9 UK business competitions for ethical organisations (updated for 2024/25)
You’re running an ethical or sustainable business and want to stand out from the crowd? Then consider these free-to-enter UK business competitions and awards.
It’s not just about money, but about increasing your visibility and confidence. Winning any of these prizes could be a great PR opportunity: you may gain exposure through media coverage and network with other innovative startups or businesses.
Categories vary, but there are quite a few promising opportunities. If you know of other UK-wide competitions and awards I could add here, please let me know.
| The awards are listed in alphabetical order and now only include those without any entry fees. |
Disclaimer: this small guide is not exhaustive. Please check all eligibility criteria, deadlines, award ceremony costs (if any) and T&Cs directly on the relevant business competitions and awards websites. I / Translate Digital Marketing Ltd assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this page or website. I haven’t entered any of these awards myself, so I can’t vouch for them. Finally, please be aware of the risks of greenwashing!
UK business competitions that are free to enter
Good news! Some prestigious awards still don’t have an entry fee. So, have a look and choose the competitions that best suit you.
Deadlines could change on short notice, so please double-check them on the relevant websites before applying.
Tip: before you register, check how much it will cost you to attend the awards ceremonies; they may NOT be free!
1. Ashden Awards
The Ashden Awards‘ “mission is to accelerate transformative climate solutions and build a more just world”. They boost climate innovation in the UK and Global South, particularly focusing on “green jobs, skills, and livelihoods.”
All winners and finalists will receive grants and publicity. Sounds good? Then register for the next round in 2025. Applications are likely to open in November 2024 if they follow last year’s pattern. Subscribe to their newsletter to find out more.
2. British Small Business Awards
The British Small Business Awards “recognise and celebrate innovative and outstanding achievements of small and medium size British businesses across all industries.”
There are a lot of categories to consider. Ethical and sustainable businesses may find the following especially interesting:
- Black, Asian, Ethnic Minority Business of the Year
- DEI Initiative of the Year
- Micro Business of the Year
- Sustainable Business Award of the Year
You can either nominate yourself or put forward someone else. Perfect for young entrepreneurs and early-stage companies!
While the competition is free to enter, “there’s a separate cost to attend the awards ceremony (optional)”. It’s not clear how much that will be.
The 2025 entry process will open early next year. You can sign up on the main website to be notified.
3. Business Awards UK
The Business Awards UK website includes a few great categories for ethical businesses, e.g.:
- Corporate Social Responsibility Awards
- Corporate Sustainability Awards
- Mental Health Care Awards
- Plant-Based Products Awards
- Youth Services Development Awards
There is no costly awards ceremony, either. Nice!
Closing dates vary; some are in September, others in October 2024. Please check them and register on the site.
4. Business Green Leaders Awards
The Business Green Leaders Awards look for the “most inspiring green projects, trailblazing businesses, and talented entrepreneurs”.
Some of the many available categories in 2024 included, e.g.:
- ESG Investor of the Year
- Low Carbon Industrial Project of the Year
- Renewable Energy Project of the Year
- Green Heat Project of the Year
- Behaviour Change Campaign of the Year
- Green Building Project of the Year
- Recycling Project of the Year
- Circular Economy Project of the Year
- Nature-based Project of the Year
See further information about the terms and conditions on their website. The awards run yearly, with more information on the 2025 round to be announced in December 2024.
While the awards are free to enter, by submitting an entry you agree to “your organisation being represented at the awards ceremony”. It’s not clear how expensive tickets to the ceremony will be.
5. FSB Small Business Awards
The FSB Small Business Awards are open to all. Entries are judged by a panel of leading business experts.
Categories for 2024 included, e.g.:
- Sustainability Award
- Micro Business Award
- Diversity & Inclusion Award
Follow their news page for information about the next round.
6. Great British Entrepreneur Awards
There are many interesting categories to pick from in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
The ones of most interest to ethical and sustainable business owners are probably the following:
- Purpose Entrepreneur of the Year
- Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year
- Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year
- Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year
Register for the 2025 round here.
7. The King’s Award for Enterprise
The prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise is for “outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:
- Innovation
- International trade
- Sustainable development
- Promoting opportunity through social mobility
More information, eligibility criteria, and an online application form are available at Gov.uk.
8. Responsible Business Awards Northern Ireland
The Responsible Business Awards recognise and reward companies in Northern Ireland that “continually innovate to tackle pressing social issues and to repair and rebuild our planet“. Any Northern Irish organisation can enter.
Categories could vary from year to year. In 2024, categories for ethical businesses included, e.g.:
- NI Responsible Company of the Year
- Diversity and Inclusion Award
- Nature and Biodiversity Award
- Climate Action Award
- Impact in your Community Award
- Responsible Product/Service Award
There seems to be no entry fee, though it’s unclear whether you will need to pay for attendance to the annual business awards ceremony.
Keep up to date on their News & Events page.
9. The Small Awards
Small businesses can apply for The Small Awards from 1st December 2024 onwards. Entries close at midnight on February 28th, 2025.
There are many categories, including “Net Hero” (for a “business that demonstrates exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability”). Sounds good!
Find more information on the Small Awards website.
Other awards and business competitions
For other lists of national and international awards and UK business competitions, check e.g., Awards List.co.uk or the Entrepreneur Handbook. I’ve also just seen (but not yet bought) the Good Guide for Ethical Entrepreneurs.
There are plenty of opportunities for the small business community. If you’re working on an environmentally responsible business project, or own an ethical company or a social enterprise, consider applying.
Good luck! 🙂
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