Trophies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of entering industry awards. Photo by Photo by Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash

What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think about industry awards? For many people the answer might be trophies and photos in the newspaper, but those overt benefits are often just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

The benefits of entering an industry award, and perhaps winning, go much deeper than you might first think. Public recognition is one of the most rewarding benefits, of course. But that benefit is often one of many.

Setting standards and demonstrating value

We’ve been running the Plain English Awards for 13 years. Over this time we’ve seen a steady increase in the quality of the entries. We’ve also seen a steady increase in interest in the Awards. And we’ve witnessed and recorded the benefits that organisations and individuals, as well as sponsors, reap from association with the Awards.

What are these benefits?

• Optimal benchmarking: the recipient of an award is seen as setting a standard
• Building credibility and strength: awards validate an organisation’s position with prospective customers and clients
• Demonstrating value: winning an award provides clear evidence of the value an organisation brings to its clients
• Communicating that you’re professional: winning an award shows that you’re a reputable professional whose achievements stand out

A long-term commitment to quality

What about those individuals and organisations that win more than once? This kind of achievement reinforces all the points above, and shows that you’ve committed to quality for the long term. What more could a client or customer wish for?

Read about how one organisation won our Best Organisation award in 2007 — and won again 8 years later in 2015.