The deadline for entries to the Eastern Daily Press (EDP) Business Awards 2023 is fast approaching, so now is the time to get your entries in for a chance to be named among the best of Norfolk’s business community.

The business world as a whole has faced its fair share of challenges over the past few years, and the EDP Business Awards 2023 aims to recognise the businesses across the county that have weathered the storm with aplomb, shining a spotlight on their incredible achievements over the past 12 months.

There are 13 amazing awards up for grabs this year, covering a wide range of categories to ensure everyone is recognised from directors to new businesses, SMEs and multi-million-pound companies.

Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to enter, to celebrate their successes and all that they do to help our county to stand out. The awards are a great opportunity to reflect on the challenges you have overcome and the advancements you have made over the last year, and it could be your team stood on the big stage collecting an award at the glittering award ceremony on November 23.

The 2023 EDP Business Awards would not be possible without the support of our headline sponsor Barclays, which is a passionate supporter of these awards and business in Norfolk. We would also like to thank our category sponsors including Ashtons Legal, Birketts, FRP Advisory, Greater Anglia, Norse Group, Upp and Vattenfall.

There are so many categories to enter in which your business can shine, and here we find out a bit more about the Director of the Year category, and get some advice from last year’s winner.

 

Director of the Year

Open to entrants of all levels within the business community, the Director of the Year award will go to an individual who has grown their business with passion and an innovative approach.

The winner could be anyone, from a business leader who has been working in their industry for many years to an up-and-coming entrepreneur who is working hard to accelerate their career.

The judges for this category will be looking for evidence from entrants of how they have implemented plans that have consequently achieved growth for their business. They must also demonstrate clear managerial leadership and a defined mission and values.

In addition, the winner will be a business leader who has shown resilience through challenges faced by their business and the wider industry as a whole over the past few years.

Last year’s Director of the Year was Ben Weaver, CEO of Outlook Publishing, a Norwich-based publisher of global business titles.

The judges commended Ben for his drive and clear understanding of his market and praised the way he has built a clear strategy and strong team of people around him, leading to the growth of a successful local business.

“I would encourage businesses to enter the awards as not only is it great for business and brand awareness, it also rewards hard work and commitment to the local and regional business network,” he said.

Ben’s advice for this year’s entrants is to “take your time with the entry procedure”.

“Putting together a strong entry is important,” he continued. “Answer the questions clearly and expansively and be sure to cover everything. If you feel you’ve done enough to be shortlisted for the award, make sure you’re able to present it. Don’t be shy. This is your chance to show what you’ve achieved and shout from the rooftops about it.”

The deadline for entries to the EDP Business Awards is Sunday, July 16 2023. To view the full criteria for all categories, learn more about our sponsors and submit your entries, please visit the website at edpbusinessawards.co.uk

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

After the entry deadline has passed, the judging will commence and the winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Norfolk Showground in Norwich on November 23.

 

Categories

  • Small Business of the Year
  • Medium Business of the Year
  • Large Business of the Year - sponsored by FRP Advisory
  • Customer Excellence Award - sponsored by Greater Anglia
  • Digital Business of the Year - sponsored by Upp
  • Director of the Year
  • Employer of the Year
  • Environmental & Sustainability Award - sponsored by Norse Group
  • Growth Business of the Year - sponsored by Ashtons Legal
  • Outstanding Achievement Award - sponsored by Barclays
  • Positive Impact in the Community - sponsored by Vattenfall
  • Rising Star of the Year - sponsored by Birketts
  • Norfolk Business of the Year - sponsored by Barclays