Explore our
Wigan Business Award Categories
At Wigan Business Awards we have created 24 award categories to celebrate excellence across Wigan’s diverse business community. From passionate sole traders to thriving corporations, we’ve curated a selection that ensures there’s something for everyone in Wigan’s bustling business community.
Whether you’re entering yourself or shining a light on another deserving business, our range of award categories offers a unique opportunity to showcase excellence, innovation, and impact. You can enter a maximum of 3 categories and each entry will need its own application.
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Wigan’s Business of the Year Award
This award celebrates established businesses trading over 5 years with 10 staff or more. Wigan’s Business of the year demonstrates exceptional performance, continued growth, and a positive impact on the people within the business and the wider Wigan community.
Micro Business of the Year Award
Celebrating the spirit of small and mighty enterprises. This award honours businesses that, despite their size, display resilience, passion, and a strong commitment to community, going above and beyond for their people. For businesses with 2-9 employees.
Family Business of the Year award
This award celebrates family-run businesses based in Wigan that demonstrate a harmonious blend of business success and familial commitment. Strong performance, collaboration, positive community impact and at least two family members at the core of all operations.
Freelancer of the Year Award
Highlighting individual excellence, this award recognises freelancers who showcase grit and determination to walk their own path with remarkable achievements, innovation, and unwavering dedication to their craft or profession.
Best New Business Award
This award acknowledges promising newcomers trading less than 3 years. Recognising new businesses that demonstrate promise, innovative practices and early success with a clear plan for future growth.
Trade Business of the Year Award
This award highlights businesses excelling in specialist trade services or as suppliers to the trade industry, demonstrating exceptional skill, craftsmanship, reliability and dedication to delivering high-quality services and products.
Hospitality Business of the Year Award
This award celebrates hospitality businesses by recognising consistent exceptional service, that stands out for their dedication to customer satisfaction, innovation, and excellence in a highly competitive sector.
Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year award
This award recognises businesses or individuals delivering exceptional facilities and/or memorable experiences, showcasing a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Beauty, Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year Award
Honouring businesses dedicated to promoting beauty services and health and wellbeing. This award recognises service providers that enhance the well-being of individuals and the community while making a positive impact on their customers’ mental health.
Engineering & Manufacturing Business of the Year Award
This award recognises engineering and manufacturing businesses of any size—whether you maintain infrastructure, supply hospitality, develop new technologies, or produce everyday goods. It celebrates innovation, efficiency, and industry impact.
Creative & Digital Business of the Year Award
This award celebrates businesses that showcase exceptional creativity and innovation in the digital space. This accolade honours businesses that stand out through cutting-edge design, digital solutions, and pioneering approaches to marketing.
IT & Tech Business of the Year Award
This award celebrates businesses that are at the forefront of technology, demonstrating innovation and impactful contributions. It recognises those that lead the industry and make a measurable difference in the business community.
Professional Services Business of the Year Award
This award celebrates businesses that excel in delivering professional services while demonstrating outstanding performance and prioritising exceptional customer satisfaction. It recognises businesses who uphold high standards in service delivery and client relations.
Small Retailer of the Year Award
This award celebrates small businesses in the retail sector that provide unique products and exceptional customer experiences. Recognising those who stand out for their creativity and commitment to customer satisfaction while contributing significantly to their local communities.
Sustainability Champion Award
This award recognises businesses that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It celebrates those who lead the way in eco-friendly practiced creating positive impacts for the planet and their communities for a more sustainable future.
Not For Profit of The Year Award
This award recognises non-profit organisations and community groups dedicated to social welfare positively impacting the Wigan area and enhancing community well-being without the primary goal of profit.
Skills Investment Excellence Award
This award celebrates businesses that prioritise the growth and development of their workforce. Recognising those who invest in training, apprenticeships, and upskilling, ensuring their employees thrive while strengthening the future of their industry.
Independent Business of the Year Award
This award honours independently operated businesses that demonstrate excellence in customer service, product quality, and community engagement. Showcasing the unique contributions of independent businesses to the local area and how they are enhancing the vibrancy of Wigan’s local economy.
Employee of the Year Award
This award recognises an outstanding individual in your team who goes above and beyond in their role. Whether through dedication, or exceptional service or just good old-fashioned graft, they make a significant impact on your organisation and inspire those around them.
Employer of the Year Award
This award celebrates businesses that prioritise employee well-being and development. Recognising those fostering a positive workplace culture that drives growth and success.
Community Impact Award
This award celebrates businesses or individuals driven to making a meaningful purposeful, positive impact on the local community through acting socially responsible, philanthropy, and community engagement initiatives.
Customer Service Excellence Award
This award celebrates businesses that consistently provide outstanding customer service, going above and beyond to meet and exceed customer expectations and have the testimonials to prove it.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honours individuals who have significantly impacted Wigan through exemplary leadership and dedication over a distinguished career of 25 years or more, enriching the community for generations to come.
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