Top tips for entering The Contracting Awards

The Contracting Awards 2026 will bring together top contractors, industry innovators, and

key decision-makers for an evening focused on celebrating the very best in the sector. With

27 categories to choose from, including brand new categories for 2026 like Excellence in AI

& Automation for Contractors and Excellence in Compliance & Risk Management, the

awards will highlight the organisations and individuals behind standout projects, fresh ideas,

and the high standards shaping the future of contracting.

Whether you’re looking at entering Innovation in Contractor Services, Best Contractor

Recruiter, or Best Umbrella Company, if you want to have a chance of winning these

industry awards, it really comes down to a few key things: follow the entry criteria closely,

show clear results (think ROI, growth, and solid data), and tell a story that’s easy to

understand and engaging. Back up what you’re saying with real evidence, like client

testimonials, case studies, or visuals, and make sure everything is polished, concise, and

submitted on time so it stands out.

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

First, tailor your entry to the judging criteria. Don’t just drop in generic marketing content -

make sure you’re directly answering what the judges are actually looking for.

Next, focus on the numbers. Instead of saying something was successful, prove it with stats,

percentages, or graphs that show the real impact.

It also helps to think of your entry as a story. Walk the judges through the challenge, what

you did differently, and the results you achieved - it makes your submission much more

memorable.

Strong evidence is key too. Bring in client testimonials, third-party endorsements, and

detailed case studies to support your claims and add credibility.

Keep your language simple and clear. Judges might not be experts in your niche, so avoid

jargon and make it easy for anyone to understand your impact.

Be concise and stick to the word count. Judges read a lot of entries, so getting your

message across clearly and efficiently makes a big difference.

It’s also worth involving your team. Different perspectives can strengthen your application

and help you spot things you might have missed.

And finally, proofread carefully. Clean, error-free writing shows professionalism and attention

to detail.

On the strategy side, be selective about which awards you enter. Choose ones that align

with your goals, and take a look at past winners to get a feel for the level of competition.

Give yourself plenty of time, too. Rushed entries rarely perform well, so plan ahead to write,

refine, and gather your evidence properly.

At the end of the day, it’s about clearly showing what makes you different and backing it up

with solid proof - do that well, and you’ll give yourself a much better shot at being shortlisted.

Start your winning entry today: https://contractingawards2026.awardstage.com/