01.
Award Information
Entering the unLTD Awards is simple. Just complete a few questions to register, then complete a short form with some key information before uploading a maximum 5 minute video or text document explaining why you should win! Each award has a clear description of what the judges are looking for to help you make sure your entry is as focussed as possible.
And don’t be afraid. While we are happy for you to submit well-crafted, expertly-edited entry video, we are more than happy for you to just sit and talk to the camera. Or you can just write it all down and submit that way. All we want to know is what makes you and your business stand out.

01.
Best Business Support or Consultancy
This award recognises a consultancy, coaching practice or business support service in South Yorkshire that has helped clients thrive through innovation, measurable results and outstanding service.
Judges will look for businesses that have made a clear impact on clients while also building resilience and growth within their own organisation.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- How you have performed financially and demonstrated resilience
- How you have introduced innovation or digital adoption into your services
- Evidence of how you support staff wellbeing, inclusivity and development
- Your plans for future growth and wider impact on the South Yorkshire business community
02.
Creative Business of the Year
This award celebrates creativity in all its forms across South Yorkshire, from agencies and digital studios to makers, cultural organisations and innovators. Judges will look for evidence of originality, innovation and the positive impact creativity has had on your clients, community or sector.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- How you have performed financially and demonstrated resilience in the last year
- Examples of originality, creativity or innovation in your work or services
- How creativity is embedded into your workplace culture and staff development
- How your creative work has contributed to growth or wider community impact
03.
Best Recruitment or HR Business
This award recognises recruitment agencies, HR consultancies and people-focused service providers that have delivered outstanding client results and innovation. Judges will look for evidence of measurable impact on talent attraction, retention and workforce wellbeing.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance and resilience in the last financial year
- How you have introduced innovative or digital approaches to recruitment/HR
- How you invest in staff development and wellbeing within your own team
- How your services have positively impacted workforce development in South Yorkshire
04.
Best Technology Business
Sponsored by Sheffield Technology Parks
This award celebrates businesses in IT, software, SaaS or tech-enabled services that deliver outstanding solutions. Judges will look for innovation, scalability and evidence of how technology has created measurable benefits for clients or industries.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance and resilience in your most recent financial year
- Evidence of innovation, digital leadership or product/service development
- How your workplace culture supports creativity and technical excellence
- How your technology has delivered measurable impact and future potential
05.
Best Legal, Finance or Accountancy Business
Sponsored by Wildfire Agency
This award recognises firms in law, finance or accountancy that provide outstanding client care and innovation in practice. Judges will look for evidence of professional excellence, ethical standards and measurable results.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance and resilience in the last financial year
- How you have introduced innovation, technology or new approaches to client service
- How you support staff development, wellbeing and inclusivity
- How your firm contributes to the South Yorkshire economy and wider community
06.
Best Not For Profit or Social Enterprise
Sponsored by Chapter II
This award celebrates organisations from the Third Sector that deliver measurable social value. Judges will look for evidence of strong leadership, innovation and how values are embedded into day-to-day operations.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- What social and financial impact have you made in the last 12 month period in South Yorkshire?
- How do you work with your local community, including other non-profits, beneficiaries and the wider community to maximise your outcomes?
- Why are you the best organisation to deliver what you do in the South Yorkshire area?
- How will you use the receipt of this award to benefit your organisation and the people you help?
07.
Sustainability & Net Zero Award
This award celebrates businesses leading the way in environmental responsibility, net zero commitments and green innovation. Judges will look for evidence of how sustainability is embedded across your organisation and aligned with your commercial goals.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- What measures you have taken in the last financial year to make your business more sustainable
- How sustainability is embedded at the heart of your business and culture
- How staff and your supply chain are included in your sustainability approach
- Evidence of how this culture has contributed to business performance and growth
08.
Workplace of the Year
Sponsored by TravelMaster
This award celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to create an inclusive, supportive and rewarding place to work. Judges will look for clear evidence of investment in people and workplace culture.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Why learning and development is important to the organisation
- What measures you take to create an inclusive and supportive workplace
- How you invest in staff wellbeing, development and engagement
- How you have delivered specific projects or initiatives benefiting your community
09.
Innovation Award
This award celebrates businesses introducing new ideas, products, services or models that have transformed their sector. Judges will look for originality, results and long-term potential.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance and resilience in the last financial year
- Clear examples of innovative projects, services or models introduced
- How innovation is embedded within your workplace culture
- Evidence of the results achieved and potential for further development
10.
Best Start-up
Sponsored by Business Sheffield
This award shines a spotlight on businesses under three years old that have shown originality, resilience and potential for growth. Judges will look for clear business planning and impact achieved to date.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance in your most recent financial year and plans for resilience
- How you have shown originality and innovation as a new business
- How you are building a positive workplace culture from the outset
- Evidence of growth achieved so far and future potential
11.
Best Micro Business (less than 10 employees and under £2m turnover)
Sponsored by Seven Hills Creative
This award celebrates ambitious micro businesses that punch above their weight. Judges will look for evidence of creativity, resilience and results achieved by small teams.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance in your most recent financial year
- How you have introduced innovation or new approaches despite limited resources
- How you support and engage your small team effectively
- Evidence of impact achieved and plans for future growth
12.
Best Small Business (less than 50 employees and under £10m turnover)
Sponsored by Taylor Emmet
This award recognises small businesses that combine strong performance with innovation, culture and community contribution.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance and resilience in your most recent financial year
- How you have introduced innovation or digital adoption to grow
- How you create a supportive, inclusive and engaging workplace culture
- Evidence of wider impact on your sector or local community
13.
Best Medium-sized Business (less than 250 employees and under £50m turnover)
Sponsored by Simoda
This award recognises medium-sized businesses that demonstrate leadership, consistent growth and commitment to people and community.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- Financial performance and resilience in your most recent financial year
- How you have demonstrated leadership and innovation in your sector
- How you invest in staff development, inclusivity and sustainability
- Evidence of your contribution to South Yorkshire’s economy and community
14.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by Andy Hanselman Consulting
This award celebrates leaders and founders who have shown vision, drive and resilience. Judges will look for inspiring stories of leadership and measurable impact.
Scoring criteria – You will get a maximum of 5 points for how well you answer the four following criteria in respect of your most recent financial year:
- The financial performance of your business in the last financial year
- Examples of how you have shown leadership, resilience or innovation
- How you have demonstrated critical thinking, leadership and problem solving skills
- Evidence of the impact your leadership has had on your business and sector
15.
UnLtd Business of the Year
This award is chosen by the judges from winners across all categories and represents the very best of South Yorkshire business. No separate entry is required.