Award writing services

Thinking of entering an award? Yellow Bird’s award writing service can help you prepare, gather evidence, write and submit your application.

Your award writing service

If you’re considering entering an award, you probably have a few immediate questions. Which business awards are right for my business? How do I find them? Do I have the time to capture the information needed and to create the compelling story needed to convince the judging panel that we’re worthy finalists and, ultimately, winners?

A professional award writing service can help you navigate the process of applying for an award from start to finish.

Let’s break down how to win awards for your business.

Business awards – are they worth it?

Winning an award can be a real boost for a business and all who are involved in it, whether they be staff, suppliers or customers. It can bring fabulous publicity for your business and can set you apart from the competition.

So why do so many businesses fail to submit applications? Lack of time is usually a key factor, especially when the deadline is tight or if the chances of winning are perceived as low. Lack of confidence too, with many businesses genuinely not appreciating that their approach or achievements are something to celebrate. A business award writer can help you overcome those hurdles.

Which business award is right for me?

There are hundreds of business awards out there, some more prestigious than others. Determining which ones to apply for can be driven by a number of factors:

• Where does your business excel?
  Think of those areas where you know you perform well – e.g. customer service, partnership working or CSR – and find awards that recognise such areas. What are your most impressive achievements over the last year? There’s the obvious ones like revenue or profit growth and job creation. Beyond financial success, how has your product or service impacted lives? Think not just of your customers but their customers, your suppliers, your staff, and the wider local community.Best to avoid spending time applying for those awards in areas where you are not so strong. For example, if your business is traditional or conservative in its approach, there is little point in applying for an award that celebrates innovation!
• How can you evidence your achievements?
  You might consider you offer the best customer service but how can you substantiate this? Evidence of only anecdotal feedback from your staff or customers won’t cut it when it comes to your application being favourable assessed. If, on the other hand, you can support your claims with plenty of 5* online reviews or an evaluation of customer feedback forms with a high % citing ’Excellent’ in the majority of areas, it offers reassurance to the judging panel that your claims are credible.
• What do you want to be known for, now and in the future?
  Winning an award (or even being selected as a finalist) raises the profile of any business. Make best use of the publicity by choosing an award or category that fully aligns with your future ambitions and plans. Applying for an export award, for example, may not be the most suitable option if your strategic plan is focused on your domestic market.
• Who is the organisation behind the awards?
  Whose support really counts in your sector or region? Who will really help promote your business through their own PR channels? Who would you consider to be an organisation offering a prestigious award? It could be the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses), your local Chamber, Theo Paphitis’s #SBS (Small Business Sunday) award or an organisation relevant to your particular sector such as Make UK’s Manufacturing Awards for businesses that make something. If you can demonstrate outstanding achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development or promoting opportunity through social mobility, The King’s Awards for Enterprise is considered the most highly-regarded in the UK (the equivalent for volunteer-led groups is The King’s Award for Voluntary Service).Beware any ‘Congratulations, you’ve won the X award!’ emails. If you haven’t applied for or been nominated for the award in question, it’s likely you’re being targeted by a business that wants you to pay for the privilege.

   

  Yellow Bird’s award writing services can help you identify what’s most likely to impress the judges.

Finding an award for your business

There are some free-to-access Award lists out there which can be identified using a simple Google search. Whilst they present a useful starting point on the breadth of national and regional awards available, they’re not always up to date. Joining the mailing lists of the awards you’re most interested in ensures accuracy.

Setting up your own Google alerts, for example “manufacturing” + “award”, and scanning the local and trade press for Award wins help to extend your net of opportunities.

There are many different Awards to choose from. Common examples include: Apprentice of the Year; Businesswoman of the Year; Corporate Social Responsibility; Customer Service; Export; Innovation; Marketing; Sales; Small Business; Technology; and Training; as well as industry-specific awards like Manufacturing. Where you have particularly excelled – or what you would most like to be known for – should be where you point your energies.

Why not call on Yellow Bird for support to find and write your business award application?

Getting help with your business award application

Making the shortlist of an awards programme can generate welcome PR for your organisation; winning an Award is even better!

Yellow Bird can help you:

• identify the activities within your business that stand the best chance of winning an award;
• research suitable awards;
• build awareness about your business ahead of application submission; and
• tell a compelling story that captures the Panel’s interest and shows impact.

Learn more by accessing Yellow Bird’s How to win awards for your business – a pain-free guide.