01.
People
Engagement of internal teams in the improvement and reinforcement of continuous improvement behaviours
The leading continuous improvement distinction in the United Kingdom and Ireland
KAIZEN™ Awards
UK & Ireland
Celebrate innovation, meet the winners, and discover what drives excellence in continuous improvement.
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3+
Editions
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15+
Winners
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200+
Applications
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1000+
Participants
The KAIZEN™ Awards
Where the best improvement stories get told
KAIZEN™ awards criteria
What the best have in common
The KAIZEN™ Awards Australia recognise organisations that are a benchmark in continuous improvement practices and are based on the following criteria:
02.
Leadership
Leadership involvement to support and drive improvement activities
03.
Benchmarks
Public recognition of the best continuous improvement practices
04.
Growth
Strengthening continuous improvement through capability building across the organisation
Award categories
Where does your improvement story fit?
All categories are open to any organisation, public or private, SME or large company, from any sector.
Supply Chain Excellence
This award recognises organisations that have demonstrated exceptional improvements in logistics and supply chain management. Projects should highlight optimised workflows, reduced lead times, cost savings, and enhanced service levels, contributing to overall operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
KAIZEN™ Ambassador
This category honours individuals who embody the spirit of continuous improvement and have been instrumental in promoting KAIZEN™ principles within their organisation. Nominees should showcase leadership in driving cultural transformation and fostering a mindset of innovation and sustainability.
Operational Excellence
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, companies face higher costs, demanding consumers, and intense competition. To achieve operational excellence, organisations must maximise operational performance by enhancing productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. This award recognises projects that have successfully simplified processes, improved effectiveness, and reduced lead times, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Digital & Smart Operations
This category acknowledges organisations that leverage digital transformation and smart technologies to enhance operational efficiency. From automation and AI-driven analytics to IoT-enabled production and process optimisation, the award celebrates businesses that embrace Industry 4.0 principles while maintaining a KAIZEN™ mindset. The focus is on how digital innovation drives Continuous Improvement, enhances agility, and delivers sustainable competitive advantage.
faq
Still have questions about the KAIZEN™ Awards?
Organisations across the UK and Ireland, from all sectors, that have implemented Continuous Improvement initiatives delivering measurable impact.
- The jury comprises members of the Kaizen Institute and partner organisations.
- If a project does not fit its submitted category, the jury may, with the candidate's consent, reassign it to a more suitable category.
- The initial evaluation is based on the application form. For projects moving to the second stage, a company visit will be conducted.
- Selection criteria include the actions implemented, methodologies applied and results achieved.
- The jury will select laureates for each category. The jury also reserves the right to withhold awards if entries do not meet the required standards.
- Please submit the application via email to uk@kaizen.com
- Candidate projects may already have received other awards.
- Projects already recognised in previous editions of the KAIZEN™ Awards will not be accepted.
- Additional information, such as indicators, images or videos, can be included to support the application.
No, both are free of charge and open to any organisation, regardless of its size.
Yes, the KAIZEN™ Awards ceremony is recorded and, after the event, it is made available online for viewing.
Projects submitted for consideration must have been implemented within the last two years and may have received recognition in other competitions, provided they were not awarded by the Kaizen Institute.