First, congratulations on entering the Wigan Business Awards! Whether this is your first time entering or you’re returning for another year, you’ve taken a fantastic step. You’ve chosen to showcase your business and its achievements. Now that you’ve submitted your application, you may be wondering what happens next. From shortlisting to judging, there’s an exciting journey ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about the next stages of the Wigan Business Awards.
The Short-Listing Process
The first stage after entries close is shortlisting. A panel of five independent short listers carefully reviews every application. Their role is to assess each entry against the award criteria and help narrow down the submissions. After this process, the panel selects five finalists in each category. This recognises the quality of each business’s application and achievements. It also celebrates the hard work and achievements behind the business.
Finalists Are Announced
Once the shortlisting process is complete, it’s time for one of the most exciting stages of the awards. We’ll announce the finalists. We’ll announce the finalists during the last week of July across our social media channels. Keep an eye out to see if your business has made the shortlist. If we select you as a finalist, we’ll also send you a confirmation email. We’ll provide you with a finalist graphic to celebrate your achievement. You can proudly share it across your social media channels, website and marketing materials.
Preparing For Judging
Reaching the finalist stage is a huge achievement. Before the awards evening, you’ll complete one more important step. Our team will contact each finalist to arrange a date and time for their judging panel interview. This is your opportunity to expand on your application. You can share your story and explain what makes your business stand out. The judging panels will take place from 7th to 25th September. This gives finalists plenty of time to prepare.
Finalist’s Networking Event
Becoming a finalist is an achievement worth celebrating, and we’d love to celebrate it with you. On Friday 16th October, we’ll invite all finalists to a dedicated networking event. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow finalists and make new connections within the local business community. It’s also a chance to celebrate everything you’ve achieved before the awards evening.
People’s Choice Award Voting
This year’s People’s Choice Award, proudly sponsored by DASCO, gives the wider community the chance to have their say. Voting will be open from 12th to 23rd October. During this time, customers, clients, colleagues, friends and family can support their favourite finalist. We’ll share everything you need when voting opens. You can then encourage your supporters to cast their vote.
Have A Question
We know entering awards can raise plenty of questions. That’s why we’ve created a Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to help throughout the awards process.
Good Luck
The Wigan Business Awards celebrate the businesses, organisations and individuals that make our local business community thrive. We know how much time and effort goes into every application. We’d like to thank everyone who has entered. Whether you reach the shortlist this year or not, you should feel proud of entering the awards. Good luck to all our entrants. We look forward to announcing our finalists very soon!
Still have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to the most common queries.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact our team. We’ll be happy to help and guide you through the awards process.
