How to apply

How to apply for the 2026 Finance Awards North West

The application/nomination process is quick and easy, with a simple online form to complete below. 

Step 1. Short online application/nomination form

Application deadline: Friday 13th February 2026

The first step in the application process is to complete an initial nomination/application form. The initial entry consists of a short overview about the nominee/applicant and why they deserve to win the award.

Step 2a. Referencing stage (Rising Star & Finance Team Player categories only)

For the Rising Star and Finance Team Player categories, there will be a referencing stage. After the initial application/nomination form is completed a follow up form will be sent out to the nominator (or line manager if it was an application) to complete in order to elaborate on the entry. The judges will then shortlist prior to the judging stage. 

Step 2b. Meeting with Judges

Judging meetings: Monday 16th March - Friday 27th March 2026

If successful, applicants/nominees are invited by a member of the awards partners to join them for the second stage of the application process which is a face to face judging meeting. 

The meeting is judged by the five executive partner businesses and a senior qualified finance professional as an industry guest judge. Each judge will provide an individual score with the highest average score winning the award.

The meeting will take no more than an hour and successful applicants/nominees will receive a set of questions before the judging day to prepare for.

What is the criteria?

Each award category consists of a specific criteria against which all applications/nominations will be judged. The criteria and categories can be found here.

Who can apply?

The awards are open to all finance professionals and businesses within the North West region. 

• A company can submit one entry per category (e.g. one individual from a business can be nominated for Rising Star of the Year Qualified)
• A company can enter a maximum of four categories

Applications for the Finance Awards North West 2026 are now closed 

For further information about the awards, contact us.