ECC Business Awards 2025 Entries

ECC Business Awards 2025 Entries

The entries for the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025 are now open!

Below you’ll find all 14 of the categories that you can send in submissions for, and their criteria.

Submissions are open until 5pm on the 14th January 2025. Any questions about the awards please email us.

Small Business of the Year – Enter here

  • Under 10 staff
  • Strong managerial and financial performance
  • Commitment to growing and developing a dynamic workforce
  • Evidence of innovation to differentiate products and services

Mid-sized Business of the Year (sponsored by Henderson Loggie) – Enter here

  • Between 10-100 Staff
  • Strong managerial and financial performance
  • Commitment to growing and developing a dynamic workforce
  • Evidence of innovation to differentiate products and services

Large Business of the Year (sponsored by LNER) – Enter here

  • Over 100 Staff
  • Strong managerial and financial performance
  • Commitment to growing and developing a dynamic workforce
  • Evidence of innovation to differentiate products and services

Responsible Business of the Year (sponsored by The City of Edinburgh Council) – Enter here

  • Commitment to conducting business in a socially conscious manner
  • Dedication to the wellbeing of the local community
  • Evidence of sustainable practices implemented through the business strategy

Service Excellence Award (sponsored by Stagecoach) – Enter here

  • Evidence of a commitment to delivering the best experience and service for customers
  • A clearly defined process in place to ensure service is delivered
  • Evidence of customer satisfaction surveys and/or customer endorsements

Inspiring Partnership Award – Enter here

  • A clearly defined partnership with a third sector organisation
  • Evidence of a beneficial relationship to the organisation and community beyond solely financial performance
  • A clear plan to maintain a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership

Developing the Young Workforce (sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian) – Enter here

  • Open for non-chamber members
  • Evidence of shaping and inspiring young people whilst in education
  • Commitment to recruitment and development of young people
  • Wider engagement with education providers to support Scotland’s youth employment strategy

Director of the Year (sponsored by Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie) – Enter here

  • An individual with exceptional leadership skills – someone who leads by example
  • Evidence of the individuals impact on the business strategy, direction and performance
  • Clearly defined vision for continual performance both individually and for the organisation

Rising Star Award (sponsored by Edinburgh Airport) – Enter here

  • Young leader aged 35 or under
  • Evidence of exceptional leadership skills
  • Had made a significant contribution to their organisation in terms of performance and strategic direction
  • Acts as a role model to others

Employer of the Year (sponsored by Clockwise Offices) – Enter here

  • Clearly defined company values and examples of how employees are aligned with them
  • Implementation of initiatives to benefit employees including health and wellbeing schemes and the benefit of these on employees
  • Demonstrable commitment to employee development and that creates a stimulating and supportive workplace

Excellence in Digital Marketing (sponsored by Cameron Events) – Enter here

  • Clearly defined target market and objectives
  • Successful execution of an innovative and creative marketing campaign
  • Evidence of campaign effectiveness in reaching desired objectives

Innovation in Business (sponsored by Forth Ports) – Enter here

  • A high degree of creativity and dynamism in developing your business
  • Demonstrable innovative methods or approach to differentiate from competitors – this could be in your business model, sustainability strategy or products/services
  • Evidence of improved sustainability, commercial performance, customer satisfaction or operational efficiency

High Growth Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland) – Enter here

  • Evidence of substantial growth over the past year – how has this impacted the workforce, business profile and financial performance
  • Implementation of a strong development plan
  • Clear strategies to continue high growth in to the future

International Business of the Year (sponsored by Edinburgh Gin) – Enter here

  • Open for non-chamber members
  • Clearly defined strategy for international growth
  • Evidence of expansion in to new international markets
  • Demonstrable impact business’s financial performance, client base, profile and reach, due to international growth

Net Zero Champion of the Year – Enter here

  • Clearly defined strategy to become a net-zero organisation
  • Evidence of the organisation consistently working towards a ‘zero waste’ policy across every aspect of the business
  • A leading sustainable organisation that encourages others to take climate action

Headline Sponsor

We are delighted that LNER are our headline sponsor for the second year.

Thanks to all of ours sponsors and event partners