Judging process

Drapers Independents Awards will have a three-stage judging process. In the first round, to be in with a chance of being shortlisted, you MUST answer all the questions on the entry form.

The Drapers editorial team then examines all entries against the criteria before pulling together the shortlist.

The companies/individuals who have made the shortlist will be informed no later than 28 June 2024.

The shortlist will then be deliberated over by our carefully selected panel of industry judges during Drapers Independents Awards judging day.

The judging process is such that it ensures that no one judges a category in which they have a vested interest, and neither will competing businesses be judging one another. All judging takes place under Chatham House Rule and all judges sign a non-disclosure agreement.

The final decision on winners is made by secret ballot and no judge leaves the room knowing which business/individual has won.

The judging process has been honed and perfected over the years, ensuring the fairest and most robust way of deciding on the winners of these important industry awards.