If you run a business in building services engineering, you’re likely focused on delivering high quality work, keeping your customers happy and staying ahead of the competition. But have you ever thought about entering industry awards?
It might seem like something only large, well-known companies take part in, but awards are for businesses of all sizes. It’s not just about winning either, even being shortlisted for an award can help your business gain great publicity and brand exposure, so it really is worth entering. Entering industry awards should be viewed as putting your business in the spotlight, gaining recognition for your hard work and standing out in a competitive industry.
Whether you’ve never entered before or tried without success, awards could be a game-changer for your business. Here’s our top 5 reasons why you should consider entering the awards:
1. Industry credibility
Winning an award or getting nominated for one is a strong endorsement of your work, sending the message to customers, partners and even potential employees that you’re among the best in the business. Winners are rigorously selected by a panel of independent industry experts. This acknowledgement serves to raise the profile of your business, gaining widespread industry recognition and credibility.
2. Increase visibility
Think of industry awards as an opportunity to showcase your best work on a professional platform.
Awards can lead to high-profile publicity mentions in trade press publications and social media shoutouts. Simply attending an event could provide ample networking opportunities. Awards ceremonies provide a great networking opportunity, and just making the shortlist can put your business in front of the right people and open doors.
Plus, many companies offering awards will provide year-round exposure, listing successful applicants on their website and typically, previous winners receive a mention as part of a company’s awards launch campaign. There is no other way to gain such wide reaching press coverage without financial investment.
3. Win more than awards
Winning an award goes beyond taking home the prize. As a winner or runner-up, you can feature an award-winning badge on your website, emails and proposals to promote your achievement, giving you an edge over competitors. Another string to add to your marketing strategy bow. Customers want high quality and to work with companies they can trust. Award recognition can provide the stamp of approval, positioning your business as top tier.
4. Boost team morale
Getting recognition for your team’s hard work is a fantastic motivator and what better way to reward your team for their commitment and hard work! Being part of an award-winning company fosters pride, morale and a sense of achievement. Being an award winning company also makes it easier to recruit and retain top talent.
At the very least, your team will get to have a fun night out!
5. Benchmark your business
The entry process gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you’re doing well and where you can improve. Even if you don’t win, the process itself is valuable for setting future goals, seeing what other businesses are doing well and refining your strategy.
Tips for entering (and winning!) industry awards
You’ll want your submission to showcase your best work. Follow these simple tips to help you put together an award winning entry:
Pick the right awards – Choose categories that align with your strengths and areas of expertise. Often you can enter multiple categories, so consider which awards are appropriate to your business, project or initiative. Don’t just enter for the sake of it – target awards that truly reflect your specialism.
Note the deadline – Mark your calendar or set a reminder so you don’t miss the chance to enter. Often, awards entries are free but there may be a fee for entries after the deadline.
Prepare for success – Make sure to allow plenty of time to plan, write and submit your entry. It can be helpful to take breaks from your application and return with a fresh pair of eyes or ask someone to take a look at it for you and provide constructive feedback.
Make it a team effort – involve the right people in developing your application. Ask a colleague outside of the project or initiative to review your entry, as often another perspective can help shine light on the great work you do that might otherwise get overlooked.
Back up your entry – Most entry forms will include the option to attach supporting documents such as photos, videos or case studies. Do this! The more information you can provide will help the judges to get a sense of the impact your work has made. Keep it relevant and up to date to give you the best chance of winning.
Collaborate – Many industry awards have project and/or collaboration awards, designed to showcase a number of businesses working together. This is a great opportunity to boost customer relationships and provide further PR reach as each collaborator will promote award success.
Proof-read – Make sure to review your application before submitting. Ask a colleague, friend or manager to take a look too. This will help to spot any errors or things you may have missed. Be mindful of the word count on written entries and make sure to pay attention to grammar and spelling – poorly presented entries lack credibility and won’t be taken seriously. Write in clear, plain english and avoid too much jargon.
Don’t be discouraged – If you don’t win the first time, don’t let that put you off trying again next year. Use it as an opportunity to learn from the feedback. Your work will be judged by industry experts
Industry awards aren’t just about trophies – they’re about recognition, growth and new opportunities. In many cases it’s free to enter, so why not throw your hat in the ring? After all, you’ve got to be in it to win it. Your next big business breakthrough could be just one entry form away!
And the award goes to…
Jello PR can help your business win awards – we have a proven track record of helping our client’s submit prize winning entries.
Last year, we worked with NIBE Energy Systems helping them to secure several award wins. NIBE’s accolades for 2024 include securing Physical Technology of the Year – Heating and Cooling at the Energy Awards, Domestic Heat Pump of the Year at HVR awards and Domestic Energy Saving Product of the year at Energy Saving Awards. NIBE are also finalists for the upcoming ACR News awards later this year.
This year, we helped our client Klima-Therm secure “highly commended” at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards and three of their products have been shortlisted for two award categories at ACR News awards 2025 (watch this space!).
If you’re looking to get your business in the spotlight, we offer award entry support as a stand alone service or as part of our full PR and digital marketing package.
Here are some of the upcoming 2025 industry awards that we can help you enter:
- ACR & Heat Pump Trainee of the Year Awards
- BESA Awards
- ECN Awards
- Energy Saving Awards
- H&V News Awards
- HVR Awards
- RAC Cooling Awards
Awards to consider for 2026:
- ACR News Awards
- Apprenticeship & Training Awards
- CIBSE Awards
- Energy Awards
- Heating Installer Awards
- HPM Awards
- National ACR & Heat Pump Awards