Eastern Daily Press. Business Awards 2009 - 20 Years Strong. Sponsored by Harley Davidson.

Business Development Award

Previous Winners:
Bakers & Larners of Holt
Start-rite Shoes Limited.

This popular category provides the opportunity for businesses which have grown significantly to receive recognition for their achievements.

The winner will have demonstrated how it has grown its overall business through innovation and planned development, supported by strategic investment. This may, for example, have been achieved by the implementation of a new strategy, the launch of a new product or service or through a successful merger or acquisition.

The judges will be looking at how the development has been reflected in increased turnover and employment and, most importantly, in enhanced profitability. They will also focus on sustainability and the long term goals and strategy that have been put in place to maintain financial security and success.

2009 Winner

Jarrold & Sons Limited - David Hill, executive chairman:- "Jarrolds has been part of the Norfolk community for almost 240 years. I am honoured to receive this prestigious award on behalf of everyone in the Company who continue to keep our businesses profitable, competitive and relevant to our customers after so many years. In recent years our markets have changed and all of us in the Company have had to embrace that change and develop new strategies to manage and promote our businesses in different ways. This process isn’t easy but the award is recognition that our strategies are working. It will also increase our confidence as we continue to invest in our businesses and our people to ensure our continued prosperity."

2009 Finalists

Anglia Farmers
Anglia Farmers is dedicated to saving time and money for its 1,900 members. The company operates as a co-operative and is able to demonstrate exceptional and sustained turnover growth and a strong asset base. This is illustrated in its custom built new offices at Honingham Thorpe. The company is extremely efficient, adopting paperless accounting systems, modern IT operating systems and environmentally conscious working practices. The company offers wider business support and advice and has organised and launched the Norfolk Farming Conference, an event that brings the agricultural communities together to share best practice and learning. The company acts as a business incubator supporting machinery ring, wood fuel production and agriculture agronomy spin-offs and continues to innovate with exciting plans to launch into non-member trade, affinity and employee loyalty schemes.

Duffield Mills
Duffields is a manufacturer of animal feeds. The business is 119 years old and remains owned and controlled by the Duffield family from its mill in Saxlingham Thorpe, near Norwich. The current management team has overseen a rapid return to profit growth and an imaginative business development strategy. This has led to the acquisition of complementary businesses that have allowed the company to improve market share and grow turnover. The introduction of market-leading software systems have led to improved business operating efficiency and bottom line profitability. Duffields is highly regarded by the farming community and has been able to build a reputation for quality products and personal service values. Duffields has an ambitious growth plan, which includes further acquisition targets and succession planning strategies.

Jarrold
Following a strategic review, Jarrold - a familiar name in Norfolk business - has restructured itself, creating a stable platform for its future growth. The financial health of the company has greatly improved, producing significant increases in profitability and asset base values. New divisions have been developed to assist strategic growth objectives. These include the launch of Jarrold Properties, responsible for the creation of a new business quarter for Norwich at St James Place; and St James Facility Management Company, which provides security and cleaning services to businesses. The company has also invested heavily in improving its department store, with extensive refit and extension programmes. The expansion of its software and business coaching operation, Jarrold Training, is helping to improve the skill base and output of the county's workforce.

Sponsored by:



Howes Percival LLP is ranked among the UK's top 100 law firms. It is one of the leading commercial law practices in East Anglia and the East Midlands and was recently voted "UK Regional Law Firm of the Year".

Howes Percival is dedicated to serving the business community, providing a highly personal, energetic and results driven service. It is passionate about helping businesses grow and excel - and is delighted to be sponsoring the Business Development Award.