In a recent LinkedIn post, Daniel Priestley discusses the historical barriers to winning business awards and introduces a new platform, AwardsApp, designed to level the playing field.
Priestley highlights how the process of applying for awards has traditionally been a complex and resource-intensive endeavor, often favoring larger companies with dedicated administrative teams. He notes that this created a significant hurdle for smaller businesses and freelancers.
“For years, awards have had a moats made of paperwork around them.”
The author explains that this administrative burden meant that winning businesses were not always the most deserving, but rather those with the capacity to navigate extensive application processes. This created an uneven playing field, effectively excluding many smaller, high-potential businesses from recognition.
The “Paperwork Moat” and Its Impact
Priestley argues that this “paperwork moat” has long prevented smaller businesses from gaining the recognition and benefits associated with credible awards. He elaborates on the traditional scenario:
“Big companies tend to have a team of admins on the case. People who can sit down, find awards, wade through the entry forms, gather the evidence, write it all up and tick every box. Smaller businesses never had that luxury.”
According to Priestley, this disparity meant that the validation and prestige that awards offer were largely inaccessible to the very businesses that might benefit most from them. He points out that winning awards can lead to significant business advantages, such as the ability to charge a premium, secure larger corporate contracts, and accelerate sales cycles.
AwardsApp: Breaking Down Barriers
The core of Priestley’s post introduces AwardsApp as a solution to these long-standing challenges. He expresses excitement about its launch, framing it as a tool that democratizes access to award opportunities.
Priestley details the features of AwardsApp, emphasizing its role in simplifying and streamlining the submission process. He states:
“AwardsApp gives you access to a trusted database of over 1,000 UK and global awards, AI-assisted submission writing, and the expertise of a world-class awards agency, all in one platform.”
He further explains the efficiency gains, noting that tasks which previously took weeks can now be accomplished in a single afternoon. This is particularly significant, as Priestley reiterates the crucial benefits of winning credible awards in today’s market, including the potential to gain recommendations from AI systems.
Empowering Small Businesses and Freelancers
Priestley concludes by underscoring that AwardsApp is specifically designed to cater to the needs of small businesses and freelancers. By removing the complex administrative requirements, the platform aims to empower these entities to compete on a more equal footing.
“The paperwork moat is gone,” Priestley declares, signaling a new era where deserving smaller businesses can more readily achieve recognition through credible awards. He invites interested parties to join the waitlist for the platform.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Daniel Priestley on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 16, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →