Norfolk businesses encouraged to enter EDP Business Awards

There are 10 varied categories to enter this year, in addition to the coveted Norfolk Business of the Year award and the Outstanding Achievement award, the winners of which will be hand-picked by the judges.  

Here, we look at some of the categories at this year’s awards and find out what the judges will be looking for from entrants. 

Tom and Toto won last year's Small Business of the Year award. Pictured left to right: Grace Betts, Victoria Penrose, Dane Hipkin, who presented the award, Sarah Wright, Molly Mills and Anna Quinton (Image: Matt Brasnett - I Do Photography)

Small Business of the Year 

The Small Business of the Year award will be given to a company with a turnover up to £1 million that demonstrates all-round excellence in business. 

The judging will focus on the trading performance and future objectives of entering businesses, as well as their competitive advantages. They will be looking for examples of specific strategies which have driven business growth. 

If you’re a small business with some impressive achievements under its belt, then this award is for you!

Medium Business of the Year 

The title of Medium Business of the Year will go to a company with a turnover between £1-5 million that has achieved great things. 

Again, the judges will look at entrants’ trading performance, competitive advantage and goals for the future, along with examples of specific strategies which have led to business growth. 

Medium businesses are an important part of our economy, and they can often be overlooked, so get your entries in to be in with a chance of being recognised in this category. 

Phin Robinson of Pure Physiotherapy was 2023's Director of the Year. Pictured left to right: Phin Robinson and Vincent Boni, managing director of Newsquest Eastern Counties, who presented the award (Image: Matt Brasnett - I Do Photography)

Start Up of the Year 

The Start Up of the Year category looks to showcase emerging businesses that can demonstrate clear financial activity which translates into inward investment, increased turnover and/or acceleration to the profit stage. 

Entering businesses must be less than three years old at the point of applications closing, and the judges will look for them to demonstrate a clear purpose for the business. 

This award will act as a marker of early success to help businesses take the next step in their growth. 

Director of the Year 

Clear leadership is essential to the success of any business – and the Director of the Year award aims to recognise outstanding directors in all forms. 

The category 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 evidence of individuals who have implemented plans that ultimately achieved business growth. 

Mobility Ways won the Employer of the Year award last year. Pictured left to right: Ali Clabburn, Jules Furnell, James Groves (sponsor - Indigo Swan), Jake Brooker, Kate Wood and Basil Choudhry (Image: MATT BRASNETT - I DO PHOTOGRAPHY)

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 people-centric culture and ethos. 

Employee engagement should be at the heart of entrants’ ethos, and this should be backed up by training and development opportunities and reward programmes. 

The judges will be looking for evidence of entrants’ engagement with employees across three areas: recognition, innovation and progressive people strategies. 

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.