The EDP Business Awards 2024 are now open for entries, with a range of categories available for businesses to enter.

The Growth Business of the Year award is for businesses that have achieved a minimum of 20pc turnover year-on-year for the past three years, and it is once again sponsored by East Anglian law firm Ashtons Legal.

“We really enjoyed being involved in the EDP Business Awards last year,” said David Sloman, senior associate at Ashtons Legal. “It is an opportunity to see and appreciate just how great Norfolk is for businesses.

“Through our category sponsorship, we get to see some of these businesses up close and meet new and interesting people.”

Eastern Daily Press: David Sloman, senior associate at Ashtons LegalDavid Sloman, senior associate at Ashtons Legal (Image: BigPhatPhotos)

Mr Sloman said that this year he will be looking for “businesses with innovative ideas, who can show market opportunities or a path of growth”, as well as strong management from the front.

“All successful businesses need quality leadership,” he said, “but it is key that they create a culture of encouraging development and success. We want to see entries showing that staff are engaged and contribute to the business’ success – a real team effort.”

The theme for this year’s awards is sustainability, something that Mr Sloman said is key for business growth.

“Sustainability as a focus is crucial for businesses to remain competitive, build resilience, and secure their long-term success,” he explained. “Businesses cannot succeed without a defined plan so that everyone, from the CEO to reception, is singing from the same song sheet.”

And for the overall winner of the category, the title of Growth Business of the Year can have “a huge impact”.

“It is a badge of honour, a reward for their hard work, and often leads to opportunities for them through increased profile and exposure,” said Mr Sloman.

Entries for the EDP Business Awards 2024 close on Sunday, July 28. For more information, please click here.

For more information about this year's categories, please click here.

Meet the sponsor

Ashtons Legal is delighted to support the EDP Business Awards by sponsoring the Growth Business of the Year category for the second consecutive year. 

An award-winning firm, Ashtons’ vision is to be ‘an exceptional professional service provider putting our clients at the centre of everything we do’.

Regardless of legal need, Ashtons’ focus is on always delivering first-class legal advice with exceptional service, helping clients grow and achieve their aims.  

With over 420 staff across five offices in East Anglia, Ashtons Legal is rooted in the region and works with national and international clients.

Criteria

Businesses entering this category must have achieved a minimum of 20pc year-on-year financial growth (turnover) for the last three years.

The judges are also looking for growth in market share, as well as a business that has evidence of a growth in customers and/or employees.