Eligibility criteria for entering the programme are as follows:

• Companies must be substantially privately owned, managed, and controlled
• Incorporated in the UK
• Be established for at least five years
• Demonstrate superior performance over the past three years (in relation to their peers)
  

The following companies are ineligible:

• Public companies
• Foreign multinationals and their subsidiaries
• Credit unions/insurance companies/ banks
• Charities, not-for-profit organisations, and their subsidiaries
• Government-owned/public sector agencies

New applicants must go through a two-phase application process.

Step 1: Register for the program (Phase 1)

Register by completing the Phase 1 online application form. All companies deemed eligible are then invited to complete a further, more detailed submission.

Step 2: Complete your submission (Phase 2)

Eligible companies will progress to Phase 2 and take part in a Best Managed Companies executive team workshop focused on the growth of your business, facilitated by our trained coaches.

The workshop will take a deep dive into the company, providing important insight and allowing the judges to assess them on the Best Managed Companies standards – known as the ‘Four Pillars’. The Best Managed workshop draws out the key information needed for eligible companies to complete the Phase 2 of the online application.

Step 3: Review of your submission

Submissions are reviewed by coaches and an independent judging panel.

Step 4: Awards celebration

Winners will be announced at the Award celebration event in early Summer 2025.

The benefits of applying - that’s right, you benefit even if you don’t win!

• 3-hour workshop facilitated by Deloitte experts provided for executive team (at no charge) to dig deep into programme pillars, gain a 360-degree view of your business and focus on the growth of your business where you will discover where your strengths and opportunities lie.
• Benchmark your business against some of the best in your industry
• Gain an independent assessment of your business by private business experts
• Dedicated coach throughout the programme, including insights on company’s strategy and performance

Benefits to the winners

• Increased market visibility and credibility through exclusive use of Best Managed Companies brand, both nationally and globally
• Enhance your market visibility and credibility by promoting your success and using the Best Managed Companies designation and brand
• National, regional, and social media exposure
• Strengthened ability to attract and retain top talent through use of trusted Best Managed credential
• Celebration of the entire company’s efforts at annual winners’ event and invitations to local and global events.

Registrations

Is my company guaranteed a place to participate in the Best Managed Program for 2025?

Your phase one application will be reviewed by Deloitte to determine eligibility and we will confirm with you soon after registration. As a global organisation, Deloitte must adhere to strict independence requirements.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Registration to participate in the UK’s Best Managed Companies programme in 2025 will close on 31 January 2025. However, your company can commence the phase two workshop process as soon as they receive formal approval of eligibility to participate in the programme. Your application should be submitted before 15 March 2025.

Workshop Sessions

How does the workshop coaching process work?

Deloitte Partner coaches are assigned to assist your company with the application process, including facilitating a 3-hour workshop. The workshop is structured to deep dive into the four key pillars of the global best managed companies programme framework being 1) strategy, 2) culture & commitment, 3) capabilities & innovation and 4) governance & financials.  During the workshop coaches will draw out your company’s strengths and identify any areas for further improvement, against the key global benchmarks in each of these pillars.

Do I need to prepare anything for the workshop?

No formal preparation for the workshop is required by your company. However, we would encourage businesses to come prepared to discuss their strategic approach to the four pillars of the framework.

Who is required to be present in the workshop?

The most appropriate attendees should be your company key decision makers who understand the business strategy, operations and finance. Therefore, we recommend CEOs, CFOs, CHROs, COOs, CSOs, MDs and CMOs.

Who attends the workshops from Deloitte?

The workshop will involve your assigned Deloitte Partner Coach, your Deloitte Lead Client Service Partner (if applicable), a facilitator and if beneficial an additional subject matter expert.

What happens after the workshop?

We provide your company with summarised notes. This information will assist your company in completing your phase two submission for final assessment. The final application is submitted online using your Best Managed Companies registered login.

Application submission

How long does the online submission take to complete?

Phase one will take 20-30 minutes.  Phase two will take approximately 2 hours to complete.

What else is required?

The award submission requires your logo files, audited financial statements and any other voluntary relevant documentations to support your submission.

Can I save my information and come back to complete my online application at a later stage?

Yes, an applicant can save and return to complete an application by logging into their profile via the registration link.

Can I share access to the portal to complete the submission?

No, we ask that the questions be completed by one contact in your company who is able to consolidate the required input for each of the questions. We often see the submission completed by a Business Development or Marketing contact.

What is the privacy policy regarding the handling of information?

More information about how Deloitte will handle your personal information, how you can lodge a complaint, how you can contact us, and how you may access and seek correction of your information is set out in our Privacy Policy.

What happens after my Best Managed Company application is submitted online?

You will receive an automated confirmation when it has been successfully submitted. Your submission will be sent to our independent Judges for review. The Judges will nominate your company as Best Managed if you meet the Global benchmark to be deemed a Best Managed Company. You will be notified before the Celebration Awards Event.

What happens if my application for Best Managed Company is not successful?

One of the most important aspects of the Best Managed Companies programme is the opportunity that the programme provides for your company to be part of a global community of like-minded companies that are focused on continuous improvement. The award, while beneficial, is one element of a very comprehensive long-running programme.