Keep reading to find out what’s new this year, what we’re looking for in a winner and how to enter. Entries close on 31 October 2020 so hurry and apply now!

What’s new this year?

This will be the first year we host the Xero Awards online. Although we can’t be together in person, we’re going all out to create the same Xero Award ceremony experience you know and love virtually, so that you can enjoy it from the comfort and safety of your own home. This is also an opportunity to bring together many of the Xero regions, and for the first time, we will be having synchronised events for the UK, Ireland and South Africa.

We have an all-new judging process this year, and it’s slicker and easier than ever. We’ve also added three new judges: Emma Jones, Founder at Enterprise Nation and Michelle Ovens, MBE, Founder of Small Business Britain and Director of Small Business Saturday UK, who will sit on the UK accounting and bookkeeping panel.

In recognition of the additional challenges that the pandemic has imposed and the meaningful contributions it has inspired, we’ve also created two new UK award categories called the ‘Human Awards’: The People’s Choice Award allows clients to show their appreciation and nominate their Xero accountant, while the Community Impact Award will go to a firm that has gone above and beyond to support people. Our UK chosen charity – Samaritans – will be our guest judge to select the winner.

What we’re looking for in a winner

One thing that has remained the same is our commitment to our values. At Xero, we dedicate ourselves to upholding five values: Human, Challenge, Team, Ownership and Beautiful. This year, our judges will evaluate award entries based on the following criteria points:

• Human: This is about caring for clients and the community. How do you show genuine care for your clients, employees, and community, and provide exceptional service?
• Challenge: This is all about innovation. Do you focus on innovation, leading the way and challenging the status quo?
• Team: Here, the focus is on knowledge sharing. How do you continue learning and sharing your knowledge to help others thrive?
• Ownership: This is about digitising your practice and empowering clients. How do you adopt technology and help clients embrace cloud-based apps?
• Beautiful: We’re looking for Xero aficionados. Do you promote Xero, raise awareness of the benefits, and advocate it to clients?

Why get involved?

We know you’re busy and that award entries might not be at the top of your lengthy to-do list, but there are some serious advantages to entering, being nominated as a finalist, and winning a Xero Award. First off, your business will get the industry recognition it deserves. Unlike many other awards, our judges are real industry experts and Xero leaders, so they know what to look for – and you can be sure you’re getting a fair shake.

If you’re shortlisted as a finalist – and especially if you win – you’ll have an easier time attracting new clients and employing top talent. According to past nominees and winners, the recognition of a Xero Award is a satisfying reward for a job well done – boosting morale and giving the team something to celebrate. As a finalist, your visibility will also get a significant boost among the community, while winners benefit from frequent mentions in Xero pages, blogs, and social media posts.

Winners of the UK and EMEA Accounting and Bookkeeping Awards get a premium listing on the Xero Advisor Directory, so they’ll receive leads from prospective clients looking for award-winning accountants. Winners are also featured on the winners landing page, providing a major bump in visibility. Plus, you’ll participate in Xero Awards media week, where you’ll get to record your acceptance speech and be interviewed.

Winning apps get a premium listing on the Xero App Marketplace, meaning they’re more likely to receive leads from prospective clients who value leading accountants. App winners also get exposure to Xero’s sales and consulting team.

Don’t wait, enter now

If you’re convinced, check out the full list of categories. We can’t wait to start looking through entries, and we look forward to the big event. Remember entries close on 31 October 2020.

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