The hunt for the UK’s most elite sales talent officially begins on 11 May. Specifically, nominations for the National Sales Awards will open, providing a fantastic opportunity for businesses to showcase their growth, grit, and innovation on a national stage.
Are you part of a scaling startup or an established enterprise? Either way, these awards celebrate the individuals and teams who drive the economy forward. Following the massive success of the inaugural event in November 2025, which saw more than 400 professionals gather in Birmingham, the 2027 awards are set to be the most competitive yet.
You Could Join These Success Stories
Last year’s ceremony established a high benchmark for excellence under the guidance of Head Judge Phil Jones MBE. StoryBlok emerged as a dominant force, securing both Sales Team of the Year and Sales Employer of the Year.
If you are looking for inspiration for your own entry, look no further than the inaugural champions:
- Sales Director of the Year: Yafa Al-Raheb, Phrase.
- Sales Professional of the Year: Harry Tinson, HarvestEye.
- Account Manager of the Year: Rachel Beaumont-Johnstone, ACCU.
- Inside Sales Representative (SDR/BDR) of the Year: Noah Koeck, Kong Inc.
- Sales Manager of the Year: Lauren Dormand, IAmProperty/IAmSold.
- Enablement Professional of the Year: Francesca Kennedy, IAmProperty.
- Enablement Team of the Year: Softcat.
- Rising Stars: Sophia D’Agostino (Make Venues) and Genna Cooper (nudge Global).
- Top Sales Influencer: Sean McPheat, MTD Sales Training.
How to Prepare a Winning Entry
Winning isn’t just about having the highest numbers. The judges look for teams that demonstrate discipline, transparency, and a modern approach to selling.
The Judging Criteria
Finalists’ submissions are provisionally scored based on three specific pillars:
Performance & Results (50%): Tangible evidence of your success.
Ethics & Values (25%): How you conduct business with integrity.
What’s Different? (25%): Your unique innovation or approach.
To stand out, align your nomination with the habits of high-performing teams: brutal deal qualification, radical pipeline honesty, and a relentless focus on buyer outcomes.
Key Dates for Your Diary
The journey to the podium is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep these essential dates in mind:
- 11 May: Nominations officially open.
- 7 July: National Sales Awards Alumni event in London. Connect with judges, past finalists, and winners.
- 2 October: Nominations close.
- 12 October: Finalists announced.
- 23–24 November: Online professional discussions between finalists and the independent judging panel.
- 21 January 2027: The Grand Awards Ceremony at the National Sales Conference. Dress to impress for a night of international street food, a casino, and live music.
The Growth Hub Tip: A well-prepared nomination is more than an award entry; it is a powerful audit of your team’s success. Are you ready to take the stage?
