This Award is open to any Oxfordshire-based business that started trading after 1 January 2023.

The judges will be looking for evidence of:

• How the start-up was achieved.

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

• How effectively the business has operated in-light of the pandemic, rises in inflation and cost of living challenges, given it launched in-and-around this time.

• The strength and stability of the business, particularly given the ongoing wider economic difficulties.

• An understanding of the market in which the business operates.

• How the business has embraced innovation, supporting it to be as productive as it can be.

• In-light of the UK and global economic challenges, demonstrating how the business ‘pivoted’ – or even diversified – its original business model to support its ongoing continuity.

• A vision and strategy for future development.

• Plans for building the business further, including workforce development and possible opportunities for young people within the business.