Useful tips on completing the application

When completing awards applications, the strongest entries are the ones that clearly match the judging criteria rather than simply telling a good story. Tips may not all be relevant, but a useful approach is:

1. Mirror the Criteria

Use the wording from the application itself.
If the category asks for:

• Innovation

• Impact

• Leadership

• Growth

…then structure your answers around those exact headings or phrases.

Example:

Weak:
“We worked really hard to improve the business.”

Stronger:
“Our innovative approach increased customer engagement by 42% within 12 months, demonstrating measurable business growth and long-term impact.”

2. Evidence Everything

Judges respond to proof, not general statements.

Include where possible or examples:

• Percentages

• Revenue growth

• Customer numbers

• Media reach

• Testimonials

• Charity totals

• Attendance figures

• Partnerships

• Awards or accreditation

Example:
“Raised over £18,000 for local charities through ticket sales, auctions, and sponsorship partnerships.”

3. Show the “Why”

Many applicants explain what they did but not why it mattered.

Include:

• The challenge

• Your solution

• The outcome

• Wider impact

A strong format is:

Challenge → Action → Result → Impact

Example:
“Following declining community engagement after the pandemic, we created an inclusive black-tie fundraising event combining entertainment with charitable giving. The event attracted 320 guests, generated significant local press coverage, and raised vital funds for the cancer centre at Cumberland Infirmary.”

4. Use Confident but Professional Language

Avoid:

• “We think”

• “Hopefully”

• “Quite successful”

Use:

• “Demonstrated”

• “Delivered”

• “Achieved”

• “Exceeded”

• “Established”

• “Generated”

5. Make Judges’ Lives Easy

Judges read hundreds of entries quickly.

Use:

• Short paragraphs

• Bullet points

• Clear headings

• Strong opening sentence

• Simple language

6. Answer the Question Directly

One of the biggest mistakes is drifting off-topic.

If the question asks:
“Why should this individual win?”

Don’t spend half the answer describing the event or company. Keep bringing it back to the nominee.

7. Include Emotion — Carefully

Facts win credibility. Emotion creates memorability.

Example:
“This was more than an event; it became a platform that united businesses, supporters, and families affected by cancer.”

8. Finish with a Strong Closing Statement

End with a concise statement that reinforces why the nomination stands out.

Example:
“Through innovation, leadership, and measurable community impact, this project has set a new benchmark for excellence within the region.”

Useful Award Application Words & Phrases

• Industry-leading

• Transformational

• Community impact

• Exceptional growth

• Strategic vision

• Measurable success

• Inclusive approach

• Outstanding leadership

• Lasting legacy

• Significant contribution

• Collaborative partnership

• Innovative delivery