As the deadline approaches for the first round of entries for the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) 2025, local entrepreneurs, and business owners are undoubtedly weighing up the potential benefits of entering.
While much of the attention tends to gravitate towards the winners, being named a finalist can be a powerful catalyst for growth, providing both recognition and practical opportunities for business development. In fact, it’s often been a game-changer for businesses within the Milton Keynes community.
If you’re ready to showcase your achievements and join a community of esteemed businesses, charities, and entrepreneurs, consider submitting your entry for MKBAA 2025. The benefits of being a finalist are waiting for you to seize them…..
Morale Boost and Recognition
Being a finalist is more than just a consolation prize; it’s an opportunity to elevate your business profile and boost team morale. It’s a tangible acknowledgment of their hard work, dedication, and achievements. The recognition from such a well-respected event like MKBAA provides validation that your business is making a positive impact in its field.
Networking Opportunities
One of the unique aspects of MKBAA is the chance for finalists to network extensively. All finalists are invited to a special party held a month before the awards ceremony. This event is more than just a social gathering; it’s a platform for connecting with other Milton Keynes businesses, forming partnerships, and even discovering potential clients.
A Moment in the Spotlight
Finalists also receive a unique opportunity to showcase their business through a professional video, highlighting their achievements and services. This video is displayed on the big screen during the awards ceremony, in front of an audience of over 600 people. Such exposure is invaluable, offering a chance to captivate a wider audience and attract interest from potential collaborators and customers. The video is also the finalists to keep.
A Success Story from MKBAA 2024
To illustrate the impact of being a finalist, we spoke to the experience of Darren Dowling, Client Services Director at Autotech Connect, a finalist in the MKBAA 2024 Innovation category.
Darren shares how entering the awards and being named a finalist exceeded their expectations and opened new doors for collaboration.
Autotech Connect, a brand under Autotech Group, entered as a newcomer. Despite initial reservations about their chances of winning, they recognised the importance of showcasing their innovation to the local business community. Being named a finalist was an achievement that led to unexpected opportunities.
The MKBAA video team visited Autotech Connect to film their operations, a process that allowed the company to demonstrate its expertise and offerings. During the awards ceremony, the video presentation caught the eye of many attendees, sparking conversations and generating interest in the company’s technology solutions.
Darren notes that the exposure they received as a finalist led to valuable connections and partnerships being forged. Attending businesses saw potential applications for Autotech Connect’s innovations, leading to meetings and collaborations that expanded their reach and impact.
“Being named as an MKBAA finalist was a celebration of the growth and progress that we had achieved. It was also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and an opportunity to reflect on the milestones reached while recognising the quality of our offering. We have been delighted with the results from the subsequent collaborations that were forged at MKBAA.”
With the first entry deadline for MKBAA 2025 approaching, now is the time for Milton Keynes businesses to seize the opportunity. If you’re on the fence about entering, remember that the value of being a finalist extends far beyond the night of the ceremony. It is an investment in your business’s reputation, network, and future growth—a chance to stand out in a competitive landscape and be recognised for your contributions to the vibrant Milton Keynes business community.
The first round of entries for MKBAA 2025 closes on Friday, November 8th, 2024.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for 2025, interested organisations should email sponsorship@mkbaa.co.uk for further details.
