This Award is open to any Oxfordshire-based business that started trading after 1 January 2024.

The judges will be looking for evidence of:

• How and why the business was started.

• How it succeeded in securing investment or wider external support to develop and launch the business idea.

• The strength and stability of the business

• How effectively the business has operated in light of wider economic challenges, including the ability to pivot or diversify as required

• A vision and strategy for building on the success of the business, including workforce development and opportunities for young people.