The brightest stars in our business community were recognised last night as the winners of the EDP Business Awards 2017 were revealed.
The black-tie event at the Norfolk Showground was attended by nearly 500 of the county's business leaders, and culminated in the naming of Lintott Control Systems as the overall Barclays Business of the Year.
The Bowthorpe-based water treatment specialist was honoured for completing a turnaround which has seen it recognised as a standard-bearer for East Anglia's advanced manufacturing sector.
Thirteen awards were handed out in total on the biggest night of the year for Norfolk's business community.
In pictures: The EDP Business Awards 2017
Prof John Last, vice chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award, with judges recognising his contribution to the cultural and economic life of the region, in particular enhancing its reputation for digital talent.
The new Special Recognition Award was presented to Mark Pendlington in tribute to his three-year tenure as chairman of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, and his role in developing, championing and challenging the business community across Norfolk and beyond.
The theme of the 2017 awards was innovation, a quality demonstrated by winners from fields as diverse as artificial intelligence and medical diagnostics, to tourism and construction.
Jeff Henry, chief executive of Archant, publisher of the Eastern Daily Press, urged all companies to take inspiration from the night's winners.
'It's said we have approximately 60,000 thoughts a day – unfortunately 95% of them are the same thoughts we had the day before,' he said. 'It is turning the unique ones into positive action that is the challenge.'
Levi Roots, the entrepreneur whose Reggae Reggae Sauce won backing on Dragons' Den, was the guest speaker at the awards, offering insight into how he built his breakthrough into a £30m food-and-drink empire.
Money was raised for the Jessica-Jane Applegate appeal, organised by enterprise agency Nwes, to support the Paralympic swimmer's dream to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
The winners:
Business of the Year
Winner: Lintott Control Systems
READ MORE: Turnaround journey inspires water systems firm to Business of the Year success
Finalists: Camplings Linen, Snap Account (ETP Card Processing)
Outstanding Achievement Award
Prof John Last, Norwich University of the Arts
Breaking Boundaries
Winner: Developing Experts
READ MORE: Teacher-turned-entrepreneur hopes her firm will 'change education'
Finalists: Lintott Control Systems, Epos Now
Knowledge Catalyst
Winner: Iceni Diagnostics
Finalists: Lintott Control Systems, Agri-Tech East
READ MORE: Bringing together research and business key for virus testing firm
Small Business
Winner: Marine Teak
READ MORE: Boat furniture retailer has wind in its sails after scooping prize
Finalists: Nu Image, Neil Thompson Boats
Investing in Future Growth
Winner: Lovell Partnerships
READ MORE: Lovell managing director thanks 'amazing team' after award win
Finalists: Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, Camplings Linen
Enviro-technologies
Winner: Enlight
READ MORE: Loddon firm's smart lighting technology is going global
Finalists: Gurney Environmental, Fresh Pod#
Customer Care
Winner: Hilltop Outdoor Centre
READ MORE: Family fell helps adventure centre make customers happy
Finalists: NorseCare, Potters Resort
Future50 One to Watch
Winner: Thunderbrook Equestrian
READ MORE: Future50 award winner 'thunder-struck' by success
Finalists: Snap Account (ETP Card Processing), Lifeline24
Top100 Accelerator
Winner: Bespak Europe
READ MORE: Medical device manufacturer secures Top100 award for work for 'future generations'
Finalists: Banham Poultry, Smithfield Foods
Skills of Tomorrow
Winner: Kickstart Norfolk
READ MORE: Charity's transport solutions are driving skill creation
Finalists: Your Own Place, Arnolds Keys
Tech Innovator
Winner: Rainbird Technologies
READ MORE: Artificial intelligence firm's innovations bring national and international success
Finalists: Immersive VR, Assemble
Special Recognition Award
Mark Pendlington, New Anglia LEP
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