Broadland and South Norfolk Councils celebrate the best local businesses at glamorous awards night

It was a fantastic evening where both councils were joined by some of the most exceptional businesses in the area, and provided a chance to celebrate business innovation, entrepreneurialism and excellence.

Jewellery and accessories company Lisa Angel won the Business Growth Award, sponsored by Big Sky Living. Despite a difficult couple of years, the company has managed to expand their high street presence, explore new lines and increase their online offering.

Broadland Council Portfolio Holder for Economic Development Cllr Jo Copplestone said:

‘’They have continued to invest in their staff and have a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and what they need to do to continue to grow.’’

The Business Innovation Award, sponsored by Panel Graphic, went to BraveGoose Ltd – a human resources company with a difference. They applied their previous HR experience to create software to help multiple small to medium businesses tackle complicated HR tasks.

Judges were especially impressed with Thurlton Community Shop, who took home the Business in the Community Award, sponsored by InTouch Systems. When the local shop shut, this amazing community pulled together to keep this valuable asset going. It’s now run by 40 volunteers and champions local start-up businesses and partners with local farms to provide fresh produce to the village and surrounding area. The Community Shop also has a small café which helps with the challenges of rural isolation, with any profits made by the store, going to fund local groups and activities. ACE (Action Community Enterprises) CIC were also Highly Commended in this category for their work educating and training vulnerable adults and young people.

Previous winners SNAP, a tech company who operate within the haulage industry, kept their winning streak going! This year scooping the Business Resilience Award, sponsored by Mirus. Their strong business model impressed the judges, as did their broad array of services that enabled resilience during the pandemic, as well as significant growth. The Wildebeest at Stoke Holy Cross was also Highly Commended in this category for the way it quickly adapted during the pandemic to offer a click and collect service that helped gain new customers.

One Planet Pizza collected the Award for Environmental Impact, sponsored by the University of East Anglia. Sustainability is central to their product, from their choice of suppliers, to how they reuse and recycle and the design of their packaging.

South Norfolk Cabinet Member for Stronger Economy, Cllr Lisa Neal said:

“Father and son owners Mike and Joe are passionate about plant-based food and their environmental ethos is plain to see in all they do.”

Midwich, the AV, IT and Document Solutions specialist took the title for best International Business Growth, sponsored by Hethel Innovation. The company has an impressive international growth plan and ambitions to be a market leader across the world.

Sponsored by CNC Building Control, the award for New Business was won by Intwood Farm. This family-run business set in converted farm buildings provides local meat and produce to locals, businesses and national customers. The family have ambitious plans for the future, including new products and a marketing strategy. Norwich-based business, Doggy Paddle, that offers customers the opportunity to swim with their dogs and additional hydrotherapy services was Highly Commended in this category.

The Outstanding Employer Award, sponsored by Jarrold Training, was won by Face to Face Finance. The culture of diversity and support, combined with a real passion for engagement and activities benefiting the staff was applauded by the judges. Cllr Lisa Neal said of them:

“An outstanding employer, where the owners and staff share a passion for professionalism enhanced with a friendliness which inspires loyalty and retention.”

ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure ‘roared’ into first place for the Visitor Experience Award, sponsored by Adnams. The park attracts hundreds of thousands of guests each year, with strong storytelling, educational content and activities for all ages, in all weathers. Cllr Copplestone said:

“The investment, desire and passion to create a destination experience on many levels is clear to see.”

White House Farm picked up the Working Together Award which was sponsored by Pasta Foods. They have worked closely with the 14 businesses on the farm to help each survive and prosper. This has been achieved through an engaging and supportive style that has given all businesses the opportunity to flourish through mutual support.

Nominated by their customers and sponsored by the main event sponsors Fosters Solicitors, the South Norfolk Retailer of the Year was won by Little Boutique in Wymondham. Its products are ethically sourced from local suppliers and customers return time-after-time to see the shop, and to engage with the staff. Cllr Neal added:

“Owner Kate has great energy and has been able to adapt to the everchanging retail market. She is creative in the product range she offers and customers just keep coming back.”

Wymondham Garden Centre was also Highly Commended in this category for its passionate staff, diverse product range, restaurant and clear strategy for growth.

Last but by no means least, Thorpe Plant Centre proved a huge hit with the public - winning Broadland Retailer of the Year, again sponsored by Fosters Solicitors. Located on a small site, every inch has been filled with great products that wows their customers. Cllr Jo Copplestone said:

“The real passion for their products and the expertise and knowledge available from staff, offers a very different experience to other traditional garden centres.”

The 2022 winners and nominees were joined on the night by the winners from 2020 who never got to celebrate their amazing achievements in person, due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fantastic to see previous and current winners enjoying this fantastic evening together and sharing in each other’s successes. We look forward to seeing all these amazing local businesses continue to flourish.

To find out more visit our Business Awards webpage.