Greater Business Awards: Be the Best in Solihull

When and where will the awards take place?

The awards take place on Thursday 27th May 2027 at Hogarth's Hotel

What time will the awards take place?

The evening will run from 6.00pm until approx. 9.00pm

What can I expect from the event?

We've refreshed the format of our awards following feedback to increase the opportunity for connection and celebration. Guests will enjoy an evening of connection, including a two-course meal, entertainment and the awards ceremony

When is the deadline to purchase tickets?

Thursday 13th May 2027 at 11.59pm

Do I need a physical ticket?

No, we do not send or post physical tickets. A confirmation email will be sent with an e-ticket around one week before the Awards

Do I need to bring confirmation on the day?

Please show your e-ticket on the day. If you have booked multiple places or a corporate table, the e-ticket will need to be forwarded onto your guests also

I am the lead booker for my company. Will details be sent to all my guests?

No, as the lead booker, once you have been sent your final confirmation email including your e-ticket, you will need to forward this onto any guests attending

Can I edit my booking details?

Yes, you can manage your account and edit names and dietary requirements. This also applies if you are the lead booker for your guests. If you want to book tickets and do not know the names or dietaries of your guests this can be left as 'tbc' and edited up until Thursday 13th May 2027 at 11.59pm

What does my ticket include?

A drinks reception, two-course meal, entertainment and professional photographs

What is the age restriction?

This event is strictly for people aged 18+. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be permitted

What happens if I need to cancel my ticket?

Please submit a cancelation request through the Chamber portal. If you cancel your place within 30 days of the event you will not be entitled to a refund.

What is the menu?

A menu will be pre-selected by the Chamber events team. All dietary requirements will be catered for, as long as they have been declared in advance

How do I declare my dietary requirements?

You can do this during the booking process. To amend dietary requirements at a later date, go to your booking in your online account, and edit your details

What is the deadline for confirming dietary requirements?

Thursday 13th May 2027. We cannot guarantee any later requests

Is there a cloakroom?

Yes, the location will be confirmed in due course

Is there parking?

Free parking is available on site on a first-come

What is the dress code?

Dress to impress

Where will I sit?

The seating plan is made at the discretion of the Chamber events team. You will be informed of your seats/table on the night

How do I apply for an award?

Go to the “Apply for an Award” tab, and click “Apply now.” You will be asked to login to your account (or create one), and submit your information through there. We recommend you draft your application offline and then copy and paste it into the online form when you are ready. This is because the system times out if you do not save your progress as you go

Which category should I apply to?

You can see full details about the categories, and choose those most relevant to you here

Am I eligible to apply?

You can see the eligibility criteria here

What questions will I be asked?

The application form will ask for basic details about you and your company. You will be asked two questions in relation to your chosen category. These questions are provided on the category breakdown

When do applications close?

Friday 29 January 2027 at 11.59pm.

How many categories can I apply to?

Each company may apply for a maximum of two categories

Can I apply if I have applied previously?

Yes. As this is the first year of this awards format, you can apply again this year, including if you were shortlisted or won an award last year

When will the shortlist be announced?

We anticipate the shortlist will be announced towards the end of June 2027. All applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome

What happens if I am shortlisted?

All shortlisted organisations will be given one complimentary ticket to the awards, and we encourage you to purchase more. We will share further details directly with shortlisted organisations once announced

What is the judging process?

Once applications have closed, our judges will score them against pre-determined criteria. An average of the judges’ scores is taken for each application and the top scoring entries will be shortlisted

How do you ensure the process is fair?

Our judging process stands out from the crowd. Applications are judged independently on merit by leading industry figures. Judges take into consideration the size and longevity of the nominated business, and follow a clear judging criteria. Final scores are agreed as a panel, which is overseen by a chair of judges. Each judge must declare conflicts of interest to ensure objectivity. GBCC also check publicly available information, to ensure shortlisted organisations comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements. There are no restrictions on the number of categories in which a company or individual may be shortlisted. This fair and thorough process helps ensure we recognise the businesses truly doing great things in our region

Do sponsors stand a better chance of winning?

No! Sponsors are not eligible to apply to the category they are sponsoring, and judges are not informed they are sponsoring elsewhere. Sponsors may apply to other categories and will be judged via the same fair process as all other applications

Do Chamber members stand a better chance of winning?

No! All applications via the same fair process. Judges do not take into consideration whether or not an organisation is a member of the Chamber. In fact, many of our past winners have been non-members. The only award a non-member organisation is not eligible to win is the overall Business of the Year, selected from category winners

Can I apply directly for the GBB Awards?

No. All applications must be entered at regional level. We cannot accept any applications directly for the GBB Awards

How do I progress to compete at the GBB Awards?

Enter your region's awards, and if you are awarded gold, silver or bronze in your category, you will automatically proceed to the GBB Awards. There, you will compete against finalists from other regions (Solihull, Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire Gateway), with one organisation being presented with the award for Greater Birmingham

All regional finalists will be asked to submit a video entry answering a new question. This, along with the original application, will be judged by a brand new independent panel, making it possible for a regional bronze winner to win the overall GBB Award

What sponsorship packages are available?

You can learn more about the sponsorship packages here

What if I want a bespoke sponsorship package?

Please contact us at StaffsGatewayAwards@birmingham-chamber.com to discuss

What are the benefits of sponsoring the Awards?

The GBB Awards are the biggest and most prestigious awards in the region. Sponsorship places your brand front and centre, positioning you as a leader in the region. Sponsors receive ongoing promotion, event tickets, facilitated introductions and other high value opportunities depending on the level of sponsorship

How can I partner with you for the Awards?

If you have a service to offer (e.g. entertainment, decoration, media,) please get in touch to discuss at StaffsGatewayAwards@birmingham-chamber.com