Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards categories

Nominations open Monday 26 October

Business Growth

Sponsored by Hethel Innovation

Business growth is essential to strengthening the economy, creating jobs and driving innovation. This award recognises businesses that combine strong performance with ambition, planning and investment to secure long-term success. This award is open to businesses of all sizes that can demonstrate strong, consistent growth and a clear strategy for maintaining it.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• strong financial performance over time
• growth in customer base and/or market share
• increases in employee numbers and/or investment in staff development such as training and apprenticeships
• expansion through site development or investment in infrastructure, systems, plant, or machinery
• a robust business plan supporting future growth
• ongoing innovation and pursuit of new business opportunities

Business Innovation

Innovation is key to maintaining competitiveness and driving economic growth. This award celebrates businesses of all sizes that have successfully introduced innovative ideas, products, or processes that have made a measurable impact. Innovations may include new services, environmental or energy-saving initiatives, IT solutions, or automation.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• clear evidence of how innovation – such as a new product, service, or process – has driven business improvement
• a description of how the innovation was developed and implemented
• how staff have been engaged, upskilled, or encouraged to contribute to innovation
• demonstrated and sustainable improvements in business performance

Employer of the Year

Sponsored by Jarrold Training

This award recognises organisations of all sizes that go above and beyond to support the wellbeing, development, and success of their employees. A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion should be embedded in the workplace culture, creating an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• responsive and effective leadership and management
• a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment
• initiatives that enhance employee wellbeing and work-life balance
• investment in staff development, training, and upskilling
• recognition and celebration of exceptional performance
• a clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Environmental Impact

Sponsored by Citrus Security Shredding

This award is open to businesses of all sizes that are actively reducing their environmental footprint or placing sustainability at the heart of their operations. Whether through innovation, strategic planning, or everyday practices, these businesses are making a measurable difference.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• actions taken to reduce environmental impact across operations, products, or services
• tangible results and measurable outcomes
• a clear environmental or sustainability strategy
• lessons learned and insights that could inspire or guide other businesses

Food and Drink Producer of the Year

Sponsored by The Food Enterprise Park

The food and drink sector plays a vital role in the local and wider economy, driving innovation, supporting supply chains and showcasing regional identity. This award celebrates outstanding businesses in the food and drink sector that have demonstrated excellence, creativity, and growth in their field. It recognises producers who are making a mark through innovation and quality.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• innovative ideas that have helped raise the profile of the business
• creative use of raw materials or ingredients
• development of new products or production processes
• fresh approaches to marketing and brand promotion
• a strong and sustainable business plan supporting future growth

Insurance, Financial or Professional Services

Sponsored by FIG

This award recognises organisations that deliver outstanding customer or client service within the insurance, financial, or professional services sectors. It is open to businesses offering services such as lending and credit, legal advice, wealth management, accounting, fintech, insurtech, architecture, surveying, real estate, consultancy, advertising, market research, and more. Joint entries are welcome, particularly where collaboration has led to the development of a new product or service.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• exceptional customer service and active engagement with clients or stakeholders to enhance service delivery
• investment in and use of new technologies to improve service or productivity such as AI and data-driven tools
• investing in their people and embedding a culture of innovation
• sustained and measurable positive impacts within the local community
• clear plans for future service enhancement and sustainable growth

Manufacturing and Engineering Business of the Year

Sponsored by Mirus Aircraft Seating

This award recognises businesses that anticipate and adapt to the changing challenges of the sector, investing in employees and technology to continuously operate at increasing levels of quality, efficiency and productivity.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• high standards and quality in manufacturing or engineering output
• sustainable innovation in manufacturing processes
• improvements in efficiency or productivity leading to stronger financial performance
• commitment to employee development through training and upskilling
• engagement with cutting-edge research, including partnerships with universities or higher education institutions

New Business

Sponsored by InTouch Systems

This award recognises emerging businesses that have been trading for no more than 18 months. It celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs who have successfully launched and developed their business and are building strong foundations for future success.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• early success, such as turnover, profit, customer growth, staffing, or investment in premises and equipment
• consistent and sustainable growth since launch
• effective strategies for customer acquisition, engagement, and retention
• clear plans for future development and expansion

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by Pasta Foods and Big Sky Living

This award recognises outstanding performance by a small business with nine or fewer employees. It celebrates businesses that deliver exceptional products or services, demonstrate strong growth, and stand out in their field.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• business success, including financial performance, customer growth, or operational achievements
• what sets the business apart from its competitors
• sustainable and consistent growth
• effective customer acquisition, engagement, and retention strategies
• clear plans for future development and expansion

Tourism Business of the Year

Supported by Norfolk Museums Service

This award recognises businesses that exceeds visitor expectations and deliver outstanding experiences. Open to all organisations in the leisure, tourism, events, and accommodation sectors, it celebrates those who go the extra mile to make every visit memorable.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• effective strategies for attracting and engaging visitors
• initiatives that ensure a high-quality and enjoyable visitor experience
• how feedback is gathered and used to improve services
• investment in staff training and development
• clear ambitions and plans for future growth and innovation

Pub of the Year

Broadland and South Norfolk – open for public nomination only

Sponsored by Pub is The Hub

These awards celebrate exceptional pubs in the Broadland and South Norfolk areas, as nominated by the public. They recognise pubs that go above and beyond in delivering a great experience for their customers and supporting their local communities. 'Pub' refers to an establishment that sells beer and other drinks, and sometimes also food, to be consumed on the premises.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• a diverse and appealing product offering, including local produce and/or locally brewed beers
• outstanding customer service
• quality facilities, such as a beer garden, games rooms, or family-friendly spaces
• active involvement in and support for the local community
• accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors

Retailer of the Year

Broadland and South Norfolk – open for public nomination only

Sponsored by Birketts LLP

These awards celebrate exceptional independent retailers in the Broadland and South Norfolk areas, as nominated by the public. They recognise businesses that offer outstanding customer experiences and demonstrate innovation in the retail sector. 'Retailer' refers to those independent shops with less than five outlets, whose primary business is to sell a product.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• innovation in traditional retail practices
• creation of a unique and engaging retail experience
• effective use of technology to enhance service
• efforts to reduce environmental impact
• strong customer acquisition, engagement, and retention strategies
• consistently excellent customer service