Business awards are the perfect way to showcase expertise and reliability. Whilst award applications can be time consuming to complete- there’s a lot of supporting evidence needed. This hard work can deliver tangible returns, securing recognition, making a powerful impression on potential and existing customers and a buzzing sense of achievement in the business.
There is a knack to navigating a successful path through the whole awards field. At Aro, we have supported a range of clients in achieving industry leading awards, including the King’s Award for Enterprise.
As we are approaching the main season of awards opening , this blog discusses the standout opportunities that 2026 has to offer- breaking down the specifics of each and highlighting the accolades that we have helped our clients to achieve.
How can we help?
Application processes are often time consuming and eligibility criteria can feel exhaustive. At Aro, we help with award selection, researching and writing the application and managing the whole process. We then work to ensure that you make the most of those awards, making them work hard for your business. Here are a few of the most significant awards and we’ll take you through some of the pitfalls.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious national business awards in the UK. Established in 1965, awards are conferred in the name of His Majesty the King on the advice of the Prime minister- earning them a standout mark of prestige and excellence. Recognition can open doors with partners, investors and export markets.
| Background | Categories include Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity. For more information, check out the official website by clicking here: The King’s Awards for Enterprise: About the awards – GOV.UK |
| Deadline | Applications for the 2027 awards open May 2026 |
| Awarding date | The awards ceremony is held in the summer, and the successful organisations are announced on the London Gazette website – so, keep an eye out! |
| Region | United Kingdom |
| Our experience | At Aro, we have helped clients to achieve the King’s Award for Enterprise three times. |
Electronics Weekly BrightSparks
The Electronics Weekly BrightSparks Awards are an annual awards programme which celebrate the best and brightest young talent in electronics engineering. The awards recognise particularly those at the start of their careers or those still studying who have shown that they are making a significant impact through their work, research or achievements.
| Background | The awards target engineers and innovators aged 18-30 who are working, studying, or otherwise active in electronics in the UK. |
| Deadline | The application deadline for the 2026 awards has not yet been confirmed. For key updates keep an eye on the official website via the following link: EW BrightSparks 2025 | Electronics Weekly |
| Region | United Kingdom |
| Our experience | We have helped an apprentice to achieve an Electronics Weekly BrightSparks award. |
Offshore Achievement Awards
The Offshore Achievement Awards (OAAs) recognise outstanding achievements in the energy industry. Rewarding innovative technologies, growth in companies both large and small, and the significant contributions of individuals within the industry, the OAAs give recognition to the superlative achievements of those who go above and beyond in the energy sector.
| Deadline | 12th December 2026 (for 2027) |
| Region | United Kingdom |
Business Insider
Business Insider is a regional business magazine and news service which offers stories, features, interviews and reports- all of which are great for publicity and reach. It is part of Insider Media, the largest regional B2B publisher and events company in the UK, making it the perfect place to showcase brand achievements.
| Information | The primary audience of the magazine is business leaders, investors and professionals. Hence, being featured in or winning an insider award can raise regional credibility, increase visibility and create opportunities for business and growth. For more information, take a look at the official website via the following link: South West Business Insider Magazine | Insider Media |
| Region | United Kingdom |
| Our experience | We have helped a range of clients to achieve local and regional media such as Business Insider and the Leicester Mercury. |
Make UK Awards
Make UK is a manufacturer’s organisation which represents more than 20,000 companies across sectors such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and more. Their annual awards recognise innovation, growth and individual achievements.
Furthermore, awards’ dinners offered by those such as Make UK, offer the opportunity to network and learn about awards which you could apply for next year. In turn, this can increase productivity and word-of-mouth recommendations of your services; pride should not be underestimated!
| Information | Categories include Business Growth and Strategy, Innovation, Energy and Sustainability, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Manufacturing Matters, SME of the Year and Developing Future Talent. There are also apprentice-specific categories such as Rising Star and Apprentice Endeavour. For more information, check out the official website by clicking here: Manufacturing Awards | Make UK |
| Deadline | The entry period is March-June 2026. To register your interest, click here: Make UK Regional Awards 2026 Survey |
| Awarding date | Regional winners are announced throughout October and November. National winners are announced the following January. |
| Region | The awards follow a regional to national structure: entrants are judged at regional dinners during the autumn, and regional winners progress to national judging at a Gala dinner the following January. |
| Our experience | At Aro, we have helped clients to achieve both, the Make UK award for Innovation and the Make UK award for Business Strategy and Growth. |
At Aro, we strive to achieve the best for our clients. Whether you are a young apprentice looking for recognition, or a business aiming to promote your services, cherishing opportunities such as those we have covered is the perfect way to boost business.
Writing most awards’ applications is time consuming and there is a knack to presenting the right information in the right format, to deliver a compelling application.
Delegating this to an experienced agency can ensure that that they day job isn’t pushed to the side. This company will also be able to ask the questions that aren’t always easy for the staff team. Having an outside perspective also helps as the day-to-day tasks, policies, or procedures that may seem mundane to you can give your company the edge when entering an award.
Moreover, at Aro, we are here to help! For more information about upcoming awards, application processes or eligibility criteria do not hesitate to contact us.
If you’d like to explore how Aro could help your company win awards or raise your company’s profile, promote your products and services, or help develop your communications and messaging, or just to have an informal chat around generating opportunities to grow your business, drop us an email info@aroprandmarketing.co.uk or phone 0117 379 0008.
