As entries are now open for Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2026, we spoke to our independent judging panel to get you some useful hints and tips for when you’re creating your entry.
The theme for MKBAA 2026 is ‘The Power of Partnerships: Come Together to Achieve More’, which aims to shine a spotlight on the partnership working between individuals, organisations, regions, or even nations that is often heralded as the cornerstone of sustainable growth and shared prosperity. This theme is key to one of the tips our judges have given us:
- Position your company
You know your company or organisation better than anyone. Use that knowledge to keep your initial positioning statement short, sharp and concise. - Have a clear link to the award’s theme
Think about how the work of your organisation aligns with the theme of partnership working. This could be in knowledge sharing, investment assistance, community collaboration or business cooperation. - Metrics and evidence
The judges want to see a strong evidence base included with your entry; KPIs, case studies, reviews and statistics all go a long way to proving your worth. - Demonstrate scale of impact
How has your organisation made a difference? To your customers, your employees, your community – tell your story and the impact you’ve had. - Don’t be shy or too humble
Our judges like confidence, you need to be able to show off your achievements as an organisation. They want to hear about the difference you’ve made and the outcomes – it’s your time to shine. - It’s okay to ask for help but make it authentic
One of the questions we get asked most…is it okay to use AI to help with the entries? Our judges want authenticity, sure, you can use an AI tool to help you get the basics of the information right, but always write it in your own words. The judges are very experienced; they can spot an AI entry a mile off! - Look carefully at the questions
We all remember this from school, but it’s never been more true. Read the questions fully, pick out key points and make sure you include them in your entry text. The judges want answers to the questions they’ve asked, be careful not to go off on a tangent.
One final point – don’t leave it until the last minute. There’s nothing worse than rushing an entry as you’re trying to hit that deadline and missing key information that just might have made you a finalist, or even a winner. Take your time, get started now…jot down key points as you go and submitting that entry won’t feel stressful at all.
Remember, the deadline for Stage One entries is Friday 7th November, organisations can enter up to two categories and must have an MK postcode.
Good luck!
