SSON Impact Awards - Europe 2025 FAQs



We hope we can answer any of your immediate questions below. But if you still need help then just get in touch and we'd be happy to help: enquire@iqpc.co.uk 


2025 Timeline:

Submissions Close: 21 February 2025
Awards Shortlist Announcement: 28 March 2025
Winners Announcement: 21 May 2025 @ the SSOW Black Tie Awards Gala


Awards FAQs

Q: Where can I download the application forms?

A: You may access the application forms by following the links of the Awards categories or email us at enquire@iqpc.co.uk

Q: How do I submit the application forms?

A: Please e-mail cathy.gu@iqpc.co.uk with your completed application(s). Please read the application thoroughly for instructions on how to properly label your application email.

Q: Is there any cost involved for awards submission?

A: There is no cost, or prerequisite requirements to enter the awards. All companies, regardless of maturity stages, who aspire to excel in their Shared Services journey, are encouraged to participate. However, you must purchase minimum 1 ticket to ensure at least 1 representative from the team will be attending the SSOW Europe 2025 conference for the awards gala once you have entered.

Q: How many categories am I able to apply for?

A: We are limiting submissions to three categories per company. Make sure you speak with your teams to avoid multiple submissions and focus on which qualities your SSC embodies the closest.

Q: How am I being judged?

A: You will be judged on 5 distinct methods:

  1. OVERVIEW – How well your organisation presents its submission (Flow and structure, clarity, relevant metrics, etc.).
  2. STRATEGY – How well your organisation planned its strategy.
  3. METHODOLOGY – How well your organisation executes its methodology.
  4. RESULTS ACHIEVED – Effectiveness of your organisation’s strategy.
  5. CHALLENGES – How well your organisation navigated the challenges involved in executing your strategy.

Q: I am a Vendor; can I apply for any category?

A: You are welcome to apply for any category. As a business partner, these awards are here to celebrate not only your success, but your client’s success as well. Our Awards are a celebration of your partnership with your client, and both you and the client will receive separate awards for your contributions to your success. Therefore, you MUST include a NAMED CLIENT on your application, or the submission will not be accepted. If you apply for the Technology of the Year or the Service Provider of the Year awards, you do not need to list a named client.

Q: I’m a solution provider, but I have a shared services function within my organisation. Do I still need to list a client on my application?

A: Yes, as a Vendor you must include a named client for every application. If you are unsure if this applies to you, email enquire@iqpc.co.uk for more information.

Q: I am located outside of Europe. Can I still apply for the European Awards?

A: If your SSO/GBS has operations within the European region and you deliver service within the European region you may apply for the European Awards. Please be sure to list your European representative as finalists will need to participate in the awards onsite at SSOW.

Q: If I’m a finalist, what does SSON require of me?

A: As a finalist, a representative of your company must be available to attend the Black-Tie Awards Gala in person on 21st May 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. If your company is selected as a winner, you should be prepared to give a 2-minute speech onstage during the awards ceremony.

Q: When is the deadline to submit an award?

A: Your submission is due by Friday 21st February 2025. After this date, delayed submissions will NOT be accepted in order to give our judges ample time to review all applications.

Q: How will I know if I’ve been nominated as a finalist?

A: Finalists will be announced on Friday 28th February 2025. Finalist winners will be emailed directly to confirm their achievement. You can also find the announcement on SSON’s website, LinkedIn, or you can email enquire@iqpc.co.uk if you have any questions.

Q: Can I get feedback on my application from the judges?

A: To promote fairness, integrity of the awards, and the privacy of the judges, we do not share the results of the awards. No feedback, notes, or comparisons are available to you.