Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards categories

Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2024 logo

Nominations closed

Business Growth

Sponsored by Hethel Innovation

Growth in business whether domestically or internationally, is the future of our economy. This award is open to businesses of any size, that can evidence strong, sustainable growth and provide a clear plan on how this will be maintained in the future.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • strong financial performance
  • an increased number of customers and/or market share
  • growth in employee numbers and/or investment in staff such as training and apprenticeships
  • site development and/or investment in systems, infrastructure, plant, or machinery
  • evidence of a robust business plan to support continued growth
  • continued development and actively pursuing new businesses

Business Innovation

Sponsored by Panel Graphic

This award is open to businesses, of all sizes, that can showcase new ideas that have been adopted in their business which have had a measurable impact. This might include innovative products or services, environmental or energy savings, IT, or automation.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • evidence of how your business has used innovation, either through the development of a new product or process, to move your business forward
  • explain how this has been developed and applied in your business
  • how the workforce has been upskilled, involved or encouraged to create new ideas
  • demonstrate that this improved business performance is sustainable

Employer of the Year

Sponsored by Jarrold Training

This award recognises employers of all sizes, who have demonstrated a real commitment to the welfare of their employees, providing a supportive and inspiring work environment. Diversity and inclusivity should be core to the business, ensuring the right conditions for workers from all backgrounds to thrive and succeed.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • a reactive leadership and management team
  • a stimulating and supportive workplace
  • initiatives in place to benefit employees
  • initiatives to develop, train and upskill staff
  • health and wellbeing support
  • recognising exceptional performance

Environmental Impact

Sponsored by University of East Anglia

This award is open to any business that is committed to playing an active role in either environmental innovation, reducing its impact, or embedding sustainability at its core.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following: 

  • taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of your organisation and/or the products and services you provide 
  • reducing your reliance on fossil fuel consumption/phasing out fossil fuels, either throughout your operational buildings or through purchased goods and services
  • evidence detailing your organisation's success over the past 18 months
  • plans to strengthen your sustainability strategy and understand your environmental impact over the next 18 months 
  • what other businesses can learn from your experience

Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing

Sponsored by Mirus Aircraft Seating

This key sector award celebrates those businesses that lead the way in manufacturing and/or engineering.

Judges will look for businesses that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • evidence showcasing the quality of manufacturing/engineering
  • sustainable innovation in the manufacturing process
  • improved efficiency or productivity generating improved financial performance
  • education of/and upskilling employees
  • use of latest research including collaborations with universities or higher education institutes

Excellence in Insurance, Financial and Professional Services

Sponsored by figNorwich (Financial Industry Group)

This award recognises organisations that can clearly demonstrate an excellent level of customer or client service. It is open to any organisation that provides insurance, financial or other professional services (including any organisation that provides lending or credit facilities, legal services, investing and wealth management, accounting services, fintech, insurtech, architecture, surveying, real estate, management consultancy, advertising and market research). Joint entries between organisations are also welcome, for example, if organisations have worked with external advisors to develop a new product or service.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • evidence of the impact of your focus: on customer service, on client success, and on satisfaction and retention levels
  • how you are actively working with your clients or key stakeholder base to improve service levels
  • investment in, and implementation of, new technology to improve services to clients and customers or increase productivity (for example, data-driven services, use of AI)
  • how excellence in service is core to the activities of your organisation
  • plans to enhance service and secure growth in the future

Food and Drink Producer of the Year

Sponsored by Woodforde's Brewery

This award recognises a special business that can demonstrate success in the production of food and drink.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following: 

  • ground breaking ideas that have helped put your business on the map
  • innovation in the use of raw materials
  • a business that has created a new process or product
  • a new approach to marketing a product or service
  • evidence of a robust business plan to support continued growth

New Business

Sponsored by InTouch Systems 

This award is open to new businesses, of all sizes, that have been trading for no more than 18 months from when nominations open on 16 October 2023.

Judges will look to recognise a new local business that has turned an idea into a viable, sustainable business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • evidence of success, which might include turnover, profit, customer base, employees, and premises/equipment/machinery
  • consistent and sustainable growth
  • customer acquisition, engagement, and retention
  • plans to develop your business

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by Pasta Foods

This award celebrates a top-performing business with 9 employees or less. Judges will be looking for strong financial growth and a product or service of a quality that stands out above the rest. This might include elements of the following:

  • evidence of your success in business
  • how your business differentiates you from the competition
  • evidence of sustainable growth
  • customer acquisition, engagement, and retention
  • plans to develop your business

Tourism Business of the Year

Sponsored by Adnams 

This award is open to businesses that are meeting and exceeding the expectations of visitors. Suitable for all businesses involved in leisure, tourism, events, and accommodation who can demonstrate how they are delivering an excellent visitor experience.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • how your business attracts visitors
  • what your business does to ensure visitors have a positive experience
  • how your business measures and takes steps to improve the visitor experience
  • initiatives to develop, train and upskill staff
  • ambitions for the future

Broadland Pub of the Year and South Norfolk Pub of the Year

Sponsored by Pub is The Hub

This award is open for public nomination to recognise an exceptional pub in both the Broadland and South Norfolk area. 'Pub' refers to an establishment which is licenced and whose primary business is for the sale of beer and other drinks, and sometimes also food, to be consumed on the premises.

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • a variety of product offers, which can include local produce and/or local beer
  • excellent customer service
  • range of facilities such as a beer garden, games room
  • supporting their local community
  • accessibility for all

Broadland Retailer of the Year and South Norfolk Retailer of the Year

Sponsored by Birketts LLP

This award is open for public nomination to recognise an exceptional independent retail business in both the Broadland and South Norfolk area. 'Retailer' refers to those independent shops with less than five outlets, whose primary business is to sell a product. 

Judges are looking to recognise a business that can demonstrate elements of the following:

  • innovation in traditional retailing
  • creating a unique retail experience
  • using technology to improve service
  • reducing the environmental impact
  • customer engagement
  • evidence of excellent customer service
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