By Hannah Phillips

Banner Image: landlordawards.co.uk

Here at Glide, we recently sponsored the 2014 Landlord & Letting Awards, a high profile event for those within the private rented sector. We like to sponsor awards as we have experienced the benefits to our business of winning awards first hand.

Image. www.bestbusinessawards.co.uk

Back in December, we were the lucky winners of the 2014 Best Business Award for Innovation – another great accolade for our company. It was more positive PR that we could shout about, as well as increasing credibility for our brand.

In 2010, Glide co-founder, James Villarreal, was awarded Birmingham Young Professional of the Year, succeeding in the Entrepreneurial category. The following year, Glide sponsored this same category at the BYPY Awards, whilst James sat on the judging panel helping to choose the winners. We still support the BYPY programme today as we’re passionate about encouraging other young professionals in their journeys to becoming entrepreneurs.

One of our greatest achievements to date so far also came in December 2014, as we made our debut appearance into The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list, which has been a dream of Glide co-founders James Villarreal and Sandeep Krishan since they set up the business back in 2006.

Image: www.thesojo.net

Entering awards can provide you with a valuable opportunity to adopt a new perspective on your business, as the application process will encourage you to look at certain areas of strengths and weaknesses within your company.

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Associating your business with an awards programme, whether it be through sponsorship or entering as a competitor, is a great way to gain visibility through a number of ways, bringing the right kind of attention to your business.

Image: www.reviewon.com

Winning an award can help differentiate you from your competitors, giving you an advantage when it comes to attracting or retaining customers, whilst helping to enhance company credibility.

Image: threemotion.co.uk

Pre-event marketing activities such as digital promotion and email campaigns will also enable you to reach out to a wider audience of potential customers and clients, helping you to increase brand awareness.

Image: leedsuniversityunion.org.uk

We will also be sponsoring the 2015 University of Leeds Landlord Awards – an annual event where students of the university have the chance to publicly thank their landlords and recommend them to others. The awards celebrate those who have delivered an excellent experience for their tenants.

Will your business be entering or sponsoring an award this year? Or have you got any advice you can offer other business owners? Then get  in touch with us on Facebook or Tweet us @GlideUK.