Ben Weaver, CEO of Outlook Publishing in Norwich, has been named winner of the Director of the Year Award, sponsored by FRP Advisory, at the Norfolk Business Awards 2022.

Outlook Publishing is an international B2B and B2C media and marketing company employing 50 staff in Norwich.  

The company publishes a number of global business titles including Africa Outlook, EME Outlook, APAC Outlook, North America Outlook, Mining Outlook and Outlook Travel. It also delivers content to its audiences through the publications’ related websites, social media channels and bespoke corporate literature, including company brochures and reports. 

The judges said Ben “has grown a very successful business through having a clear strategy and the right team around him”, describing him as a “driven leader who clearly understands his market”.  

They also praised Ben’s belief in developing his team and creating a structure of internal promotion, as well as his decision to delegate operational control to allow him to operate more strategically. 

“Winning this award means a lot to myself and the team at Outlook Publishing,” said Ben. “We have worked hard over the last 10 years and to receive recognition from the local business community is fantastic. 
“I’m proud of what we’ve built and this award is for the team as a whole.”

With the Director of the Year title secured, Ben said he still has no plans to sit still. “The next two years will be an exciting time for Outlook Publishing and naturally the team will grow in line with these plans.”

 

About the sponsor

FRP is one of the UK’s largest independent business advisory firms, specialising in corporate finance, debt advisory, forensic services and corporate restructuring.  

The FRP team of 24 in East Anglia specialises in advising owners of businesses of all sizes, throughout the business life cycle – from raising capital to support growth and making acquisitions, through to valuing and selling businesses. 

Every business is unique, and FRP’s approach is focused on finding the right solution for the client.

 

The finalists

Gordon Anderson – Cavell Healthcare 

Gordon Anderson is founder and managing director of Norwich-based Cavell Healthcare. He was recognised as a ‘Covid Hero’ by the House of Lords in 2021 for the work of Cavell Healthcare during the pandemic.  

The judges said Gordon has developed “a great business, with a great team who enjoy working there” despite operating in “one of the most challenging sectors in business”.  

 

Julie Furnell – Mobilityways 

Julie Furnell is managing director of Mobilityways, part of the Liftshare Group. The Norwich-based business produces innovative climate tech, empowering large employers to measure, reduce and report their commuter emissions.

The judges said Julie has effectively spotted and capitalised on a gap in the market, recognising the growing need to tackle climate change, and has given Mobilityways a “clear, forward-facing direction”.

 

Phin Robinson – Pure Physiotherapy 

Phin Robinson is founder of Pure Physiotherapy, whose team of over 200 clinicians provides expert physiotherapy services to partners in the NHS, corporate health and the wider public across East Anglia and the UK. 

The judges praised Phin for building “a highly successful organisation that has successfully expanded and continues to deliver growth and success not only locally but nationally”.