Frequently Asked Questions

When will the awards open and close for entries? 

They will open at 09:00 on 13 January 2025 and close at 23:59 on 9 March 2025.

Who can enter the awards? 

Any UK-registered company with up to 250 employees and a turnover of no more than £50 million. Please read the terms and conditions for more useful information.

How do I enter the awards? 

All you will need to do is complete a short entry form. You can download a PDF below to view the questions before going to submit via our online formopens ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com in a new tab.

How much does it cost to enter the awards? 

The awards are free to enter.

How many categories can I enter? 

Only one. If your business covers more than one sector, please enter the category that best represents your international sales.

Can I enter if I already did so in 2023 or 2024? 

Yes, so long as it’s a completely new entry referencing exports in calendar year 2024.

How will the awards be judged? 

Please see our judging criteria page for more information on judging and the weighting of different questions. This can be found here.

Do you have any tips for how to write my entry?

Yes, new for 2025 we have advice from judges detailing what they are looking for. This can be found here.

Who sees the information supplied in my application?

Only our small awards team, made up of DBT officials, who shortlist the entries, and three judges for your category. This includes our independent panel members from the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade and Lloyds Bank. All information supplied in your application will be treated as commercial in confidence.

What is the prize? 

Winners will receive:

  • a year’s free business membership to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
  • a working capital masterclass with Lloyds Bank
  • bespoke promotion on the Department for Business and Trade’s channels
  • professional photos of their business and usage rights
  • an invitation to the winners’ reception in Parliament
  • a trophy, certificate and digital badge

Those who are highly commended will receive a year’s free business membership to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, a certificate and a digital badge.

Will I receive feedback on my entry?

The 12 winners will receive a summary of judges’ comments but due to the very high volume of submissions we get, unfortunately we can’t provide feedback to any other nominated companies.

Which businesses can enter the new Export Services category? 

This category is for any UK SME that helps other UK businesses sell internationally, directly or indirectly, via the services it provides. These SMEs may be exporters themselves but it’s not a prerequisite as this category is about enabling others to export.

Examples of eligible organisations include (but are not limited to):

  • logistics companies that ship products from UK sellers to overseas buyers and facilitate the customs clearance process,
  • businesses in the financial sector that provide risk-management advice, export-credit insurance and foreign-exchange services,
  • legal services companies that offer support on compliance with export controls and customs regulations,
  • consultancy firms that help other businesses navigate documentation and shipping procedures,
  • marketing agencies that develop UK companies’ brands overseas, conduct market research and deliver international buyer focused campaigns,
  • business-representative organisations that deliver training on how to enter international markets,
  • companies that offer translation and interpretation services to help firms enter specific markets where English isn't widely used, and
  • tech companies that provide the digital infrastructure to enable firms to sell to overseas buyers online.

Which businesses can enter the Low Carbon Energy category?

Examples of eligible sectors include (but are not limited to):

  • Bioenergy
  • Electrical networks
  • Energy storage
  • Geothermal energy
  • Hydropower
  • Offshore wind
  • Solar power
  • Tidal energy

For any other questions, please contact UKmarketing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

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