Winners 2008

The black tie ceremony at the Holiday Inn Norwich North on October 17 was the culmination of an intense judging process that marked the EDP Business Awards’ 19th year.

The main awards sponsor was the Porsche Centre Norwich, which opened last December. The Norfolk operation – which is overseen by Graham and Russ Dacre – is a new development for the Lind Group, which already ran the Porsche Centre in Tonbridge, Kent. The centre offers a complete range of Porsche services, including Porsche courtesy cars for scheduled services and a range of Porsche demonstrators. There is a six-car showroom for new cars and a further 10-car showroom for Porsche-approved used cars.

Other businesses that supported the event were the Production Bureau and Mary Rudd PR.

Pictures from the EDP Business Awards 2008:

EDP Photosales - order prints online

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Barclays Commercial

Winner: Milltech Precision Engineering

Who said British manufacturing was dead? Proof that the sector is alive and kicking in East Anglia came at the EDP Business Awards when an engineering business based on the outskirts of Norwich was named EDP/Barclays Commercial business of the year 2008. Milltech Precision Engineering picked up the award at a glittering ceremony celebrating all that is good about the region’s business scene.
“In 2004, we undertook a management buyout and set ourselves an ambitious task,” said Mike Ottolangui, managing director of Milltech, which is based in Rackheath. “Through hard work, commitment and courage to invest, we have aligned our business to compete and flourish at the highest level in a business sector which is extremely competitive. We continue to demonstrate with passion, courage and belief that a manufacturing company can flourish, even in today’s difficult climate. Manufacturing in the UK is not dead.
“While this award is particularly satisfying for us, it helps to highlight the importance of manufacturing within the region. As we have all seen of late, there are many question marks over financial services and banking while people are beginning to appreciate that wealth is truly generated from the manufacture of products and added value. Throughout the region, there are many examples of successful manufacturing companies producing excellent products in hi-tech and niche markets while doing so against serious global competition.
“Unfortunately, for many years manufacturing has had a low profile and media presence. We sense that recent events and the need for more local supply of products could see a resurgence of our manufacturing industries, and at Milltech we see the current situation as one of opportunity rather than doom and gloom.”
EDP business editor Paul Hill said: “When times are tough, it’s more important than ever to celebrate success. “There were examples of excellence at the Business Awards from a range of industries across East Anglia – from care of staff to care of customers to concern for the environment. Our business of the year, Milltech, showed all-round merit. The investment in the business by the three directors isn’t just cash but their time and energy and a real passion. They show an acute understanding of their market and their customers.”

Runners-up: Bakers & Larners of Holt; Norwich Theatre Royal

“The other finalists for the business of the year award were strong contenders,” said EDP business editor Paul Hill.
“Bakers & Larners has shown a long-term commitment to Norfolk and proof that established names can pursue new directions.
“In some respects, the Theatre Royal defies the traditional definition of a business, but the theatre has a sector-leading business model and, through the redevelopment of the site, Peter Wilson and his team showed what strong project management is all about.”

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Sponsor: Bidwells

Winner: Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes Visitor Centre

The judges were impressed with the level of consideration shown in the design and harmony of the project with the area of outstanding natural beauty where it is sited.
Inside the building, which was designed by Norwich-based LSI Architects, enthusiasts benefit from an extensive observation area, enabling unspoilt panoramic views over the reserve. The open-plan layout is well planned using floor space creatively, including a café area and retractable retail displays. The sedum-covered roof provides the perfect camouflage, encouraging butterflies and other insects. This new-build project uses contemporary techniques and has a high emphasis on environmental efficiency – and it has also created local employment and given tourism a boost.
“Our new visitor centre is the result of a longstanding vision to develop our facilities at this historic and environmentally sensitive site,” said Brendan Joyce, director of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. “We are delighted that our efforts have paid off in a building that has attracted so much positive attention, both for its visual impact and for its environmental credentials. This award is a resounding endorsement from our region for the vision of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and the skills of the project team.”

Shortlisted: Cinema City; Norwich Theatre Royal

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

Sponsor: Targetfollow, Business in the Community

Winner: Norfolk County Services

Norfolk County Services picked up the community impact award after the judges were impressed by the support the organisation provided in terms of employability.
The facilities management company provides a range of support for local employability programmes. In partnership with Meridian East, it has developed the innovative Talent Together programme which supports people who want to work but face disadvantages in getting jobs. NCS often has as many as 50 disadvantaged work-experience placements at any one time, ranging from people with disabilities, the homeless, people at risk of being homeless, ex-offenders and people recovering from alcohol or drug abuse. The NCS makes a significant impact through its community investment strategy. In the past year, its community fund has supported a diverse range of projects, from supplying plants for an environmental project to sailing lessons for disadvantaged children. It is a member of Norfolk Prohelp, which makes provides pro bono professional support, and recently provided human resources support for West Norfolk Mind.
Tony Williams, an NCS board member, said: “As well as having busy workloads, many of our staff are heavily engaged in community projects outside of work, giving valuable time to charities and clubs. Setting up our staff community where we can offer support to staff on these projects means our staff know we have an interest beyond the contract of employment. Winning this award is not only recognition for these staff but also for the many staff involved in placement programmes and those who make a contribution through involvement in Prohelp.”

Shortlisted: Anglia Funeral Services; Bayer CropScience

THE ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE INITIATIVE

Sponsor: Grant Thornton

Winner: Proxama

The winner of the enterprise challenge initiative was technology business Proxama. The company – formerly called Glue4 Technologies – was started by chief executive Neil Garner three years ago. He recognised the need to offer large companies support with their product development, helping them obtain new income via new technology. Proxama’s clients include Sky, Mastercard, Tesco, BT, Royal Bank of Scotland and Virgin. Its latest product launch involves a tap-and-go system, allowing consumers to purchase and download items via their mobile phones by tapping their phones against special posters. This move into cashless transactions attracted the interest of American Banknote, a world leader in secure documents and transaction systems with operations including the distribution of billions of dollars-worth of stamps for the United States Postal Service. American Banknote has subsequently bought Proxama.
“It is fantastic to be recognised for our hard work and dedication over the past three years,” said Dr Garner. “Proxama started as a one-man band and is now 15-strong and still growing. It is the only company of its kind in Norwich, offering unique services and unique employment opportunities to local people.”

Shortlisted: Howards Group; Milltech Precision Engineering

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Sponsor: Howes Percival Solictors

Winner: Bakers & Larners of Holt

The company has achieved its success through a commitment to traditional values, quality service and rigorous investment – and all in an environment that is becoming increasingly monopolised by a quorum of national interests. Many market towns are losing their character and individuality, but the success of this business is down to it taking social responsibility seriously, reinvesting its profits locally, using and encouraging other local services, suppliers and producers.
Bakers & Larners was established more than 275 years ago, but it is in more recent times that the company has seen accelerated and astute expansion. The group now consists of a department store and three builders’ merchants, and last year it bought the Budgens supermarket in Holt. It now has a turnover of more than £20m and employs 235 staff. The acquisition of Budgens has broadened its appeal and cemented its position at the heart of the retail scene, and its wider appeal will be enhanced further by the recent £500,000 expansion of its food hall, otherwise known as “the Fortnum and Mason of East Anglia”.
“Winning this award is a testimony to our staff who have worked tirelessly towards the assimilation of Budgens of Holt into our group,” said Michael Baker, managing director of CT Baker. “The board and shareholders should also receive thanks for making the funds available. Our group is now firmly established in all sectors of business in north Norfolk.”

Shortlisted: E-Tech Group; Milltech Precision Engineering

STAFF CARE AWARD

Sponsor: Learning and Skills Council

Winner: Norfolk & Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES)

Talking to NWES staff, judges were told that “the key word is empowerment – if you want it to happen, then at this company it will”. NWES is a private company limited by guarantee, registered with the government as an enterprise agency providing advice, training, finance and managed workspace to start-up and existing businesses. Sick days are 25pc of the average and staff turnover is well below the industry average. Training is ongoing, and includes being able to spend time with other companies to see how they are run. Support is always on offer when needed or wanted. NWES holds an annual strategy week, with all 60 staff contributing in sessions on operational improvements and strategic direction. The social side is also important and is reflected through subsidised trips such as visiting the pantomime, horse racing, curry nights and fully funded Christmas meals.
“There is no secret to our success,” said Kevin Horne, chief executive of NWES. “I simply follow this good advice from Theodore Roosevelt: ‘The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it’. Winning this award will not change our approach to how we look after our staff but there will undoubtedly be an extra spring in the step of everyone for a while!”
He added: “This quote from Jodene Barron says more about the organisation than any words of mine: ‘The opportunities and support I have received from NWES are unmatched by any other company I have worked for and the role is proving to be the most exciting of my career to date. NWES has allowed me to thrive and I know that I speak for all the staff when stating that the organisation has a genuinely high regard for its workforce’.”

Shortlisted: Norfolk County Services; Tribe

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Sponsor: May Gurney

Winner: Deepdale Farm

Deepdale Farm is a business in Burnham Deepdale that has diversified into opening a backpacker hostel, a campsite, a visitor information centre and stores. The organisation has embraced the need to enhance both the natural and the built environments, while recognising that for an area to survive there has to be economic and social sustainability. It has set high environmental standards and has produced impressive results. Proving that quality service and good business do not have to suffer when you go down the eco-friendly route, Deepdale has been successful in developing and reviving an area of north Norfolk while setting a first-class example of how the tourism industry can contribute to and enhance the environment and deliver a sustainable future.
“Winning this award is superb,” said Jason Borthwick, diversification partner at Deepdale Farm. “All the finalists will agree that considering the environment enhances the quality of the product we provide, and I hope that this kind of award encourages others to follow that route. I’d like to give a big thank-you to the team at Deepdale that has worked so hard this season. This award wouldn’t be possible without them. Also, good luck to my father, Alister, who is retiring from the tourism side of the business. His hard work has had such a huge positive effect on Deepdale and we hope that when we select a tenant to take over from him, he or she will continue with the environmental work we’ve done, helping us win more awards in the future.”

Shortlisted: Bewilderwood; University of East Anglia

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsor: Norfolk County Council

Winner: Simon Doidge, Passion Automotive

Simon Doidge has shown entrepreneurial flair since the age of 10, when he started buying and selling computer games through the local paper. His trading continued during his time at school and, with the aid of Ebay, it snowballed into a business which financed his studies at Loughborough University. Through hard work, careful planning and considerable ability, Mr Doidge, 24, emerged from university with a first-class degree and a profit. Now he sells car parts though his Yarmouth-based business, Passion Automotive, which has its own website and a shop within Ebay. The business has five staff, handles 1,500 orders a week and has an annual turnover of more than £1m.
“Simon has taken entrepreneurship as a vocation from a very young age and nurtured an excellent concept into a profitable and exciting business that has the capacity to grow considerably,” according to the judges.
Mr Doidge, who is director of Passion Automotive, said: “I am extremely proud to receive this award. It reflects the dedication, drive and ambition required by any successful business person, so I am honoured to receive such an accolade. I would also like to thank all my staff for their continued hard work.”

Shortlisted: Charlie Webster, Albatross Villas; Kate Thodey and Rita Lei, Polarelle

CUSTOMER CARE AWARD

Sponsor: Norwich and Peterborough Building Society

Winner: Kitchens Etc

Kitchens Etc scooped this category after impressing the judges with its policy of going way beyond the expected standard of customer care. The business, based in North Creake, near Fakenham, is meeting its own tough target of 100pc positive feedback from clients. It endeavours to contact any customer who has not been in touch within a month of the work being competed – but so far this year, every customer has written to thank the company, unprompted. Repeat custom is high, as are recommendations from customers. The family-run company, which comprises Mick, Linda and Natalie Murphy and has been selling individually-designed kitchens for 20 years, is so confident in its own business that it advises its customers to look elsewhere, too, and they sometimes end up with kitchens that cost less than planned.
Natalie Murphy, general manager of Kitchens Etc, who collected the award, said: “Our vision is to promote Norfolk craftsmanship and design at its very best, coupled with strong focus on excellence in customer care. To receive this award is a tremendous honour and will inspire our team to continue to serve our customers to the very best of our ability.”

Shortlisted: Hilltop Outdoor Centre; Mobility Independence

BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD

Sponsor: Shaping Norfolk's Future

Winner: Findafashion

Findafashion, which specialises in making clothing for football supporters, scooped the best new business award, with judges saying they were “bowled over” by the firm’s enthusiasm and niche-product quality. The company, tucked away in rural Blofield, boasts the second and third bestselling lines at Manchester United’s megastore behind the official range of club shirts, and its products are also flying off the shelves at the club’s newest global outlet in Macau. Its products incorporate clubs’ logos and badges in a subtle way and they are targeted at women and children. Findafashion now does business with all Premiership clubs and most Championships clubs, including Norwich City, and the company is in talks with foreign giants Barcelona and Juventus.
Steve Hickey, managing director of Findafashion, said: “Winning this award is welcome recognition for our company during what has been a very busy period for Findafashion. The prestigious nature of the awards and the tough competition from local businesses has made it all the more satisfying to win. This will be very motivational to all our team and inspire them to achieve our future goals.”

Shortlisted: Polar Composites; 3SUN

BEST INDUSTRY/EDUCATION LINK AWARD

Sponsor: The Exchange

Winner: Holkham Estate and Alderman Peel High School

Alderman Peel High School’s link with the Holkham Estate picked up the best industry/education link award, with judges commending them for a “fine example of how schools and businesses can develop a warm friendship and mutually rewarding partnership”. An NVQ course, which was jointly set up by the school and the estate and is validated by Easton College, is now attracting students from Fakenham High School, and the partnership promotes a range of activities from work experience placements to a gardening club. The judges were particularly impressed with the way in which both sides kept developing the link and turned to one another for help.
“For us, to win the award is testament to our high-quality partnership, which has been providing unique opportunities for both students and Holkham staff over a 10-year period,” said Bal Tawana, assistant headteacher at the school. “It illustrates to other schools and businesses that size of business and location should not prevent partnerships from flourishing. We are proud of what we have achieved, and this is one partnership that will continue well into the future.”
Richard Gledson, managing director of the Holkham Estate, added: “Holkham values its special relationship with Alderman Peel High School, and to have that relationship recognised by the award is fantastic for the school and the estate.”

Shortlisted: Macklow Engineering and Langley School; National Express and Wymondham High School

Homepage

Back to the Business Awards homepage

Winners

See the winners

Shortlist

See the full shortlist

Main Sponsor

Categories

Read full descriptions of each category

Testimonials

Read the testimonials from past winners

Hall of fame

See who's won the awards for the last five years

Terms & conditions

read the full terms and conditions for entry into this years Business Awards here