We often think of awards as nice-to-have accolades. Something for the trophy shelf. Something to post about on LinkedIn.
But if you’re an entrepreneur trying to grow your business, win customers, or get noticed, entering awards can be one of the smartest marketing moves you’ll make this year.
Why? Because awards are not just about recognition. They’re about visibility, credibility, connection, and momentum.
Let’s dig into what that really means.
Awards Build Trust Before You Even Speak
We all know that people buy from people they trust. But trust takes time to build… unless someone else does it for you.
That’s what an award does.
When a respected institution shortlists you as an entrepreneur to watch, that endorsement speaks volumes. It tells potential customers, partners, and investors: this person is credible, capable, and doing something important.
It’s not a sales pitch. It’s third-party validation. And that’s powerful.
You Don’t Have to Win to Win
There’s a misconception that awards are only useful if you win.
Not true.
From the moment you enter, you’ve got a story to tell. You’re showing the world that your business is growing, you're proud of your progress, and you’re ready to be recognised.
If you’re shortlisted? That’s content gold. Social media updates, email newsletters, PR coverage, suddenly, you have a reason to tell people about what you’ve built, and they have a reason to listen.
If you do win? Even better. But the real magic starts before the envelope’s opened.
Now in their 10th year, the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards have become one of the UK’s most influential celebrations of entrepreneurial talent.
Whether you're an early-stage founder building something bold or a scale-up shaking up your industry, there’s a category for you, from AI and sustainability to diversity and impact.
The Barclays team isn’t just looking for glossy revenue figures (though those help); they’re recognising innovation, leadership, and resilience. They want to showcase businesses that are doing things differently, and doing them well.
Winners and finalists gain far more than a badge. They’re connected into a nationwide community of entrepreneurs, introduced to investors and mentors, and profiled through Barclays’ platforms and media channels.
It’s exposure money can’t buy, and all it takes is one well-written entry form to get started.
The Marketing Moment That Keeps on Giving
Here’s what often happens after a business enters an award:
- Press coverage starts rolling in.
- Website traffic goes up.
- Social media engagement spikes.
- Sales teams have an extra story to tell.
- Employees feel proud to be part of something recognised.
It’s like rocket fuel for your reputation.
And once you've got that award or finalist badge? Add it to your email signature, your proposals, your pitch decks. It becomes part of your brand story. Part of your legacy.
For Entrepreneurs in Scotland, Now’s Your Chance
At The Sentinel Scotland, we speak to founders every day. Some are at the start of their journey. Others are scaling up fast. All of them are working hard, sometimes too hard to stop and look up. This is your permission to pause, reflect, and put yourself forward.
The Barclays Entrepreneur Awards are open for entries right now, with the deadline set for 30 June 2025. The entry process is simple, and you don’t need a PR agency or a huge turnover to apply. You just need to be clear about what you’ve achieved, and why it matters.
Our advice? Don’t overthink it. Just tell your story.
And if you’re not sure how to position it, ask your customers, your team, your mentors, chances are they’ll remind you just how far you’ve come.
Five Simple Tips to Strengthen Your Award Entry
- Start with your “why” – What problem are you solving, and why does it matter?
- Share the impact – Use real numbers or testimonials to show results.
- Be human – This is about people as much as profits.
- Keep it simple – Avoid jargon. Speak like you’re talking to a smart friend.
- Show your ambition – Awards aren’t just about what you’ve done, but where you’re going.
Remember: the judges aren’t robots. They’re looking for passion, purpose, and progress.
More Than a Trophy
Ultimately, awards are about momentum. They push you to reflect on your journey. They invite you into new rooms and new conversations. They shine a light on your business in ways that advertising never could.
So whether you’re building a beauty brand in Glasgow, a green tech firm in Dundee, or a community enterprise on Skye, consider awards as part of your marketing strategy.
You deserve to be seen.
Go ahead and enter the awards. Not just for the applause, but for what comes next.
👉 Learn more and apply here: Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2025
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Saltire Sentinel’s editorial stance.