We are delighted to announce that the Experience Guildford Business Awards will return in 2026, proudly sponsored by Spotler.
The awards celebrate the outstanding businesses that make Guildford such a vibrant place to shop, dine, work and visit. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase achievements, gain recognition and celebrate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes every day. Businesses can apply for up to three categories, giving them the opportunity to highlight different areas of success and achievement.
This year’s awards feature 10 categories recognising excellence across business performance, customer service, hospitality, sustainability, creativity and community impact.
About EGBA main awards sponsor
Spotler is a European SaaS company building a connected Marketing Cloud that helps organisations centralise customer data and create meaningful customer experiences. By bringing together data, automation, messaging, and AI, Spotler enables marketers to communicate with customers in smarter, more relevant ways across channels like email, WhatsApp, ads, and websites. Our platform helps both commerce and B2B organisations turn fragmented data into actionable insights, automate journeys, and build stronger customer relationships while staying fully GDPR compliant.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 1 April 2026
- Applications Close: 17 May 2026
- Category Judges Announced: May 2026
- Finalists Announced: May 2026
- Finalist Interviews: 1–30 June 2026
- People’s Choice Voting: 1–30 June 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 15 July 2026 at Harbour Hotel Guildford
Award Categories
The Business of the Year Award recognises a business that has demonstrated outstanding overall performance and made a significant contribution to Guildford’s business community. This award celebrates organisations that show strong leadership, clear business strategy and sustainable growth, while delivering high standards across their operations. Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate innovation, strong financial or operational performance, commitment to sustainability, and a positive impact on the local community. This may include support for charitable initiatives, investment in staff development, and clear plans for future growth. This award is open to businesses that can show they are not only successful today but are also building a responsible, forward-thinking business for the future. Download form here
The Best Customer Service Award recognises businesses that consistently deliver exceptional service and create positive, memorable experiences for their customers. This award celebrates teams that go above and beyond to understand customer needs, respond effectively to feedback, and maintain high standards across every interaction. Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, clear service values, and evidence of how excellent customer service is embedded within the team and everyday operations. Download form here
The Hospitality Business of the Year Award recognises businesses that deliver outstanding experiences within Guildford’s hospitality sector. This award celebrates venues that consistently provide high-quality service, a welcoming atmosphere and a memorable experience for their customers. Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate excellence across all aspects of hospitality, including customer service, food and drink quality, ambience and overall guest experience. This may include restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars and other hospitality venues that go above and beyond to create a positive and enjoyable environment. Download form here
Greener Guildford Award recognises businesses that are committed to making Guildford a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place. This award celebrates organisations that actively take steps to reduce their environmental impact while contributing positively to the local environment. Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as reducing waste, recycling, responsible sourcing, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices. This may also include participation in local initiatives such as litter picking, community clean-up events, cycle to work schemes, or supporting environmental campaigns within Guildford. This award is open to businesses that are making meaningful changes, big or small, and are helping to create a more sustainable future for the town and its community. Download form here
The Community Spirit Award recognises businesses that make a meaningful difference to the local community and contribute positively to Guildford beyond their day-to-day operations. This award celebrates organisations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting people, causes and initiatives within the town. Judges will be looking for businesses that actively engage with the community through activities such as charity fundraising, partnerships with local organisations, providing work experience or opportunities for local schools and young people, and supporting community events or initiatives. This may also include volunteering, sponsorships, or creating opportunities that benefit the wider community. This award is open to businesses that show a strong sense of social responsibility and are dedicated to making Guildford a better place to live, work and visit. Download form here
The New Business of the Year Award recognises new and emerging businesses that have made a strong impact within a short period of time. This award celebrates businesses that demonstrate ambition, innovation and a clear vision for growth, while already contributing positively to Guildford’s business community. Judges will be looking for businesses that have shown early success through strong performance, creative ideas and the ability to establish themselves in a competitive market. This may include evidence of growth, customer engagement, brand development and a clear strategy for the future. This award is open to first-time businesses established between April 2025 and May 2026. Download form here
The Independent Business Award celebrates small, locally owned businesses that play an important role in making Guildford a unique and vibrant place to shop, dine and visit. This award recognises independent businesses that demonstrate passion, creativity and strong connections with their customers and the local community. Judges will be looking for businesses that show entrepreneurial spirit, offer distinctive products or services, and contribute positively to the character of Guildford. This may include excellent customer relationships, support for local suppliers, innovation in their sector, and a commitment to growing and sustaining an independent business. Download form here
The Long Service Recognition Award celebrates employees who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to their organisation over many years. This award recognises individuals who have completed 10 years or more of service and whose loyalty, professionalism and hard work have made a lasting contribution to their workplace. Recipients of this award are valued members of their teams and have played an important role in supporting the growth, culture and success of their business over time. Terms and Conditions: Employees must have completed a minimum of 10 years of service with their current organisation to be eligible for this award. Businesses may nominate employees who meet this criterial. Individuals may be nominated for this award every five years; therefore, employees who received or were nominated for the award last year will not be eligible to apply this year. Download form here
The People’s Choice Award is decided entirely by the public, giving customers the opportunity to support and celebrate their favourite businesses in Guildford. Businesses are invited to enter and encourage their customers, followers and local community to vote for them via the Experience Guildford website. This award recognises the businesses that have built strong connections with their audience and inspire customer loyalty. Voting is limited to one vote per person, and the business with the highest number of valid votes will be crowned the winner. Download form here
The Creative Vision Award recognises businesses that demonstrate outstanding creativity and originality in how they present their brand and space. This award celebrates those who use design to create visually engaging and memorable experiences for customers. This may include shop window displays, interior design, visual merchandising or architectural design, where creativity enhances the overall look, feel and identity of the business. Judges will be looking for innovative ideas, attention to detail and how effectively the design reflects the brand and attracts customers. Download form here