Nominations for Business Awards now open

Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, many businesses have survived and even thrived, not just financially, but by being adaptable, innovative and excelling at supporting the very communities that have supported them.

To recognise this, the councils have added five new categories to the awards, including Outstanding Employer, Business in the Community, Working Together, Business Resilience and Business Innovation.

Businesses are invited to nominate themselves for an award in any of the 10 categories and residents can support their favourite business by nominating them as ‘Retailer of the Year’.

South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Economy, Councillor Lisa Neal, said:

“The district is home to so many successful businesses, from multi-national organisations, cutting edge tech and bio science companies to a wide range of independent shops and traders. The pandemic has caused our business community so many difficulties, from forced closures to problems with supply chains, but they are bouncing back. I am so impressed with how they have overcome the recent challenges and am delighted we can support and promote their hard work and dedication through our awards.”

Broadland District Council’s portfolio holder for Economic Development, Councillor Jo Copplestone, said:

“In Broadland we have a thriving and diverse range of businesses and are home to leading innovation centres and enterprises. The pandemic has hit many of our businesses hard – particularly our tourism and hospitality sector, but they have adapted and shown incredible resilience and they should be very proud of what they have achieved.

“Broadland is a fantastic base for businesses and our new Food Innovation Centre will soon enable the development of a leading food and drink business cluster and encourage increased innovation across our leading agri-food sector.

“If you’re a business owner, put your company forward for the recognition both you and your staff deserve and if you’re a customer make sure you nominate your favourite business as our Retailer of the Year.”

Once again Fosters Solicitors are sponsoring the event, Partner and Head of Business and Commercial Jamie Arnall commented:

“Fosters are delighted to once again be supporting the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards, which help to profile the wonderful companies and stories amongst our local business community.

“As a firm we are privileged to work regularly with commercial organisations of all sizes and from a range of sectors – and are fully aware of the wealth of talent and innovation our region possesses.

“Therefore we wish all those participating every success and look forward once again to be able to meet those companies in person at the awards ceremony in March.”

This year’s categories are:

Business Growth
Business Innovation
Business in the Community
Business Resilience
Environmental Impact
International Business Growth
New Business
Outstanding Employer
Visitor Experience
Working Together
Retailer of the Year – open for public nomination only

Nominations close on Monday 13 December and winners will be announced on 23 March at an awards event at Norwich City Football Club.

For more information and to nominate your business, or your favourite retailer, please visit our Business Awards page.