In particular, it recognises small businesses that actively support other firms and the broader community. This includes several awards targeting small retailers, such as the ‘High Street Hero’ and ‘Bricks and Clicks’ awards.

Sponsored by TSB, the ‘High Street Hero’ award recognises old and new small firms that have contributed towards the success of their high street and done something exceptional with their premises.

The ‘Bricks and Clicks’ award also recognises firms that use multiple channels with innovation and skill to develop their business. It awards businesses that demonstrate a flair for getting the most out of these channels, particularly those that use them to work with and promote other small businesses.

Celebrating the dynamism of the UK’s small business sector, the Small Award organisers do not want the experience of the pandemic to deter small firms from applying. The Awards are open to all small businesses, even if they are currently closed due to current COVID-19 restrictions.

The full Small Awards categories include:

• ‘Sole to Sole’ - celebrating the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone as a sole trader.
• ‘Legacy’ - awarding the unique characteristics, challenges and strengths of family run businesses.
• ‘Supply Chain Champion’ - celebrating the best B2B small businesses that are working within the business supply chain, and other businesses large and small.
• ‘New Kid on the Block’ - applauding businesses that started in the last eighteen months and have demonstrated considerable progress to grow and develop.
• ‘Heart of Gold’ - recognising the small businesses that contribute most to their local communities, such as by working with other small businesses, local charities, schools, local councils or their local residents to achieve great things.
• ‘At your Service’ championing the best small service businesses in the UK, with a track record of serving their target customer set.
• ‘Digital Star’ - for fantastic small businesses that operate only through digital channels, using the internet to market, sell and promote their product and service. The award celebrates strong use of digital channels to engage customers, innovation in web design and functionality, and growth in audience over time.
• ‘Mission Possible’ - for a small businesses that are driven by mission over and above financial performance, which benefits a group, a community or society more widely.

“The past year has been a hugely challenging time for small businesses”, said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and the Small Awards.

“While all small firms deserve recognition for the way they have persevered, adapted and supported staff and communities during this pandemic, through the Small Awards we particularly want to celebrate inspiring small businesses that have been leading the way.”

Judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts, the winners will be announced at a lively virtual event in May, which temporarily replaces the traditional gala dinner.

Out of recognition of the challenging times many small firms are facing, the early bird pricing has been kept at £25 per application until the closing date. Applications close at midnight on 28 February. To apply, click here.