In a world of restructures, shrinking teams, and quiet resignations, it’s easy for organisations to turn inward, to protect, preserve, and pause innovation. But when everyone’s heads are down, the future slips quietly past.


Right now, cost pressures and relentless change are driving so many business decisions. Many are doubling down on efficiency, investing in technology, or simply chasing quick wins to keep things afloat. Yet true leadership isn’t just about survival - it’s about responsibility.


Responsibility to customers.
Responsibility to colleagues.
Responsibility to deliver experiences that build trust, loyalty, and long-term value.


That’s why recognition and reflection are so important. Entering awards isn’t just about adding shiny trophies to the cabinet or making a splash on social media, it’s about standing up and showing that your organisation leads with integrity, empathy, and excellence.


The CCA Excellence Awards exist for exactly this reason: to celebrate those who are setting the pace in customer experience, sharing, leading, and lifting the entire industry forward.

 

The CCA Excellence Awards
Recognised as the leading programme for customer service excellence, the CCA Excellence Awards have been championing best practice for over 25 years.


With years of benchmarking, research, and insight behind them, the Awards shine a spotlight on the people and organisations that keep customers at the heart of all they do. There’s a place for everyone: categories span leadership, digital innovation, employee engagement, and much more, reflecting exactly what modern service looks like.


Every year, the CCA Excellence Awards bring together CX leaders from every sector to spark new ideas, share stories, and celebrate both individual and collective progress. And with a judging panel of respected industry experts, every entry is seen through the lens of real operational understanding and fairness.


It’s not just about trophies and accolades - it’s about raising the bar for what’s possible in our field.


Strengthening Your Brand and Credibility 
External recognition matters especially during uncertain times. Earning an award is a trusted signpost for customers, partners, and stakeholders. It says: we’re about quality, leadership, and authenticity.


A CCA Excellence Award is more than a certificate; it’s a seal of approval that sets your brand apart. It’s a talking point when you pitch to new clients, a boost for partnership bids, and a point of pride for every email signature and team meeting.

“Winning the awards on the night is quite surreal. You’re in a bit of a bubble of shock but pride goes to a new level”.

And it’s not just about what others think of you, it’s about what your own people believe too. That recognition bolsters pride and confidence, proving to your teams that their hard work and ambition is genuinely valued.

 

Driving Internal Engagement and Culture 
Awards aren’t just about the celebration at the end, they’re about the journey you take to get there.


Preparing an entry is a moment to pause and reflect: What have we achieved? How have we collaborated? Where have we solved problems no one else could? The process brings people together, unites teams around common goals, and gives leaders a heartfelt way to say “thank you.”


Many CCA members describe the entry process as a rediscovery, a chance to reconnect with purpose and spotlight the people powering the progress. At a time when engagement and retention are tough across industries, this kind of positive recognition goes a long way.

 

Benchmarking Against the Best 
The best organisations don’t just celebrate achievements, they measure them. Entering the CCA Excellence Awards pushes you to evaluate how you stack up against the leading lights of your industry.


Award criteria are built on proven pillars of customer service success: leadership, strategy, innovation, and culture. Drafting an entry is a ready-made self-audit - a real look in the mirror to see how your practice compares with the best.


Plus, you get the benefit of a judging panel packed with industry experts, all offering valuable feedback and fresh perspectives you might never access otherwise. Sometimes, it’s these insights that spark the biggest leaps forward.


Supporting long-term growth

The impact of awards goes far beyond one moment in the spotlight. Recognition fuels growth, it increases visibility, helps attract (and keep!) talent, and shouts your achievements to prospective partners and clients. It proves resilience, showing you’re committed to doing things right, even when times are tough.


For many organisations, being recognised becomes a turning point. Suddenly, there’s renewed motivation, new ideas, and stronger engagement all around.

 

Looking Ahead
As we look toward 2026, the CCA Excellence Awards will once again bring together the UK, Ireland and beyond’s customer service and CX leaders, not just to reminisce, but to renew our shared commitment to integrity, empathy, and truly excellent customer service.


Now is the time to reconnect, to share what we’ve learned, and to show how we’re putting customers first. Because in the end, delivering for customers isn’t just good practice - it’s our shared responsibility.


The CCA Excellence Awards 2026 are now open for entries. Submissions are due by 12 December 2025, and winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in April.


So as you look to the year ahead, ask: How can recognition help us grow? Entering an award isn’t about ego. It’s about learning, improving, and being seen for what you really stand for.


If you want to shape the future of customer experience, step forward, share your story, and take your place among the best.

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