Get the official 2026 Awards guide with all the details you need to submit your winning entry.
17 November 2025
19 November 2025
22 January 2026








The UK Brilliance Awards™, part of the prestigious International Brilliance Awards™,
celebrate the outstanding achievements of UK-based organisations, leaders, and teams who are shaping the future of British business. These awards recognise innovation, resilience, and excellence across every sector — honouring those driving growth, championing people, and making a meaningful impact in their industries and communities.
From inspiring leadership and customer excellence to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, the UK Brilliance Awards™ spotlight the organisations that embody the very best of UK enterprise.
If your business is leading change, achieving remarkable results, or setting new standards of excellence, the UK Brilliance Awards™ are your opportunity to be recognised on a national stage.
The UK Business of the Year Award recognises the outstanding achievements of organisations that have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership within the UK business landscape. This award celebrates companies that have not only achieved impressive growth and financial success but have also set new standards for excellence through visionary strategy and operational brilliance. It highlights those organisations that excel in strategic direction, customer experience, and sustainable practices that drive measurable impact and long-term value. This accolade underscores the business’s role in advancing the UK economy, inspiring excellence across industries, and contributing to a thriving and responsible business community.
The UK Start-Up of the Year Award recognises the most innovative and promising new business that has demonstrated exceptional growth and success within its first three years of operation. This award honours a company that has shown outstanding vision, creativity, and strategic execution while establishing a strong presence in its industry. The winning start-up should demonstrate a clear understanding of its market, customers, and competitive landscape, backed by measurable achievements and sustainable growth. This award celebrates entrepreneurial excellence and innovation, highlighting a start-up that is shaping the future of British business.
The Brilliance in Customer Service Award recognises organisations that consistently deliver exceptional service experiences and go above and beyond to meet customer needs. This award celebrates those who demonstrate excellence in service delivery, innovation in customer engagement, and a deep commitment to satisfaction and loyalty. The winning organisation will showcase measurable results through improved customer retention, positive feedback, and strong brand reputation. This accolade highlights the vital role of outstanding customer care in driving business success and setting new industry standards of excellence.
The UK Employer of the Year Award recognises organisations that create exceptional workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best. This award celebrates employers who prioritise wellbeing, engagement, and development while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. The winning organisation will demonstrate innovative people practices, measurable impact on employee satisfaction, and a clear commitment to nurturing talent. This accolade highlights the vital link between strong leadership, positive workplace culture, and sustained business success.
The UK Innovative Team of the Year Award recognises a team that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving to deliver outstanding results. This award celebrates teams that embrace innovation to drive improvement, achieve strategic goals, and create measurable impact within their organisation. The winning team will showcase originality, adaptability, and a shared commitment to excellence that has enhanced performance and inspired others. This accolade highlights the power of teamwork and innovation in achieving business brilliance.
The Brilliance in Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises organisations that are leading the way in creating inclusive, equitable, and empowering workplaces. This award celebrates those who champion diversity across all areas — from leadership and recruitment to culture and community engagement. The winning organisation will demonstrate measurable progress through innovative initiatives that foster belonging, representation, and opportunity for all. This accolade highlights the vital role of inclusive leadership in driving creativity, collaboration, and long-term organisational success.
The Brilliance in Recruitment & Retention Award recognises organisations that excel in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent through innovative and effective people strategies. This award celebrates those who create engaging employee experiences, strong onboarding programmes, and clear career progression pathways. The winning organisation will demonstrate measurable improvements in recruitment outcomes, retention rates, and overall workforce engagement. This accolade highlights the importance of investing in people to build motivated, loyal, and high-performing teams.
The Brilliance in Innovative Use of Technology Award recognises organisations that have harnessed technology to drive transformation, improve efficiency, and achieve outstanding results. This award celebrates creative and effective use of digital tools, platforms, or systems that enhance business performance and customer experience. The winning organisation will demonstrate measurable impact through innovation, problem-solving, and integration of technology into core operations. This accolade highlights the power of technological advancement in shaping smarter, more agile, and future-ready organisations.
The UK Business Leader of the Year Award recognises an exceptional leader who has demonstrated vision, integrity, and innovation in driving their organisation’s success. This award celebrates individuals who inspire teams, deliver outstanding results, and make a meaningful impact within their industry. The winning leader will showcase strategic excellence, resilience, and a commitment to growth, sustainability, and positive culture. This accolade highlights the vital role of visionary leadership in shaping the future of business and setting new standards of excellence across the UK.
The Female Role Model of the Year Award recognises an inspiring woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and impact within her organisation or industry. This award celebrates individuals who champion equality, empower others, and serve as a catalyst for positive change. The winning role model will exemplify integrity, confidence, and the ability to motivate and uplift those around her. This accolade highlights the importance of female leadership in shaping inclusive, forward-thinking workplaces and driving meaningful progress across the business landscape.
Put your people, projects, and achievements in the global spotlight.
Be honoured by an esteemed panel of judges and business leaders.
Gain year-round visibility through media, social, and winner features.
Reward your team’s dedication and inspire excellence across your industry.
The UK Brilliance Awards™ honour exceptional organisations and individuals who excel in business performance, innovation, and leadership in the United Kingdom. These awards celebrate those who are driving progress, fostering great workplace cultures, and demonstrating what makes UK business truly brilliant.
Entries are open to organisations and individuals based in the United Kingdom — large or small, public or private, for-profit or non-profit. If your work has demonstrated innovation, impact, or excellence within the past two years, you are eligible to enter the UK Brilliance Awards™.
You can submit your entry via our online platform: https://brillianceawards.awardstage.com.
Simply select your category, complete the entry form, upload your materials, and pay the applicable entry fee to finalise your submission.
The ceremony takes place on 22 January 2026 at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel London. The evening includes a drinks reception, networking, the official awards presentation, and an after-show party celebrating the winners in true Brilliance™ style.
Entry Deadline: 17 November 2025
Finalists Announced: 19 November 2025
Awards Ceremony: 22 January 2026
It was an honour to be a guest speaker on the power of humour in business at this year’s International Brilliance Awards™. The energy in the room was electric, and the winners’ passion was truly inspiring.

To win the Brilliance Award is the icing on the cake. Since we launched BK Hub with Oak Engage, we’ve watched it grow into something our people can’t live without, creating a real FOMO mentality internally.

Winning the Brilliance in Employee Wellbeing is a proud moment for DHL Global Forwarding. This recognition validates our commitment to fostering a supportive and positive work environment.

To be recognised as UK Business of the Year vindicates Bexley Beaumont’s model, vision, and strategy in the legal industry. Winning a business award is evidence of the firm’s progression and its approach to creating a thriving team culture.

Winning the Brilliance Award is a prestigious international recognition that highlights the impact of our hard work and innovation, validating the value we’ve created through our T.LifeApp.

For Samsic to win a Brilliance Award for our cultural transformation is recognition of the hard work carried out across the company. Winning among global industry leaders reassures us we’re on the right path, driving innovation and inclusivity.

For me and the whole team at ServiceMaster Clean AAA, winning multiple Brilliance Awards in 2025 means a great deal. Being awarded CEO of the Year is very rewarding, and the judges’ recognition is a huge honour.

Enter now for your chance to join our community of International Brilliance Awards™ winners.
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