The BESA Awards are back! After an overwhelmingly positive response following last year’s awards, we are thrilled to announce the BESA Awards are returning this year, celebrating our members’ excellence and championing the best of our industry so we can all be inspired and learn from colleagues, as well as recognising the positive impact BESA members have on raising educational outcomes of children around the world.

But that’s not all, we have 10 categories being announced for this year’s iteration! These awards recognise individual and team achievements, leadership, innovative initiatives, and the measurable impact of their products and services on education. Register your intention to enter the BESA Awards 2024 here.

Winners will be unveiled at BESA’s annual Summer Business Insight Day on Thursday, 4 July. Here’s a snippet of last year’s awards ceremony:

The categories this year include:

Rising Star Award

Nominate the member of your team who has made a key contribution to your organisation this year. We are looking for exceptional talent, those who are in the early stages of their career or who are new to the industry. We are not just looking for highflyers, we would also like to hear about the individuals who display the values that make them key members of your team. We think these people will have a stella future ahead of them and would like to use this award to recognise their potential.

Team of the Year

This award is for teams both big and small. You could nominate a department, project team, or simply an informal group within your organisation as long as you can demonstrate exceptional teamwork and collaboration. We are looking for those teams who are greater than the sum of their parts; for groups who have worked together seamlessly and in a way that has delivered real value or service to your company or your customers. Tell us what makes this team so great.

Inspirational Leader Award

Great leaders command respect, inspire their colleagues, lead by example and deliver outstanding results. Do you know a leader worthy of the BESA Inspirational Leader Award?

We are looking for those CEOs, managers and industry leaders who bring out the best in their people, who offer amazing insights, provide clarity and direction and who are blazing a trail in the industry.

Make the Difference Award

This award is all about initiatives that are making a difference in your organisation.

Have you made improvements to your Diversity & Inclusion policies and working practices? Are you working to reduce your carbon footprint? Have you taken fundraising to a new level? Or perhaps you have launched a whole new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) workstream. Whatever it is that you are doing to make a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear it. We are looking to champion and recognise those initiatives that are worth shouting about so that others can learn from your achievements.

Evidence and Impact Award

The BESA logo is a seal of approval and a kitemark of quality.

Every one of our members is striving to support teachers and deliver improved outcomes for pupils. The ability to evidence the way in which we are doing this is essential. This award recognises those organisations who can demonstrate the impact that their products and services are making on teachers and learners in the UK and overseas.

Women in Education Award

Honour the trailblazers who are shaping the future of education.

This award recognises a remarkable woman, nominated by the BESA Women in Education Network, for her ground-breaking contributions to the industry. Celebrate the innovators who are driving inclusion, impact, and excellence in education.

Supplier and School Award

Celebrate the power of collaboration between suppliers and schools.

This award is for partnerships that demonstrate outstanding innovation, service, and impact on educational outcomes between a supplier and school. If your collaboration has brought about significant improvements in learning experiences or environments, we want to spotlight your success.

Unsung Hero Award

Shine a light on the individuals whose tireless efforts and dedication could go unnoticed.

Whether a team member or a customer, this award honors those whose exceptional support has been crucial to your business’s growth and success, making them the true backbone of our industry.

Best Support Service

This award recognises excellence in service provision to education institutions.

From finance to IT services, and compliance to safeguarding, this award is for those delivering indispensable support that enables educational institutions to thrive.

Best Education Supplies

Acknowledging suppliers of top-tier educational materials and resources, from innovative learning materials to essential classroom furniture.

This award celebrates the suppliers that play a crucial role in enriching educational environments and experiences.

We’re looking forward to celebrating your incredible achievements.

For sponsoring opportunities with any BESA events, please contact EventsTeam@besa.org.uk.