnership
  5. Expertise in cross-border trade
Sponsored by

Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health and Wellbeing

About this award

The Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health and Wellbeing Award recognises employers who have implemented successful initiatives and projects to support the physical, mental, and financial health of their employees. This award celebrates the dedication and commitment of organisations that have prioritised the wellbeing of their workforce, and highlights the positive impact this has on their productivity, retention, and job satisfaction.

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Successful initiatives
  2. Dedication to wellbeing
  3. Impact on productivity
  4. Impact on retention
  5. Impact on job satisfaction
Sponsored by

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion

About this award

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion recognises initiatives that promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in all aspects of an organisation. This award celebrates organisations/teams or individuals that have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, social justice, and human rights, and have worked to create a culture that celebrates diversity and encourages inclusivity. It honours those who have made significant strides towards a more equal, diverse, and inclusive society, from strategy through to delivery.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
  2. Promotion of sustainability, social justice and/or human rights
  3. Culture of celebration of inclusivity and diversity
  4. Strategy through to delivery
  5. Measurable impact


Sponsored by

Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development

About this award

The Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development Award recognises and rewards companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to developing a professional development and learning culture within their business. This award celebrates organisations that have invested in the skills, knowledge, and abilities of their workforce, and have made significant contributions to the professional growth and advancement of their employees. It honours those who have created a supportive, nurturing, and empowering environment for their staff.

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Evidence of investment in workforce development
  2. Demonstrable impact on employee development
  3. Evidence of a learning culture
  4. Innovation in workforce development
  5. Alignment with business strategy
Sponsored by

The Environmental Impact Award

About this award

The Environmental Impact Award recognises and rewards projects that have demonstrated a strong commitment to managing environmental impact. This award celebrates initiatives that have contributed to reducing carbon footprint, preserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable practices. It honours organisations that have made significant strides towards a more environmentally responsible future and acknowledges their dedication to protecting our planet for future generations.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Commitment to environmental responsibility
  2. Reduction in carbon footprint
  3. Preservation of natural resources
  4. Promotion of sustainable practices
  5. Impact and scalability
Sponsored by

The Brand Campaign of the Year

About this award

The Brand Campaign of the Year Award is designed to recognize and reward the best brand campaigns that have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and impact in establishing a strong brand identity, raising brand awareness, and telling a compelling brand story across the city of Sheffield. This award celebrates the brands that have succeeded in resonating with their target audience, generating buzz, and creating a lasting impression. The campaign could be in any medium, from traditional print and broadcast media to digital and social media, and it should have demonstrated a clear understanding of the target audience’s needs and preferences.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Creativity
  2. Impact
  3. Strategy
  4. Execution
  5. Branding
Sponsored by

The Inspirational Leader of the Year

About this award

The Inspirational Leader of the Year Award recognises and rewards an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and inspired their team to achieve outstanding results. This award celebrates leaders who have motivated, mentored, and guided their team to success, and have created a positive and supportive work environment. It honours those who have set a high standard of excellence, led by example, and inspired others to follow their lead.

Who should apply?

An Individual

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Exceptional leadership skills
  2. Ability to inspire
  3. High Standard of excellence
  4. Communication and collaboration
  5. Positive impact
Sponsored by

The Leading through Innovation Award

About this award

The Leading through Innovation Award recognises and rewards projects in the region that have created new products or improved existing ones to meet the needs of their users. This award celebrates organisations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and have made significant contributions to their industries. It honours those who have pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and paved the way for a brighter future.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Innovation
  2. Creativity
  3. Problem-solving skills
  4. Industry impact
  5. Scalability
Sponsored by

Small Organisation of the Year

About this award

The Small Organisation of the Year Award recognises and rewards companies with a turnover of less than £5 million who have demonstrated exceptional performance, growth, and innovation. This award honours companies of all ages and industries, who have excelled in their field, built a strong reputation, and made a significant contribution to the local economy.

Who should apply?

An Employer with a turnover less than £5 million

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Strong performance and growth
  2. Innovation
  3. Reputation and credibility
  4. Contribution to the local economy
  5. Excellence in business practices
Sponsored by

Medium to Large Organisation of the Year

About this award

The Medium to Large Organisation of the Year Award recognises and rewards companies with more than £5 million who have demonstrated outstanding performance, growth, and innovation. This award honours companies of all industries and ages, who have excelled in their field, built a strong reputation, and made a significant contribution to the local economy.

Who should apply?

An Employer with a turnover of over £5 million

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Business performance and growth
  2. Innovation and creativity
  3. Employee engagement and wellbeing
  4. Customer satisfaction and loyalty
  5. Corporate social responsibility
Sponsored by

The Collaboration Excellence Award

About this award

The Collaboration Excellence Award celebrates successful partnerships between two or more organisations that have resulted in a positive impact on the local region. This award acknowledges the importance of collaboration in achieving common goals, creating a better community for all, and evidencing excellence in team collaboration while achieving the desired outcome.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Individual / Collaboration / Project / Team / Social Enterprises

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Demonstrated collaboration
  2. Impact on its community
  3. Innovation
  4. Clear communication and partnership
  5. Sustainability
Sponsored by

The Learning Champion of the Year

About this award

The Learning Champion of the Year Award recognises and rewards an individual who has made significant progress through an internal or external skills or development programme. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous learning, personal growth, and professional development. It honours those who have pushed themselves beyond their limits, acquired new knowledge and skills, and inspired others to follow their lead.

Who should apply?

An Individual

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Commitment to learning
  2. Progress and growth
  3. Inspiration and leadership
  4. Impact
  5. Potential growth
Sponsored by

Start-Up Organisation of the Year

About this award

The Start-Up Organisation of the Year Award recognises and rewards companies that have shown outstanding performance and growth in their first three years of trading. This award celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of start-ups and honours those who have overcome challenges, seized opportunities, and achieved success.

Who should apply?

An Employer / Sole Trade

What are the judges are looking for?
  1. Growth and performance
  2. Innovation and creativity
  3. Leadership and vision
  4. Customer focus
  5. Social responsibility
Sponsored by

The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award

About this award

The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award is a prestigious award selected and presented by the current Sheffield Chamber of Commerce President. This award acknowledges an individual, project, or organisation that holds a special place in the heart of the President and has made a significant impact in Sheffield. The President recognises the contributions made by the recipient, celebrating their dedication to the community and their commitment to making Sheffield a better place to live, work and do business.

Who should apply?

This award is not open to online applications and is selected and presented by the current Sheffield Chamber of Commerce president.

Sponsored by

Check out our 2023 Winners!

Event Partners

Organised by:

Headline Sponsor:

Award Category Sponsors

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring the awards? We have various sponsorship packages available.

Contact us

Have a question?
Contact the Sheffield Chamber team.