Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to our most commonly asked questions below. If your question hasn't been answered please email info@gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com and we'll be happy to help!
Award FAQs
Who can enter an award?
Any business that is based within or does business within the Gatwick Diamond region is welcome to enter. You do not need to be member of gdb - the awards are open to everyone. We're looking for the best of the best!
How do I enter?
The entry period for the 2027 awards opens on 1st October 2026. More information will be coming soon so keep your eyes peeled. You might also like to attend our launch event at Alexander House Hotel on the 1st October.
Who can be nominated for an award?
The nominee can be a person or a business. It all depends on the category. As long as you're based in (or work within) the Gatwick Diamond you can enter. Just be sure to check each categories criteria to ensure you are eligible.
What category or categories should we enter?
You should enter the category, or categories, that best reflect your achievements, strengths and successes.
Many businesses choose to enter more than one category, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate strong evidence relevant to each award. We recommend carefully reviewing the category descriptions and judging criteria before submitting your entries.
A tailored entry that directly addresses the specific requirements of each category will give you the best chance of success. Each category has a different form and will require different supporting evidence and answers, so when selecting which ones to enter consider how much time you have to dedicate to the process.
If you're unsure which categories are the best fit for your organisation, please contact the team on info@gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com.
How much does it cost to enter?
It is completely FREE to enter the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. There is also no limit to how many awards you can submit for.
What's the process for judging the awards?
Each award category is judged independently by its category sponsor. While Gatwick Diamond Business (gdb) oversees and advises on the process to ensure consistency and fairness, gdb is not involved in the judging itself or in making any award decisions.
Once entries have been received, the judges review all submissions for their category and create a shortlist of at least six entrants. Shortlisted businesses will then be invited to an assessment meeting with the judging panel.
Where possible, these meetings are held in person. However, if location or scheduling constraints make this impractical, meetings may take place online.
Following the assessment meetings, the judges select their final three or four finalists including their winner and notify the Awards team ahead of the public announcement in February 2027.
How will I know if I've been selected as a finalist?
The finalist announcement will take place on February 8th 2027. All entrants will hear from the gdb team to let you know if you have been shortlisted or not. We will have lots of entries to get through so please be patient with us! Once everyone has been contacted, the announcement will go live on our website and social media.
When will judging take place?
The closing date for entries is November 13th 2027. Our Judges Entry Review Breakfast takes place on the 10th December and the judges will carry out their independent judging process from December until the end of January 2027.
I've entered an award but haven't heard from the judges?
If you haven't been contacted by the judges, it may be because your entry was not selected for the assesment meeting stage.
Judges are asked to shortlist a minimum of six entrants in each category and invite them to an assessment meeting. As the number and quality of entries can vary between categories, unfortunately not every entrant will be invited to interview.
Following the judging process and the announcement of the finalists, all non-finalists will receive feedback from the judges. This feedback will explain the strengths of your submission and provide insight into why you were or were not selected to progress further in the competition.
We appreciate the time and effort that goes into every entry and aim to ensure all entrants receive valuable feedback from the judging process.
What happens if I'm shortlisted?
Finalists will be announced on the 9th February 2026. You will be contacted by a member of the gdb team to let you know of the outcome of your entry. If you are not shortlisted on this occassion, you will receive your feedback from the judges at this time too.
There are a number of tickets which have been held back for the Finalists and their guests. But we reccomend you book early as these will sell out very quickly.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners of each category will be announced live at the awards ceremony. To preserve the excitement of the event, winners are not notified in advance.
Ceremony FAQs
When and where is the awards ceremony?
The ceremony will take place at The Grand Hotel, Brighton on the 18th March 2027.
Do I have to be a finalist to attend?
No. The awards ceremony is open to finalists, supporters, sponsors and members of the business community who wish to celebrate the achievements of businesses and business people across the Gatwick Diamond. Spaces are limited and we do expect to sell out so we reccomend booking early.
If selected as a finalist do we need to attend?
You don't have to, but we strongly reccommend finalists attend the event. Regardless of the outcome, being shortlisted as a finalist is a huge achievement and we encourage you to bring your team along to celebrate! Tickets can be purchased individually or in tables of 10.
How do I book tickets for the awards ceremony?
Tickets will go on sale late 2026. Details of ticket prices and booking deadlines will be advertised clearly on our homepage. If you'd like to join our mailing list to be kept up to date please email info@gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com
Can I buy individual tickets or must I book a table?
Both individual tickets and full tables are available to purchase (subject to availability). Individual tickets will be grouped together and made up to a table of 10.
Is there a dress code?
The awards ceremony is a prestigious business event and guests are encouraged to dress in black tie evening wear.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Absolutely. The awards ceremony brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, sponsors and representatiives from across the region providing excellent opportunities to connect and build new relationships.
Will there be photography and filming at the event?
Yes - official photographers and videographers will be present throughout the evening. Images and footage may be used by gdb for promotional and marketing purposes.
Are dietary requirements catered for?
Yes, provided we are notified in advance. We will contact all booked guests to request dietary and access requirements in advance of the event. If any requirements are notified after the deadline, we will try our best but cannot guarantee to be able to accommodate.
Sponsorship
How can I sponsor the awards?
Our Headline Sponsorship slots are secured but we do have some categories and the drinks reception still available. You can view our packages here. Or alternatively, contact our Marketing and Events Manager keeley@gatwickdiamondbusiness.com for more information!
Why should we sponsor a category?
Can we choose which category to sponsor?
Can we enter the awards if we are sponsoring?
Yes - you are more than welcome to enter the awards (just not your own category of course!).
What is expected of category sponsors?
Launch Event
When and where is the GDBA Launch Event?
The official launch event is taking place on the 1st October 2026 16:00-18:00 at Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spa.
Who can attend the GDBA 2027 Launch Event?
This event is open to all! Whether you're considering entering the awards, or looking to network. If you are sponsoring the awards you will receive a complimentary ticket (details on how to book will be emailed seperately).
Post Event
I've won! What next?
Congratulations! Following the ceremony winners will receive their official photograph and GDBA 2027 winners logo via email. We strongly encourage all winners to share their achievements across their website, marketing materials, social media and PR channels. You will also be invited to an exclusive Sponsors and Winners Celebratory Breakfast event in April where you will receive your very own winners pull up banner to take away.
Can we enter again next year?
Yes. Previous winners and finalists are very welcome to enter again in following years. Provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Can we get involved in future awards as a sponsor or judge?
Will we receive feedback?
Yes. All finalists including winners will receive feedback from the judges following the ceremony, providing valuable insight into the strengths of your entry and areas for development.
