Why businesses hesitate to enter awards.
If you are thinking about entering Wigan Business Awards this year, you are not alone in feeling unsure. Most brilliant businesses do not sit around thinking, we should win an award. They are busy serving customers, supporting staff, and keeping everything moving.
Self-doubt is More Common Than You Think
That is why one of the biggest reasons people do not enter is also the simplest. Self-doubt.
Gemma Ranjbar, business owner at Philocalist, felt it too.
Philocalist was Highly Commended in the Sustainability Champion Award in 2024.
When we asked what nearly stopped her entering, her answer was honest.
“A bit of self-doubt and lack of confidence at first.”
You might wonder if you are ready.
You might wonder if your story is big enough.
You might wonder if awards are even for businesses like yours.
What Makes The Wigan Business Awards Process Feel Different
Gemma entered anyway, and the experience surprised her.
“I’ve been involved in award ceremonies before, but this one really stood out. It felt completely genuine, community led, with real compassion behind promoting and celebrating local businesses.”
That is what we work hard to build every year.
We want the campaign to feel fair, supportive, and rooted in real stories.
We want businesses to feel proud of putting themselves forward.
For Gemma, being shortlisted and then receiving Highly Commended meant more than she expected.
“It was amazing just to be shortlisted and recognised, then winning Highly Commended made it even more special.”
Her message to anyone still unsure is simple.
“Go for it. Put yourself out there, you might be surprised by just how amazing you really are.”
Why Entering Helps You Tell Your Impact Story
Making a difference counts, even when it feels normal.
Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick, knows the power of recognising impact.
The Brick won Not For Profit of the Year in 2024 and then won Community Impact in 2025.
Her advice goes beyond awards.
“Don’t underestimate what you’re doing. So many businesses are making a real difference in their communities but don’t always take the time to reflect on it.”
That is exactly why entering matters. It creates space to step back and see the bigger picture. It helps you put words and evidence around the impact you have.
Keely puts it perfectly.
“Entering gives you the space to tell that story, celebrate your team, and recognise the role you play locally. That’s reason enough to go for it.”
Community Impact Matters, Even When It Feels Small
Some impact is quiet. It does not always look big from the outside.
It still matters to the people around you, and it still deserves recognition.
What Finalist Recognition Means For Your Team
Awards are not just about owners or leaders. They are about the teams behind the business too.
Karen Cox, Centre Manager at Spinning Gate Shopping Centre, shared how it felt to be nominated and shortlisted in 2024.
They became finalists in Community Impact of the Year and Sustainability Champion of the Year.
“The entire team at Spinning Gate Shopping Centre were absolutely delighted to be nominated and to become finalists in two categories in the Wigan Business Awards.”
For Karen, the recognition landed where it should. With the people doing the work every day.
“To achieve local recognition for our continued hard work is just wonderful and means a lot to our onsite teams who go above and beyond daily for us.”
That is what we want Wigan Business Awards to do.
We want it to recognise the people behind the scenes who keep things clean, safe, welcoming, and running properly.
Those efforts matter, and people should see them.
Lessons From Wigan Business Awards Winners and Finalists
These stories all have something in common.
Not one of them started with confidence. They started with taking the first step.
Encouragement For Businesses Unsure About Entering
If self-doubt is the thing holding you back, you are in good company.
Many winners and finalists started exactly where you are now. The difference is they took the step.
You do not need to be perfect. You do not need to be the biggest. You just need to be willing to share your story.
If your business is making a difference, it is worth entering.
If your team goes above and beyond, it is worth entering. If you have built something you care about, it is worth entering.
Get Support With Your Entry Workshops
Nominations and entries are open now.
If you want support, join one of our free ‘How to write a winning award entry’ workshops.
We will help you choose the right category, avoid common mistakes, and bring your evidence to life.
See the available dates HERE.
