2027 Judging Criteria
| Score | Interpretation |
| 0–2 | Little or no evidence |
| 3–4 | Limited evidence |
| 5–6 | Good |
| 7–8 | Very Good |
| 9 | Excellent |
| 10 | Outstanding |
Judging
Each application will be assessed against ten criteria, each scored out of ten, giving a maximum score of 100 points. Judges should assess the quality of evidence provided rather than the size of the organisation.2027 Award Categories
Business of the Year
Sponsored by
Purpose
This award celebrates the success of a business that has over £1M turnover.Judges will be looking for:
- Clearly describe the business model and market
- Provide financial information to demonstrate sustained growth
- Provide evidence of market growth
- How has your customer base grown?
- What challenges have you faced and overcome? Describe any changes you’ve made to stay competitive
- What’s next?
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored by
Purpose
This award celebrates the success of a business of up to £1M.Judges will be looking for:
- Clearly describe the business model and market
- Provide financial information to demonstrate sustained growth
- Provide evidence of market growth
- How has your customer base grown?
- What challenges have you faced and overcome? Describe any changes you’ve made to stay competitive
- What’s next?
New Business and Innovation Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
This award celebrates the growth and success of a business that has started and been trading for 2 years or less. Applicants should consider the following in their application where appropriate:Judges will be looking for:
- Tell us about your journey and how your business came about?
- Provide an overview of your financial growth
- Describe your growth
- What challenges have you faced and overcome?
- What’s next?
Visitor Experience Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
This award recognises those businesses who welcome visitors to Salisbury & surrounding areas. Open to retail, hospitality, leisure and attractions who deliver the best experience for visitors to Salisbury and the local area.Judges will be looking for:
- What is your experience offer and how does this set you apart from others?
- Clear evidence measuring visitor experience
- An overview of how you attract visitors throughout the year
- Open and inclusive approach to visitors from the UK and abroad
- Teams who are clearly engaged and focused on delivering a great experience for their visitors
Community Engagement Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
To recognise a business that has made a significant and lasting contribution to the local community through meaningful engagement, social responsibility and support for local people, organisations and charities.
Judges will be looking for:
- A measurable positive impact on the local community.
- Active involvement of employees in community initiatives.
- Meaningful support for charities, schools or voluntary organisations.
- Strong partnerships with local organisations.
- Innovative approaches to community engagement.
- Long-term commitment rather than one-off projects.
- Inclusive initiatives benefiting a wide range of people.
- Clear evidence of outcomes and achievements.
- Inspiring others through leadership and example.
- An overall commitment to making Salisbury and South Wiltshire a better place.
Excellence in Customer Service Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
This award is in recognition of companies with a clear focus on customer service excellence.Judges will be looking for:
- Tell us about your extraordinary customer service and how it sets you apart
- A clear relationship between customer service activities and improved business performance, financial growth and customer retention
- A company with a clear understanding of customer needs through feedback
Charity of the Year Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
To recognise a bona fide registered charity that makes an exceptional and lasting difference to the lives of people in Salisbury and South Wiltshire through the dedication of its volunteers, the quality of its services and its positive impact on the community.Judges will be looking for:
- Evidence that the organisation is a registered charity operating for public benefit.
- A clear and measurable positive impact on the local community.
- The commitment, passion and contribution of volunteers.
- How effectively the charity supports those most in need.
- Innovative or inspiring approaches to addressing local challenges.
- Strong governance, sustainability and responsible use of charitable funds.
- Partnerships with local organisations, businesses or public bodies.
- Evidence of measurable outcomes, testimonials or case studies.
- The charity’s ability to inspire community involvement and volunteering.
- Overall excellence and lasting contribution to Salisbury and South Wiltshire.
Employee of the Year Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
This award is in recognition of an individual who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to excellence, making a genuine difference through exceptional performance, dedication, and contribution to their workplace and the wider community.Judges will be looking for:
- Can clearly demonstrate impact on the business or field
- Impacts for this area could be wide ranging. Examples could include changes to culture, efficiencies, increased income or innovation and creativity
- They have mindset that enables them to rise to challenges, solve problems and shows clear enjoyment when performing their role
Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
This award is to recognise an apprentice who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, development and contribution to their employer, profession and local community.
Judges will be looking for:
- Achievement and Performance
- Personal and Professional Development
- Contribution to the Employer
- Commitment and Resilience
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Future Potential and Inspiration
Heritage and Legacy Award
Sponsored by
Purpose
To recognise one of the region’s longest-established businesses that continues to deliver outstanding products, exceptional customer service and an enduring contribution to the local economy. This award celebrates businesses that have successfully adapted over many years while maintaining the high standards, integrity and values that have earned the trust of generations of customers.
Judges will be looking for:
- The significance of the business’s heritage and longevity.
- Its reputation and standing within the community.
- Excellence in customer service today.
- Ability to innovate and adapt over time.
- Consistent quality of products or services.
- Investment in employees, skills and future growth.
- Contribution to Salisbury and South Wiltshire.
- Evidence of customer satisfaction and business excellence.
- Long-term sustainability.
- Overall achievement and continuing legacy.