It is my absolute pleasure to announce the names of our judging panel (click here for full list) for the much anticipated Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards in November.

We are delighted to welcome Alex Marsh – Klarna, Head of Klarna UK, Suman Hughes – Mastercard, Head of Communications, Nina Wright – New Scientist, CEO and, of course, our wonderful sponsor Amanda Dorel, Director of Lloyds Bank, amongst many others.

Everyone onboard is focussed on making the BBEA programme a memorable one to mark the end of the pandemic and celebrate the resilience of British business throughout this difficult time. Julia Devonshire – Kings College London, Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship who is judging the LDC Entrepreneur of the Year Award discussed what she is basing her decision on: “I am looking for a special entrepreneur who is very clear about the problem they aspire to solve and exactly how they intend to do so. I am also looking for someone who has a unique proposition and who has managed to achieve some traction, with more to come.”

The skillset of our judging panel is boundless – these prestigious names and high calibre professionals will analyse entries carefully, maintaining high standards when critiquing the foundations of each award. Our awards offer a unique feedback experience, as well as valuable marketing and PR opportunities, increasing exposure and recognition for companies with the chance to pitch to and receive guidance from business trailblazers and industry leaders.

Allyson Stewart-Allen, CEO of International Marketing Partners Ltd shares the judging role with Charlotte Laycock, CEO of American European Business Association; they face the tough job of crowning the winner of The Exporter of the Year Award. Allyson shared her thoughts on the impact these entries have on the commercial world and corporate peers: “being able to celebrate the achievements of British exporters at a time when the economic and logistical challenges from Covid seem insurmountable is critically important. In judging these awards, I am reminded of the resilience, creativity and fantastic innovation that UK companies consistently demonstrate which have huge international potential, especially in the US where they often make their fortunes. These awards hopefully also serve to inspire others to be recognised for their remarkable achievements.”

At the BBEAs, we are proud to be uniting finalists from around the country and across a broad spectrum of industries to honour their achievements. Yapincak Erkan, Director of NED at Yasha Consulting is sharing the responsibility with Andrew Webb, Director of inews and Alex Evans, Programme Director at TALint Partners, to select the Employer of the Year. Yapincak celebrates our expansive criteria, “I am delighted to be a part of the awards as it gives us a chance to acknowledge commercially successful businesses from a wide range of industries that go far and beyond with high calibre leadership, resilience in the face of adversity and a positive impact in their communities.”

The business prowess of our panel is awe-inspiring and they will all be in attendance on the night. We are welcoming guests entering the BBEA room to discover new trends and commercial insight, all while making new connections that could take their company to the next level of excellence.

The BBEA ceremony not only celebrates the finalists, but provides all attendees with a platform to discuss their business, promote products or services, and showcase the incredible teams behind their success; the programme will display how hard work converts into profit, sustainability, leadership and community. Guy Bradshaw, Consulting Director, Comma Group, describes the judging process as “a real privilege… you are treated to an amazing insight into the vision, creativity and passion of so many different people from all walks of life”.

So get your glad rags on and join us at Grosvenor House on November 9th for an unforgettable night of celebrating Britain’s finest collection of businesses. You don’t have to be a finalist to network with incredible judges, entrepreneurs, investors, finalists and press – book your seat or table today, and raise a glass to British businesses at the BBEAs. This is an one-off chance to join in the 2021 celebrations, while preparing your business to enter in 2022.

A huge thank you to all those involved, and don’t forget to check out our full list of judges here to see who you could bump into on the night!