We take a look at the finalists in the Future50 One to Watch category of the EDP Business Awards 2017.

Lifeline24

Lifeline24 started trading in early 2014, providing a personal alarm service to elderly, frail and disabled people living in their own homes. The company has achieved profound success. Staff numbers at its offices in Taverham have increased by 300% in the last two years (43 staff) and customer numbers by 400% (11,000 active customers).

The alarms – sold as a standalone unit as well as wearable waterproof pendants with a seven-year battery life – allow those at risk to talk to a team of experts with just a single press of a button. The life-saving business gives customers 24/7 access to help in their homes. Lifeline24 is now looking after people throughout the UK and Ireland with plans to go global in the coming months.

SNAP Account

Based in Blofield Heath, SNAP Account is the complete solution for fleet operators and owner drivers looking for transparent control over their expenditure. In 2010, it began by allowing drivers to pay for parking and washing through a cashless system, working on the vehicle's registration number.

It quickly branched out and now provides drivers with a comprehensive package of services, including recovery, repair and the Dartford Toll, all of which are paid without the need for cash.

More than 60,000 drivers from more than 2,500 companies use SNAP to streamline their expenses and improve their business. This year, it began working with its first European site, the workforce grew from 18 to 30 and the company recently moved to new premises. Going forward, SNAP Account will be offering asset finance and expanding its network of sites even further into Europe.

Thunderbrook Equestrian

Founded by Dr Deborah Carley, ((Hons) Biochemistry, PhD biological and nutritional sciences) in her kitchen in 2009, as a result of her own horses becoming ill with EMS, and run from her home until 2014, Griston-based Thunderbrook Equestrian now boasts a 11,000sq ft warehouse and production unit offering over 140 GM-free product lines. It employs eight staff and utilises handpicked freelance staff to enhance the skills at hand.

Thunderbrook Equestrian is an equine feed and herbal supplement company, where the horse's health is the priority. The feeds are formulated using the latest scientific research to nutritionally support the horse. It ensures that no waste by-products, cheap alternative ingredients, fillers, binders, pelleting agents, preservatives or synthetic micronutrients unlike many of its competitors.

A Future50 member and nominated for the equine nutrition helpline of the year, Thunderbrook is continually developing and expanding its product range has led to the recent launch of a premium dog food. Exporting products to Europe and beyond is imminent.

What the judges said:

Thunderbrook Equestrian uses a complete self-created feed from non-GMO foods and the ingredients are uniquely human grade. The equine feed has been produced to protect the wellbeing of the animal while also reviving the health of horses who are unwell. They claim: 'We won't sell things that don't work.'

SNAP Account recognised a need in the market and brought a streamlined approach to how business is conducted at truck stops – traditionally cash sales were quite labour-intensive to service. While aiming to develop the business, it is also understood that a strong management team are the future of the business.

Lifeline24 claims to provide the only personal alarm service in the industry with next day set-up. While recognising it didn't want to be service provider in the industry, the company realised the industry was designed for the elderly, so revamped the approach. It has become a world-leading telecast provider.