Award ceremonies were always a given. Everybody expected that at least once a year they would have the chance to attend a prestigious event with their team and represent their company and mingle with industry peers. Actual nominations aside, there was always an element of anticipation. To see who else would turn up, to blow the dust off your best dress or suit, or to simply enjoy a nice team-building opportunity.

Then the pandemic started. Overnight, all events and ceremonies ceased to exist. The office life we once knew disappeared. We transitioned into a new culture of Teams and Slack memes, Zoom drinks and everyone’s work and personal life blended into one. Strategy and budget discussions found new audiences in the form of pets and children wandering in and out of shot.

This went on for over a year and a half and as comfortable as this way of living became, many started to crave the return to the office and the opportunity to dress up and socialise in person. When the lockdown ended in July and offices started reopening and events started rebuilding, it’s hardly a surprise that we were thrilled to be part of this transition back to face-to-face business interactions.

As event organisers, we know first-hand how much attendees enjoy the opportunity to sip a glass of Prosecco while cheering the colleagues or industry peers who have won an award. It strengthens the pride and team spirit. It also fosters a healthy level of competition. When you see that a competitor has grabbed the trophy for a given category, it makes you want to work extra hard next time.

Given how many top-level professionals usually attend the award ceremonies, it makes this the perfect pool for head-hunters to explore. Interacting with someone at an event could ultimately result in improvised informal job interviews and job offers. Recruiters can observe the best in the industry and find the perfect match for job openings and new projects.

There are plenty of benefits from attending an awards ceremony, and that’s without even being shortlisted. Awards ceremonies are for everyone. They are a great opportunity to exchange new ideas, business insights or to a put a face to a name. After these long 18 months of minimal in-person interactions, everyone craves handshaking, clapping and raising toasts.

What’s more, utilising a platform such as an awards ceremony to capture ideas on how to ensure growth and excellence could catapult you and your business into the lead, especially if you require capital to do so. Investors are always present at networking events, especially ones where new and innovative businesses are guaranteed to be in attendance. A gathering of this kind provides a less formal environment for financiers to meet with business owners and potentially take the first steps to forming a partnership for the future.

We are excited for everyone who will be attending The Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards taking place at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in central London on 9th November. It will be much more than a glamorous evening with drinks and nibbles. The Awards will gather businesses of all shapes and sizes for a night of celebration, recognition, networking and above all, inspiration. It will be a fantastic occasion to meet business peers, share professional stories with the press and be inspired by other companies to better yourself, your business and build on your own profile.

By the end of the evening, you will be exchanging business cards and shaking hands with contacts old and new, finally having had the opportunity to meet face-to-face in a relaxed setting – something the world longed for during lockdown.

Join us on the 9th of November for a night to remember, as we celebrate the best in British business.