Nominations and entries are now open for Wigan Business Awards 2026, and one of the first questions we get every year is a simple one. Which category should I enter?
Most businesses default to the obvious categories first. Micro Business of the Year Award. Best New Business Award. Wigan’s Business of the Year Award. They’re brilliant awards, but they’re also some of our busiest categories every single year. The smartest entries do something slightly different. They choose the category where their story fits best, because that’s where their strengths come through most clearly.
If you are not sure where to start, here is a simple way to narrow it down.
Start With What You Want To Be Known For
Before you look at the category list, take a minute to think about reputation. If someone recommended your business to a friend, what would they say you are great at?
Here are a few common answers we hear, and the types of categories that often suit them.
If you want to be known for brilliant customer experiences, look at categories like Customer Service Excellence Award, Small Retailer of the Year Award, Hospitality Business of the Year Award, Leisure and Culture Business of the Year Award, or Professional Services Business of the Year Award, depending on your sector. If you want to be known for growth, momentum, or ambition, categories like Wigan’s Business of the Year Award, Employer of the Year Award, Best New Business Award, Micro Business of the Year Award, or Independent Business of the Year Award might be a strong fit.
Do you want to be known for doing things differently? If so, categories linked to innovation and progress can be a better match than a generic option. That could mean Creative & Digital Business of the Year Award, IT & Tech Business of the Year Award, or Engineering, Manufacturing & Trade Business of the Year Award, depending on what you do and how you do it.
If your business is values led, that matters too. If you are proud of your environmental approach, consider entering the Sustainability Champion Award. It could help you attract like minded customers, partners, and funding. If your impact is rooted in community, people, or giving back, categories like Community Impact Award or Not For Profit of The Year Award can help you show the bigger picture.
Match Your Evidence To The Category
A strong entry is not about big statements. It is about clear examples.
Once you have a few categories in mind, ask yourself which one you can prove best. That proof might look like customer feedback, reviews, testimonials, repeat business, or case studies. It might be results and numbers such as growth, jobs created, investment, or new contracts. It could be improvements you have made, a problem you solved, or a measurable change you have delivered.
If you can only describe something and cannot evidence it, avoid leading with that category. Choose the category you can prove best.
Do Not Ignore The Industry and Specialist Categories
This is the bit many people miss.
If you work in a specific industry, choose a category designed for your sector. It often helps you tell a clearer story than a general category. Industry categories give you space to explain what quality looks like in your world.
They also help judges compare like for like.
That does not mean you cannot enter a general category as well. It just means you should not overlook the categories where your work is easiest to understand and judge fairly.
A Quick Way To Choose Without Overthinking It
Try this simple three step approach if you feel stuck.
First, shortlist three categories that feel like a genuine fit. Second, look at the entry questions and decide which category you can answer most confidently with real examples. Third, pick the category that best matches your story, not the one everyone chooses first.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Nominations and entries are open now, and we would love to see more businesses choosing the categories that really fit their work.
Head to our categories page to nominate or enter, and take a proper look through the full list before you decide. The right category is the one that helps your story land.
Once you have chosen your category and you want to give your entry the best possible chance, consider joining one of our free workshops. We will share practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and how to bring your evidence to life in a way that works for judges.
