A business' support and development of its staff is often a crucial element of its ongoing success and the Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Pure Executive and Birketts, at the Norfolk Business Awards 2022 aims to celebrate businesses that recognise this.
Here we find out which local businesses have been named finalists in this year's Employer of the Year category.
QMS International
Based in Norwich, QMS International is a consultancy and certification body that offers a range of support services to help businesses achieve ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification.
First established in 1993, today QMS has over 10,000 active clients and 150 employees that are passionate about providing a high-quality, supportive service for customers.
The judges called QMS International a “well-aligned” and “focused” business with inspiring leadership, “where culture and engagement are a driving force behind the overall financial success of the business”.
They said that the business demonstrated a “comprehensive range of progressive people strategies" that recognise diversity and show that staff are at the forefront of the business.
QMS also impressed the judges with its “continuous improvement mindset” and the energy, passion and empathy demonstrated by the company leaders.
Big C Cancer Charity
Headquartered at Norwich Research Park, Big C Cancer Charity provides support and information to those affected by cancer across Norfolk.
It boasts 85 employees and 330 volunteers who are passionate about providing outstanding care.
Founded in 1980, Big C and its supporters have raised over £40m, funding support centres and hubs, ground-breaking cancer research, the latest equipment for Norfolk’s hospitals and more.
The judges called Big C “an impressive, forward-thinking organisation” which demonstrated that people and culture are at the heart of everything it does.
They said it is clear the organisation is value-led and makes the effort to ensure all areas of the organisation feel included and understand its vision and values. Staff are given the opportunity to thrive, develop and feel valued for their contribution.
Breakwater IT
Breakwater IT is based in Norwich and provides IT support and services to businesses across Norfolk and the UK. It was founded in 2005 and has since grown into a team of more than 20 engineers, account managers and administrative support workers.
Breakwater partners with some of the industry’s leading providers, including HP, Cisco and Datto, is a Microsoft Gold Partner, and Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO27001 certified.
The judges said that Breakwater’s leadership team appears to be well-connected to its employees and is “clearly committed to being an employer of choice”, with a “well-structured, people-focused strategy” and a “progressive, fun and vibrant culture”.
The business has a number of initiatives in place that demonstrate an “innovative” approach to rewarding and recognising staff contribution and development, providing the dual-benefit of improving staff retention and benefitting customers.
The AF Group
The AF Group is a farmer-owned, not-for-profit co-operative buying group based in Honingham Thorpe, outside Norwich.
It employs 105 people and buys everything from fuel, fertiliser and seed to iPads, electricity and machinery for farmers and aims to offer great prices, valuable market intelligence and brilliant customer service.
The business has been on a transformative journey in recent years to refocus the culture of the organisation and is now reaping the rewards, according to the judges.
They commended the “excellent” leadership skills and “visible improvement” shown by The AF Group and said it is clear the company is committed to engaging with staff.
They were particularly impressed with the “inclusive, collaborative nature of the business and how everyone is given a voice” and said that it offers a “very well-rounded" benefits package and development opportunities.
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