Doncaster Business Awards FAQs
How do I enter?
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Applications are online here.
How many categories can I enter?
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Maximum of three categories per company.
Can I enter someone for the Lifetime Achievement Award?
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Yes, you can nominate someone for the Lifetime Achievement Award. More details are on the awards webpage.
Will I receive feedback for my entry?
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Feedback is not provided for Stage 1 applications (written application form).
For Stage 2 (finalist stage), winners are announced on the awards night. Other finalists may request feedback following the event, which will be available until January 2027.
If I enter do I automatically get tickets?
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No companies are automatically granted tickets. Tickets can be purchased through the Doncaster Chamber website.
How do I know if I have made it through to the second stage?
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Finalists are announced on Thursday 3rd September 2026.
You will be contacted by Doncaster Chamber on Thurs 3rd September and informed if you have been shortlisted as a finalist and made it through to the 2nd stage of judging.
What if I am unavailable for the stage 2 judging dates?
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Stage 2 judging date is Wednesday 16th September 2026, 09:00 - 18:00 at Eco-Power Stadium We are unable to reschedule this date.
Please ensure that you are available for the stage 2 judging date before submitting your entry.
Is there any support available when entering?
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Doncaster Chamber does not provide individual support for entrants.
For additional information on the awards process, watch this video.
What is the judging process?
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Each of the awards has specific criteria.
Initial written submissions will be scored against this (stage 1) by the Business Awards Panel. Each criteria will be scored out of ten, one being poor and ten being excellent.
If you are successful in Stage 1, you will then be assessed against the criteria once again at the interview stage (stage 2).
Further information is available on our judging process page.
How does a small business compete with a large business?
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In order to support smaller businesses that are likely to have less resources to dedicate to the awards process, a handicap system will be in place. You can find out more information about the handicap system on our judging process page.
When do entries for the awards open?
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Entries for the Doncaster Business Awards are open from Monday 27th April 2026 to Sunday 7th June 2026.
Can I enter if I am not a Doncaster Chamber member?
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Non-members are eligible to enter the awards if their registered business address is Doncaster.
The fee is £100 +VAT which must be paid prior to the closing date for written entries. If no payment is received prior to this date entries will not be submitted for judging.
Am I eligible to enter?
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All Doncaster Chamber members and businesses with a DN postcode are eligible to enter.
