An awards ceremony designed to celebrate the achievements and resilience of small businesses and the self-employed has launched for 2023 – and it’s free to enter.
The annual awards programme, hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses, recognises the huge contribution smaller businesses and the self-employed make to the UK. As the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar, the high-profile FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards showcases the outstanding success and innovation of the small business community.
A sought-after prize for small business owners, thousands enter the FSB Awards every year categories including Start-Up Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Self-employed/Sole Trader of the Year.
With winners from each of the 12 geographical finals securing a spot at the UK Final, it’s an opportunity for UK-wide recognition. Being shortlisted as a finalist is a remarkable achievement and a fantastic chance for publicity and exposure, with the awards in many areas trending on social media and in the press.
FSB Awards winners are outstanding examples of ambitious and diverse small businesses, bringing together the best of small business entrepreneurship. From industry innovators to passionate start-ups, the awards welcomes entrants from all sectors.
Refugee-turned-social entrepreneur Adul Shiil scooped the top award of Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2022 UK final. His company Sahan Cares provides outstanding care services to the elderly and upskills talents with a refugee background to be professional carers across West London.
“It’s a great honour to receive this high-profile national award from FSB, and I am very proud of the social enterprise we have built with our team of carers. I’m committed to empowering people with similar background and providing support to those in need,” said Adbul Shiil.
“This award is a morale booster for our plans to extend services to people in need of mental health support,” he added.
Business owners are invited to enter across 12 categories. For 2023, three new categories have been announced: Diversity & Inclusion Award, Larger Small Business of the Year, and Service Excellence Award.
The full list of FSB Awards 2023 categories is as follows:
- Micro Business of The Year
- Diversity & Inclusion Award
- Self-employed/Freelancer of The Year
- Family Business of The Year
- Start-Up Business of The Year
- Larger Small Business of the Year
- Community Award
- Exporter of The Year
- Business and Product Innovation Award
- Young Entrepreneur of The Year
- Sustainability Award
- Service Excellence Award
Entrants will be judged by a panel of leading business experts with a wealth of experience in their industry.
In 2022, the UK final was hosted by was hosted by TV personalities Clare Balding and JJ Chalmers and addressed by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Aberdeen-based Amity Fish Company Limited took home the trophy for FSB Small Business of the Year after successfully pivoting their business during the pandemic.
Geographical finals will take place across the UK next year, with winners through to the UK Final on Thursday 18 May 2023 at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham.
