General Information 

Who is eligible to enter the awards? Any business, charity, or social enterprise with a significant operation within the London Borough of Merton is eligible*. This includes areas such as Wimbledon, Mitcham, Morden, Raynes Park, Colliers Wood, and New Malden. 

*Businesses represented on the Board of Directors for Merton Chamber of Commerce are not permitted to enter. Businesses who are sponsoring an award may enter any award apart from the one they are sponsoring. 

Is there a cost to enter? No, entering the Merton Best Business Awards is completely free of charge. Our goal is to celebrate local excellence without creating financial barriers for our diverse business community. 

Can I enter more than one category? Absolutely! Businesses may enter multiple categories and are actively encouraged to do so, up to a maximum of four categories. For example, a “Best New Business” might also be a contender for “Best Use of Innovation.”  

Do I need to be a member of Merton Chamber of Commerce to enter? No, you do not need to be a Merton Chamber of Commerce member to enter. 

The Application Process 

What information do I need to provide? While each category has specific questions, generally you will need to provide a summary of your business, evidence of your achievements over the last 12–24 months, and supporting data (such as growth figures, customer testimonials, or case studies). 

Is my business data kept confidential? Yes. All entry forms and financial information are treated with the strictest confidence. Only the judging panel and the awards organisers have access to your submission. 

How do I submit my entry? All entries must be submitted through our official online portal. We recommend drafting your answers in a separate document first so you can easily track your word count and save your progress. 

Can I use AI to write my entry? 

While we won’t discount entries that are clearly written using AI, we encourage all entrants to write their entries in their own words using specific examples and ensuring that each question is answered fully. 

Judging & Selection 

Who are the judges? Our judging panel consists of independent business experts, local leaders, and sponsors who possess a wealth of experience across various industries. They look for passion, clear evidence of success, and a commitment to the Merton community. 

What happens if I am shortlisted? If your entry is shortlisted, you will be notified via email and invited to attend the Gala Awards Evening on Thursday 8^th October 2026.  

When will the winners be announced? The winners will be revealed live at the Merton Best Business Awards Gala Evening on Thursday 8^th October 2026. It’s the biggest night on the local business calendar – perfect for networking and celebrating with your team! 

Why Enter? 

What are the benefits of entering?  

The Merton Best Business Awards is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a months’ long programme offering opportunities for networking, connection and recognition across the borough.  

Even if you don’t win, the process of entering allows you to review your business performance and set new goals. All shortlisted businesses will receive: 

• Official “Shortlisted” branding for marketing 

• Increased local press coverage and social media exposure 

• Networking opportunities with other shortlisted businesses, sponsors and business leaders 

In addition to the above, runners up and winners will receive: 

• A trophy or framed certificate 

• Official branding for marketing 

• Increased local press coverage and social media exposure 

• Formal introductions to category sponsors