The judging process

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

The companies/individuals who have made the shortlist will be informed on 28 August 2026. 

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

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 or individuals have 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.