It’s almost time to reveal the finalists of the Norfolk Business Awards 2022, but it couldn’t happen without our ambassador judges.
The four finalists in each category will be announced on Wednesday, November 2, with the awards dinner taking place shortly after at the Norfolk Showground Arena on Thursday, November 24.
But before we get to that point, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure the right businesses get to walk up on the stage and collect the awards. The ambassador judges are a big part of this process.
Victoria Blake, director of commercial events and projects, said: “We are so appreciative of these ambassadors and thankful for the time they commit to judging these awards. They are an essential part of the robust judging process and without them the awards couldn’t take place.”
Here we find out more about some of the judges:
Gary Attfield, client director at LOCALiQ
Judging – Customer Excellence Award, sponsored by Greater Anglia
Gary has spent over 30 years in media and marketing. He’s led the development and launch of Newsquest’s premium client services team, ‘Concierge’, and has built up an extensive knowledge base and list of contacts enabling him to drive enviable results.
"Understanding and experiencing what great customer care looks and feels like is something I'd like to believe we bring to our client work at Newsquest, so this is an award very close to my heart,” said Gary.
"Getting to assess and learn new techniques and strategies from the top-performing businesses in Norfolk will provide helpful insights that we can develop in our own business."
James Groves, managing director at Indigo Swan
Judging – Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by UEA
James’ aim is to be the best manager and leader he can be by supporting people to reach their personal and professional goals while at the same time achieving the goals of the business.
James is also chair of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce’s Co.next initiative, which looks to encourage, empower and engage the under 35 business professionals in Norfolk.
“I have led Indigo Swan in achieving our own growth targets and now I am excited to see what other businesses are doing to grow within their sectors during some of the most challenging times the business community has faced,” said James.
Jamie Brown, head of marketing, reader revenue and data at Newsquest
Judging – Digital Business of the Year, sponsored by LOCALiQ
Jamie is a digital enthusiast and a “fully-fledged nerd”. He has technically audited websites, created marketing strategies, built customer journeys and commercial products, led app launches, authored and delivered dozens of digital webinars and seminars for thousands of small businesses.
“Digital has always been a hot topic for business,” said Jamie. “Working in digital marketing in Norfolk for the last 10 years has allowed me to learn from, and be a part of, some very effective digital transformations. I am looking forward to these awards and can’t wait to see the newest 'digital hotness' that Norfolk has to offer.”
Joe Faulkner, Norwich office leader at KPMG
Judging – Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Jarrold Training
Joe leads KPMG’s client relationships across the East of England, working with companies to understand their business outlook, opportunities and challenges and then supporting these companies with audit, tax and advisory services.
Joe is also an East of England board member for Business in the Community, and a board member of the Norwich BID.
“In my role, I often see great examples of innovation and excellence from businesses in the region,” said Joe.
“I am looking forward to learning more about the entrants into this category, understanding how they are responding to challenges and ultimately how they will help our region continue to prosper in the future.”
Mark Nicholas, managing director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural association (RNAA)
Judging – Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Upp
Mark’s role includes overseeing the planning and delivery of the Royal Norfolk Show, as well as the management of Norfolk Showground.
Mark is also the chairman of the board of governors of Langley School and a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk. His previous experience includes being CEO of the Priscilla Bacon Hospice appeal and 20 years as an army officer.
“I am thrilled to have been asked to help judge the Norfolk Business Awards,” he said. “The awards are an inspirational accolade for businesses across the county, and this year’s applicants have been particularly impressive.”
Nick Ashwood, managing director of LOCALiQ
Judging – Digital Business of the Year, sponsored by LOCALiQ
LOCALiQ is one of the UK’s most advanced and fastest-growing digital marketing and technology businesses. Nick has 15-plus years’ experience in commercial management and digital transformation, and has launched a number of different start-up operations within larger businesses.
“Having sat as a non-executive director on a number of small business boards, and seen first-hand what value strong management and strategy can drive, I’m very excited to sit as a judge on this year’s Norfolk Business Awards to assess the fantastic work that many Norfolk-based businesses are engaged in to make their businesses digital-first,” said Nick.
Andy Orchard, executive director at Newsquest Eastern Counties
Judging – Norfolk Business of the Year, sponsored by Barclays
Andy has a long-established and successful background in commercial media management. He is responsible for all commercial activity across the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, where the LOCALiQ flagship titles are the Eastern Daily Press and East Anglian Daily Times.
Andy also sits on the East of England leadership board for Business in the Community and the Norwich BID board.
“These awards continue to shine a light on the amazing businesses Norfolk has to offer, showcasing diversity, innovation, growth and sustainability,” said Andy. “This year, I am excited to be judging and delighted to see the number of entrants are up, and so many new businesses coming to the fore.”
Denise Hone, senior stakeholder and community engagement manager at Vattenfall
Judging – the Environmental & Sustainability Award, sponsored by Norse Group
Denise brings to the judging panel extensive knowledge and experience working with or for companies across the region.
Denise is actively involved in supporting local schools, colleges and universities across the region, ensuring they inspire the next generation of the breadth of opportunities supporting offshore wind on our doorsteps here in the East.
The Sustainability & Environmental Award perfectly aligns with Vattenfall’s mission to be fossil-fuel-free within one generation, as well as supporting local, sustainable community projects with its £15 million Community Benefit Fund.
Greg Smith
Judging – Medium Business of the Year, sponsored by the Eastern Daily Press
Greg Smith ran market research businesses for over 30 years, initially in agriculture and primary industries before moving to mainstream businesses including Nielsen and TNS.
He was CEO of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association from 2012-20. In addition to advisory roles, he is now a non-executive director of businesses in agritech and digital marketing.
“Business awards are a great way of putting your organisation under the spotlight and getting an objective understanding of how well you’re doing,” said Greg. “As a judge, I really like learning about businesses, their challenges and achievements, and helping them to get wider recognition.
“As a previous award winner, I have enjoyed the benefits at first hand, too. So, I’m delighted to be a judge this year.”
Dr Saul Humphrey, managing partner at Saul D Humphrey LLP
Judging – Employer of the Year, sponsored by Pure Executive and Birketts
Dr Saul Humphrey MSc PhD FRICS FCIOB FICE MCIArb CEnv FRSA is an experienced managing director, consultant, property investor/developer and project manager in the construction sector.
Saul is also chair of New Anglia LEP’s Building Growth and he is a non-executive director of Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s housing development/property companies. He has recently accepted a professorial post with Anglia Ruskin University and been nominated for the CIOB’s UK 2022 Sustainability Award.
“Judging the business awards is an honour,” said Saul. “As a judge, one gets the opportunity to cross-examine the ‘best of the best’ in their field. Separating the ‘excellent’ from the ‘outstanding’ nominations is quite a challenge!”
Nova Fairbank, chief executive at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce
Judging – Director of the Year, sponsored by FRP Advisory
Nova has over 27 years’ experience working at board level. Joining Norfolk Chambers in 2010, her current role is to deliver sustainable growth off the back of five years of transformation and continue the journey of innovation and improvement.
“The directors of a business are its leaders and influencers – their approach and beliefs shape the organisation,” said Nova. “But it’s very easy to forget that at the heart of any business, whether you are an engineering company, or a digital marketing agency, it’s all about the people.
“So it’s vital that the directors understand their goals and empower their people. Ultimately, it is the efforts of their teams that will deliver success for the business.”
John Gordon-Saker, executive director at the History of Advertising Trust
Judging – Medium Business of the Year, sponsored by the Eastern Daily Press
John’s career has included senior management roles with HSBC, WPP and World Productions and he is currently a board member of Norwich BID and its VisitNorwich work strand, as well as chair of Norwich Film Festival.
His experience of finance, marketing, brand communication and sales in a variety of sectors gives him the ideal background to judge the Medium Business of the Year category.
“The final nominations were all fascinating contenders from the breadth of the county and all flew the flag for Norfolk in their very different ways,” said John. “The final four were extremely close when it came to picking a winner and they should all be very proud of their achievement.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here