EDP Business Awards recognises best employers and directors in Norfolk

Here, we find out what the judges will be looking for in the Employer of the Year and Director of the Year categories.

Employer of the Year

The Employer of the Year award recognises the evolution of employee engagement and its impact on the workplace.

It looks to showcase organisations that have evolved a culture and ethos that is people-centric.

The judges will be looking for evidence in three key areas: recognition, innovation and progressive people strategies.

They will also want to see a clear strategy for growth, a defined mission and values, and evidence of culture, employee engagement and wellbeing – as well as training and development opportunities. Winning the Employer of the Year award can position a business as a progressive organisation that puts its people first.

Having a strong employer brand can also set businesses apart in the eyes of future employees, investors and customers.

Both the winner and finalists will be able to present themselves as a great place to work – which is critical in today’s competitive recruitment market.

Last year’s winner was The AF Group, a farmer-owned, not-for-profit co-operative buying group employing over 100 people.

The category judges said the company is clearly committed to engaging with staff and praised its excellent leadership skills.

They also commended its “very well-rounded” benefits package and development opportunities.

Crissy Meades, chief people officer at AF Group, said the award “recognises each and every one of our colleagues whose contribution makes AF great”.

“It is really important to understand what motivates your staff, how they like to be managed, their strengths, development areas and what matters to them,” she added.

“People will give more when they feel valued for their individual contribution.”

Ben Weaver of Outlook Publishing, who won the Director of the Year award last year, with Joanne Price of last year’s category sponsor FRP Advisory (Image: Matt Brasnett I Do Photography)

Director of the Year

The Director of the Year award is open to entrants of all levels within the business community.  

The winner may be a business leader who has worked in the industry for many years or an entrepreneur who is accelerating their career with speed.  

The judges will be looking for individuals who have implemented plans that ultimately achieve business growth. 

They will also require evidence of clear managerial leadership and how an entrant has shown resilience through challenges.  

Not only are Norfolk’s entrepreneurs and business leaders responsible for leading the growth of businesses in the region; they also play a significant role as local employers and role models for the next generation. 

Their achievements can help to drive the ambitions of others who want to replicate this success, which makes a positive contribution to our local community and helps to retain talent in the region. 

Ben Weaver, CEO of Norwich-based Outlook Publishing, won the Director of the Year award in 2022. 

The judges described Ben as a “driven leader who clearly understands his market” and praised him for growing a very successful business with a “clear strategy and the right team around him”.

Commenting on the award, Ben said: “Despite this being an individual award, it represented much, much more than that. 

“It felt like the hard work myself and my team have been putting in over the past decade – and especially since Covid – was finally recognised and rewarded.  

“Some people don’t like to use the word ‘family’ when describing how a business operates, but everyone who works here would agree that Outlook Publishing is one big, successful and happy family,” he added.  

“We are one big team all pulling in the same direction – and we base our whole approach on being one of the best places to work in Norwich.”

The deadline for entries to the EDP Business Awards is Sunday, July 16. To enter the Employer of the Year category, or the Director of the Year category, please visit the website.

To find out more about all of the categories, please click here.