KAIZEN™ Award UK & Ireland

Top organisations are awarded for the outstanding implementation of KAIZEN™ principles and practices.

Kaizen Institute UK is pleased to announce the 2025 edition of the KAIZEN™ Award UK & Ireland, recognising excellence in KAIZEN™ and Lean practices. These awards celebrate top organisations and individuals for their outstanding, innovative, and effective implementation of KAIZEN™ principles and practices.

Categories

Category 1 – Supply Chain Excellence Award

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.

Category 2 – KAIZEN™ Ambassador Award

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.

Category 3 – Operational Excellence Award

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.

Category 4 – Continuous Improvement Award

This award highlights organisations that integrate Continuous Improvement into their core strategy, engaging multidisciplinary teams at all levels. Projects should focus on sustained efforts that deliver measurable results, leveraging effective training tools, daily practices, and high levels of motivation. Emphasis is placed on embedding ESG principles to drive both performance and long-term sustainability.

Category 5 – ESG Journey Award

This award recognises organisations that have successfully embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations using a KAIZEN™-driven approach. It celebrates businesses that have taken measurable steps towards sustainability, ethical governance, and social responsibility, creating long-term value for all stakeholders. Whether through carbon footprint reduction, circular economy initiatives, or fostering inclusive workplaces, this category highlights organisations that integrate Continuous Improvement with ESG excellence.

Category 6 – Digital & Smart Operations Award

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.

Application

Application form available here

  • Projects must be conducted within the UK or Ireland and concluded within the last two years.
  • 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.

Evaluation

  • 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.

Timeline

Application deadline: 1st October 2023

Award Ceremony

The KAIZEN™ Awards Ceremony will take place on 17th June 2025.
Further details about the event will be communicated shortly.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the evaluation process or the ceremony, please contact us by email: awards-uk@kaizen.com

Objectives of the KAIZEN™ Awards

Recognise organisations taking the lead in implementing KAIZEN™.

Drive Continuous Improvement efforts.

Inspire change among industry leaders.

Are you interested in participating in the KAIZEN™ Award UK & Ireland?