Thinking of entering the Beacon Awards? Here’s everything you need to know about each category and what the judges are looking for. Use this as a guide to shape your entry and give your business, charity or organisation the best chance of success.
Wherever possible, nominations should be supported with evidence, testimonials or examples of outcomes. Judges are also interested in hearing about challenges that have been overcome and how the nominee is making a tangible impact in Lichfield District.
Unless otherwise stated, entries are open to businesses and organisations based within Lichfield District.
New Business of the Year
This award shines a spotlight on ambitious new businesses making an impact in their first years of trading.
Eligible: Businesses within their first two years of trading.
Judges will look for:
• A clear growth strategy and vision for the future.
• Evidence of early success, such as sales growth, customer acquisition or retention.
• Innovation in products, services or approach.
• Contribution to the local economy or community.
• Evidence of measurable results.
• Resilience, including challenges overcome or lessons learned.
Small Business of the Year
This category celebrates the passion, innovation and drive of small businesses making a positive contribution to Lichfield District.
Eligible: Businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
Judges will look for:
• Sustained strong business performance and growth.
• Excellence in customer service, supported by feedback or testimonials.
• A commitment to employee wellbeing and development.
• Positive impact on the Lichfield District economy.
• Innovation in products, services or ways of working.
• Evidence of social responsibility or community involvement.
• Strong leadership and an inclusive workplace culture.
• Evidence of measurable results and outcomes.
Large Business of the Year
This award recognises larger businesses that combine strong performance and leadership with investment in their people and contribution to the district.
Eligible: Businesses with 50 or more employees.
Judges will look for:
• Sustained strong business performance and growth.
• A track record of excellent customer service.
• Investment in staff development and wellbeing.
• Positive economic contribution to Lichfield District.
• Innovation and forward-thinking in operations, products or services.
• Commitment to social value and community engagement.
• Effective leadership and inclusive workplace practices.
• Tangible and measurable results.
Customer Experience Award
This award recognises businesses and organisations that consistently provide an outstanding experience for their customers and go above and beyond the expected standard.
Judges will look for:
• Customer experience embedded within the organisation’s culture.
• Excellent customer feedback, satisfaction and/or repeat business.
• Real examples of going above and beyond for customers.
• Evidence of listening and responding to customer feedback.
• Innovation or improvements that have enhanced the customer experience.
• Staff training, engagement and empowerment in delivering excellent service.
• Clear evidence of measurable customer satisfaction or outcomes.
Community Impact Award
This award celebrates businesses, charities, social enterprises and other organisations making a lasting positive difference to communities within Lichfield District.
Judges will look for:
• Clear evidence of positive community impact.
• Work with local communities, groups, schools, charities or other organisations.
• Volunteering, fundraising, outreach or social value initiatives.
• Innovative approaches to addressing local needs or engaging communities.
• Long-term commitment to delivering local benefit.
• Evidence of measurable outcomes and the difference made.
Hospitality Business of the Year
This award celebrates outstanding hospitality businesses creating excellent experiences for customers and contributing to the vibrancy of Lichfield District. This could include restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars and other hospitality businesses.
Judges will look for:
• A consistently high-quality customer experience.
• Strong customer feedback, reviews or industry recognition.
• Excellence and innovation in the hospitality offer.
• Commitment to staff development, wellbeing and service standards.
• Contribution to the local economy and the vibrancy of Lichfield District.
• Use of local suppliers, produce or partnerships where appropriate.
• Evidence of measurable performance, customer satisfaction or growth.
Tourism & Visitor Attraction of the Year
This award celebrates attractions, venues, accommodation providers, visitor experiences and tourism businesses that help make Lichfield District a great place to visit.
Judges will look for:
• A memorable and high-quality visitor experience.
• Contribution to Lichfield District’s visitor economy and destination offer.
• Innovation in the visitor offer, marketing or customer engagement.
• Collaboration with local businesses, suppliers, attractions or partners.
• Strong visitor feedback and/or industry recognition.
• Accessibility and inclusivity of the visitor experience.
• Evidence of visitor numbers, satisfaction, growth or other measurable outcomes.
Industry & Enterprise Award
This award recognises outstanding businesses contributing to Lichfield District’s industrial and commercial economy, including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, construction, technology and other business-to-business sectors.
Judges will look for:
• Strong business performance, growth and investment.
• Operational excellence, quality and reliability.
• Innovation in products, processes, technology or ways of working.
• Contribution to employment, skills and the wider local economy.
• Investment in employees, apprenticeships and workforce development.
• Commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
• Clear evidence of measurable improvements, achievements or positive outcomes.
Community Hero
This individual award recognises someone who has gone above and beyond to make a positive difference to people or communities within Lichfield District.
Judges will look for:
• Clear and compelling evidence of their impact in the community.
• Dedication that goes above and beyond what would normally be expected.
• An inspiring story of compassion, resilience, leadership or service.
• Positive influence on other people or their community.
• Long-term commitment and/or an exceptional individual contribution.
• Evidence of the difference they have made, including recognition or testimonials from others.
Young Professional of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding young professional, apprentice or emerging leader who is making a positive impact within their organisation, sector or the wider Lichfield District.
Eligible: Individuals aged 30 or under at the closing date for nominations who work for, own or are undertaking an apprenticeship with an organisation based within Lichfield District.
Judges will look for:
• Evidence of outstanding performance, achievement or progression.
• A positive contribution to their organisation or sector.
• Initiative, ambition and a willingness to take on responsibility.
• Evidence of leadership potential and/or positive influence on colleagues.
• Commitment to learning, professional development or developing new skills.
• Innovation, creativity or examples of improving the way things are done.
• Contribution to the wider community or Lichfield District where applicable.
• Clear examples or evidence demonstrating the impact they have made.