Categories are open from Wednesday 24th January 2024 and close on Sunday 17th March 2024.

Judging will take place from 20th March 2023 and will be complete by 3rd May.  We have two judges per category (representatives from the category sponsor and a LOCALiQ/Newsquest, Expert or Previous Winner as the second judge) will review your entry and individually mark it against the five-point criteria with the top six business making it through to the next round of judging. 

Judging will take place either virtually or in person for round two and will be completed by 3rd May 2024. All businesses will be advised of their standing in the awards once judging is complete. The judges will supply feedback to applicants who make it the second round of judging (for those who do not make it to round 2, feedback is available on request). 

Finalists will be announced in a special supplement in the East Anglian Daily Times, online and via social media on Wednesday 5th June 2024. 

The award ceremony will take place on Thursday 4th July at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall. 

Winning a East Anglian Daily Times Business Award marks a milestone in your company’s history. It recognises your business journey and helps to celebrate your achievements.

Entering a category provides you with the opportunity to build your network and grow professional relationships.

We work to raise your brand profile through increasing coverage of your business throughout the awards process and afterward in articles, in both print and online, and extra social media coverage.

With over 20 years’ experience celebrating business achievement, the last 24 months have been unparalleled in the obstacles faced and challenges overcome.

We’re certain that there are countless reasons for businesses to celebrate at this year’s awards, so here are some tips on what you can do to add that little bit extra to your entry, as well as some things to avoid.

Still unsure on how best to write your entry? Check out our webinar from 2023 where we detail the do’s and don’ts for entering the awards. 

https://youtu.be/qdhYSBeyF0g

DO

STAND OUT

This is your chance to highlight why your business is unique in the market place. What initiatives have been behind your success this year? What makes you different?

BE RELEVANT

Simply cramming everything your business does into the entry and hoping for the best won’t do. Make sure your entry is laserfocussed on the award you are hoping to win.

BE CLEAR AND CONCISE

There are a lot of entries – you need to get your message across quickly and grab the judges’ attention.

CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN

Spelling and grammar errors matter. Silly mistakes give a bad impression of your business.

PROVIDE EVIDENCE

Making a claim and not backing it up won’t cut it with the judges. So, make sure you can prove what you are saying.

DON'T

BE LAZY

Simply copying and pasting links from your online reviews is not what the judges are looking for.

WAFFLE

We want to know all about your triumphs – but get to the point quickly and move on to the next reason your business should be

nominated.

FIB

You will get found out – and our judges have long memories.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

We are sure your plans for the next 12 months are stellar – but you can tell us about them when they have come to fruition.

LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE

Rushed entries rarely win awards. Give yourself time to ensure you say everything you need to.

For more information about tickets when they become available, please complete the contact form below.