RECOGNITION and Entries are now open
THE CLOSING DATE FOR RECOGNITION IS MIDNIGHT ON 10th APRIL 2026
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 23:59PM ON 30th APRIL 2026
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This award celebrates new businesses that have hit the ground running and are already making an impact within the Wigan Borough. It recognises fresh ideas, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit, celebrating businesses that have shown impressive progress and potential in their first year of trading. To be eligible for this category, entrants must have been actively trading for less than 12 months at the time of their application. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your startup’s achievements and gain recognition for your hard work, innovation, and determination to succeed.
Award Criteria
In order to enter this category, you must be able to answer the following 5 questions on behalf of your business:
- What inspired you to start your business, and what problem are you solving?
- What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
- How has your business grown since you launched?
- What makes your business unique, and how do you stand out from the competition?
- What are your goals and aspirations for the future.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for entry into the Wigan Borough Business Awards 2026, businesses must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be located within Wigan Borough.
- Provide goods or services to Wigan Borough businesses or residents.
- Employ a significant number of local residents.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the borough, such as supporting local charities,
sponsoring community organisations, or actively contributing to the local
economy.
Entries will be assessed based on their impact and involvement within Wigan Borough, ensuring that the awards truly celebrate
those who help make our business community thrive.
To Enter
Nominations and applications must be submitted online through the official Wigan Borough Business Awards website during the designated nomination period. Applications must be made by a person who is able to act on behalf of the company (Director or Senior Manager). Nominations can be made by an individual, and once the nomination has been received, the company nominated will be contacted and should they wish to proceed, they will then be required to apply via the online application.
All applicants will need to accept the terms and conditions on completion of their application. Terms and Conditions can be viewed on the website – Terms & Conditions – Wigan Borough Business Awards
Please note that incomplete or late nominations may not be considered.
All nominations and applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence at all times.
Judging Process
The judging process is conducted by an independent panel of industry experts and professionals.
The decisions of the judges are final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the judging process or results.
Results
Winners of each category will be announced at the event, which is being held on Saturday 26th September 2026, from 6.30pm at The Brick Community Stadium, Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UH
Closing Date
The closing date for recognition is 5pm on 10th April 2026 and the closing date for applications is 23:59PM on 30th April 2026. Any nominations or applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.
Cost
The awards are free to enter. The cost to attend the awards event is £75 per person plus any booking fees which may apply.
MAKE A NOMINATION
Nominations are now closed
OTHER CATEGORIES
MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
(UP to 1 million turnover)
MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
(UP to 1 million turnover)
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
(Up to 5 million turnover)
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
(Up to 5 million turnover)
MEDIUM-LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
(Over 5 million turnover)
MEDIUM-LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
(over 5 million)
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD
CHARITY OF THE YEAR AWARD
CHARITY OF THE YEAR AWARD
CIC/SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR
CIC/SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR
Startup Business of the Year
Startup Business of the Year
outstanding contribution of the year
outstanding contribution OF THE YEAR AWARD
creative, Digital & Technology Business of the year
creative, Digital & Technology Business of the year
Manufacturer of the year
Manufacturer of the year
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