Awards night heats up as winners announced
Last night (5 March), Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils announced the winners of this years’ Business Awards at a packed event at Norwich City football ground.
Thirteen businesses took home 15 awards, with local manufacturer Delta Fire, winning a hat-trick. The awards were hosted by the Councils’ Director of Place, Phil Courtier, and sponsored by law firm Birketts LLP.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member, Cllr Lisa Neal, said:
“It’s brilliant to see so many local businesses thriving. Our judges had a really difficult task to whittle down a shortlist. Although there can only be one winner in each category, everyone at the event should be proud of what they have achieved.”
Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member, Cllr Martin Booth said:
“These awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the hard work and commitment of our local businesses. This is a huge achievement and it is exciting to see how much their success is driving our vibrant local economy. I am delighted that we received so many excellent applications and I would like to congratulate our very worthy winners.”
The standout business of the evening was Delta Fire, who manufacture a range of fire and waterway products. The company based at Broadland Business Park scooped top prize for Environmental Impact, Business Innovation and Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing.
Cllr Martin Booth said:
“Delta Fire is clearly setting the standards for others to follow, within their sector and beyond. As well as precision engineering to the highest standard, they also put the planet before profit and invest in their staff.”
Magnus Marine won the Business Growth award. The Wymondham-based company delivers dependable marine power solutions to the world's finest yachts and have a track record of growing operations locally and ambitious plans to expand and diversify.
Three Rivers Pitch & Paddle based in Geldeston was named Tourism Business of the Year. The team at the camping and boat hire business were praised for their passionate approach to their guests’ experience, working with local businesses and communities and keeping sustainability at the fore.
Heritage Wills in Hellesdon ranked top for Excellence in Insurance, Financial and Professional Services for exceeding their clients’ expectations. Through their sustainable business model and plans to diversify, they were able to demonstrate a proactive approach in dealing with clients and their estates.
The coveted Food and Drink Producer of the Year award went to Condimentum who processes mint and mustard seeds for over 30 customers in 19 countries at its state-of-the-art facilities in Easton. They work closely with growers, are passionate about the industry and have ambitious plans for future growth, which impressed the judges.
New Business winner Alpha 7 Motorsport of Hingham provides race support and road services for the Caterham 7 community. Their clear business plan and experience and knowledge impressed judges, as did their desire to nurture young talent and encourage women in motorsport.
GroWild Kindergarten is a forest school nature nursery for 2 to 5 year olds and winner of Broadland Small Business of the Year award. Judges noted the excellent management, clear goals for the business and a passion and commitment to providing a unique offering with sustainability at the heart of the business.
CSN Autos, an independent MOT, servicing and repair garage in Wymondham won South Norfolk Small Business of the Year. Cllr Overton-Neal, said:
“They have a clearly focused management team, that have driven growth, with ambitious plans and targets for the future. They understand the importance of customer services and the way they utilise data and metrics is impressive.”
Employer of the Year went to bf1systems based in Diss. They are the market leading provider of electrical, electronic and composite solutions to clients in the motorsport and automotive industries. Judges were extremely impressed by the outstanding level of employee support, development and benefit initiatives.
Acle Bridge Inn won Broadland Pub of the Year after nominations from the public poured in. Vanessa and Phil have run this popular riverside pub for over 18 years which is testament to their expertise in hospitality. Their skills have been passed on to all the staff and you can readily see their attention to detail both front of house and behind the scenes.
For the second time The Fox and Hounds in Great Moulton has won the sought after title of South Norfolk Pub of the Year. According to judges, publican Ali Holman and her staff offer a family friendly, dog friendly pub that ‘ticks all the boxes’. With locally sourced food and drink, community involvement and accessibility for all. The pub is the hub of the village, a place to dine with friends and family and forge friendships over a pint.
Residents voted in their droves for Brundall Home Hardware to win the Broadland Retailer of the Year Award. This local village store provides quality products with good old fashioned, competitive prices and service. It’s the essence of family-owned, community-centred retailing, with owners going above and beyond to assist their customers.
South Norfolk Retailer of the Year went to Church Farm Shop, after receiving a plethora of nominations from the public. This is the second year this family-run business in Hethersett has scooped the top award. Judges were impressed with the range of local goods on offer (particularly the baked goods!) and the exceptional level of customer service.
There were also three Highly Commended businesses, they were Flint Vineyard for Food and Drink Producer of the Year category, Barnwell Print in the Environmental Impact category and Robinson's Traditional Stationers in South Norfolk Retailer of the Year.
Local businesses and organisations sponsored each of the categories. The Council would like to thank: Hethel Innovation, Panel Graphic, Jarrold Training, University of East Anglia, Mirus Aircraft Seating, FIG (Financial Industry Group), Woodforde’s Brewery, InTouch Systems, Pasta Foods, Adnams and Pub is The Hub.