10 Expert Tips for Writing a Winning Gatwick Diamond Business Awards Entry

By August Recognition, award-winning experts in business awards and recognition.

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards celebrate the outstanding businesses, people and achievements that make the region thrive.

Entering is a fantastic opportunity to showcase success, celebrate teams and build valuable credibility. But what makes an award entry stand out to the judges?

Drawing on the expertise of August Recognition and its founder, international awards judge and bestselling author Donna O'Toole, here are 10 top tips to help create a compelling entry.

Choose the right category
Start by reviewing the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards categories and selecting those that best reflect the business's strengths and achievements.
Read the eligibility requirements and judging criteria carefully. Choose categories where there is the strongest evidence of success.
Top tip: Businesses can enter multiple categories for free, but each requires its own entry form. Quality always beats quantity!

Answer the questions properly
One of the biggest mistakes entrants make is not answering what's actually being asked. Download the entry form, read every question and ensure responses directly address the judging criteria. Avoid generic business descriptions. Give the judges exactly what they're looking for.

Lead with the biggest achievements
Judges want to know what makes a business exceptional. Rather than spending valuable words on company history, focus on the successes that matter. Increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, innovative products or positive community impact are all achievements worth highlighting. Put the strongest results front and centre.

Tell a compelling story
The best award entries tell a story, not just a list of facts. Explain the challenge faced, the actions taken and the positive results achieved. A clear, authentic story helps judges understand the journey and remember the business.

Prove success with evidence
Don't just tell the judges a business is brilliant. Show them! Back up claims with statistics, customer testimonials, case studies and measurable results. For example, rather than saying "customer satisfaction has improved", explain how much it improved and what contributed to that success. Strong evidence turns a good entry into a credible, competitive one.

Show what makes the business different
What sets the business apart from others in the Gatwick Diamond region? Whether it's innovation, customer experience, workplace culture or community impact, make those unique strengths clear. Don't assume judges will automatically recognise what's special. Make it obvious!

Demonstrate the impact
Awards recognise achievements, but judges also want to understand the difference those achievements have made. Consider the impact on customers, employees, business performance and the wider community. As explored in Donna O'Toole's bestselling book WIN!, understanding and demonstrating impact is key to building a strong awards story.

Write with confidence
An award entry isn't the time to be modest! Celebrate achievements confidently and explain why they deserve recognition, while keeping claims authentic and credible. Avoid unnecessary jargon and exaggerated statements. Clear, confident writing makes a stronger impression.

Review, refine and proofread
Never submit the first draft! Check that every question has been answered, relevant evidence is included and word limits are respected. Ask someone unfamiliar with the business to review the entry. If the achievements and their significance are immediately clear, it's on the right track.

Prepare for the judging process
Submitting the entry is just the beginning. The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards judging process may include an assessment meeting, offering an opportunity to expand on achievements. Be ready to answer questions, demonstrate results and bring the business story to life.

Ready to get recognised?

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards offer an incredible opportunity to celebrate achievements, strengthen reputation and showcase success within the business community.
And remember, businesses don't have to be the biggest to be award winners. They simply need to demonstrate what makes them outstanding. You have to be in it to win it!

Need help creating a standout entry?

August Recognition specialises in turning business achievements into compelling, evidence-led award entries that get noticed.
For expert guidance and support with a Gatwick Diamond Business Awards entry, visit www.augustawards.com or email hello@augustawards.com.

Stop waiting. Start winning!