International Entrepreneur Award

This award is aimed at a dynamic leader who has used creativity and vision to develop an idea into a successful business. Entries must demonstrate product/service innovation, and steady growth of the enterprise in terms of staff members, customers and turnover. The International Entrepreneur Award recognises visionary business leaders who have successfully expanded their enterprise into new regions.

The submission should include the entrepreneur’s background, how they spotted an opportunity and the challenges they overcame to develop this. What commercial strategy, distribution and financial evidence are in place, and what plans are there for the future? Customer feedback and market reaction should be included.

Entrants are asked to upload a written entry of up to 1000 words explaining why you should win this category. You may also send relevant supporting data & additional background info such as press cuttings, letters or reports.

Award Deadlines

The International Entrepreneur Award offers four annual entry opportunities throughout the year, ensuring flexibility for busy entrepreneurs to apply when it suits their schedule. With quarterly deadlines and winner announcements within 6-8 weeks, you won’t be left waiting months to hear the results of your application.

Our final round for the International Entrepreneur Award in 2025 closes on the 31st of October 2025. Winners will be announced in the middle of January 2026.

What a winning entrepreneur looks like

Your submission should demonstrate excellence across several of the following key areas:

• International market penetration and growth strategy
• Successfully overcoming international business challenges
• Demonstrated financial success and sustainability
• Effective decision-making and leadership ability
• Cultural adaptation and market understanding
• Evidence of sustainable international expansion
• Significant impact on a global industry or sector

Winners of the International Entrepreneur Award demonstrate exceptional business acumen in creating successful global enterprises. Through innovative thinking, strategic planning, and determined execution, these entrepreneurs have proven their ability to succeed in international markets. This award not only recognises your achievements but also positions you as a leading figure in global markets.

Recent Winners 

Join our community of award-winning businesses. Recent Best Business Awards winners represent some of the UK’s most innovative companies across various categories.

Further Categories For Entrepreneurs

The International Entrepreneur Award is our flagship award for established business leaders who have successfully expanded their enterprises across borders. Alongside, we also offer several other categories specifically designed for entrepreneurial talent at different stages, including:

• Next Generation Entrepreneur of the Year (Under 35)
• Businessperson Of The Year
• Outstanding Fast-Growth Business
• Best Start-Up Business
• Most Innovative Business Idea of the Year
• Best Growing Tech Business

Benefits of Winning the International Entrepreneur Award

Winning this prestigious award offers you and your organisation multiple benefits:

• International recognition as a leading global entrepreneur
• Self-promotion and marketing opportunities across digital and traditional media
• Increased trust from potential international investors and partners
• Digital winner’s logo for use on your website, stationery and marketing materials
• A press release featuring judges’ comments that highlights your entrepreneurial excellence
• Publication of your win on the Best Business Awards website, enhancing your online reputation

Find out more about our winners’ benefits and enter for the International Entrepreneur Award.

Meet The Judges

Our panel of experienced business leaders and industry experts brings decades of entrepreneurial expertise to the judging process. Each judge has founded, scaled, or led successful businesses across various sectors, ensuring entries are evaluated by those who truly understand the challenges and achievements of international entrepreneurship.

Dave Thornton

Managing Director & Founder, Thornton & Lowe

Dave is the founder and Managing Director of Thornton & Lowe, a nationally respected consultancy that supports organisations across the UK to win and deliver public sector contracts. Since establishing the business in 2009, Dave has built Thornton & Lowe into one of the UK’s largest and most experienced supply chain, bid writing, and procurement consultancies.

David Empson

Founder and CEO of Generous APE

David Empson is the Founder and CEO of Generous APE, a marketplace solely for Stylish Sustainable Brands. David is an Entrepreneur and Business advisor with a lifetime career in retail rooted in M&S, Director of Sainsbury’s, MD of JVs with Boots and Sainsbury’s launching their respective clothing offerings re Mini Club and TU.