Celebrating businesses that prove doing good and doing business well belong together

Winners Announced March 2027

Entries Open April 2026 | Finalists October 2026 | Winners March 2027

2026 Entry

The Good Small Business Awards recognise and celebrate businesses that are proving it is possible to do good and do business well – embedding responsible practice into how they operate, treat people, serve communities, or protect the environment.

2026 Award
Categories

There are 15 awards categories designed to recognise excellence in business sustainability.

Sponsorship

Promote your company’s brand with reputable sustainability best practice, industry excellence and engage with our national small business sustainability community.

Entry Deadline: 31 August 2026
Short List Announced: 23 October 2026
Awards Night: 26 March 2027 - Liner Hotel, Liverpool

2025 Winners

2025 Video

2025 Photo Gallery

The UK’s national awards for small and medium-sized businesses doing good and doing business well

We celebrate businesses that are proving it is possible to do good and do business well — often in highly effective and practical ways.

These organisations are creating positive impact for people, communities, and the environment, while building resilient, responsible businesses fit for the future. The Awards recognise their achievements and, importantly, showcase the ideas, approaches, and practices that others can learn from and adopt.

What do we mean by 'Good'?

We believe in the power of business to shape society. The way organisations are led and operated creates real impact — for better or worse. The Good Small Business Awards exist to recognise those choosing to lead with purpose, responsibility, and integrity.

We are a nation of small and medium-sized businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) form the backbone of the UK economy. They represent over 99% of all businesses, employ a significant proportion of the workforce, and play a vital role in driving innovation, productivity, and regional growth.

The Good Small Business Awards focus on recognising these businesses — particularly those demonstrating responsible, purpose-led approaches to growth and impact.

For the purposes of the Awards, eligible businesses fall within the UK Government definition of a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME).

99%

of UK businesses are SMEs

48%

of UK employment are by SMEs

33%

of UK turnover are by SMEs

Business Size Definition

  • Small: 10–49 employees | Up to £10.2 million annual turnover
  • Medium: 50–249 employees | Up to £36 million annual turnover

Businesses with fewer than 10 employees (micro businesses) are not eligible for the main award categories but may enter the Best Micro Business award.

A big business starts small.

Sir Richard Branson

Never start a business just to 'make money'. Start a business to make a difference.

Marie Forleo

Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.

Maya Angelou