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Small Business of the Year (including Self-Employed and Sole Traders) 

The Small Business of the Year award (up to £1m turnover) recognises a company, self-employed or sole trader that demonstrates outstanding all-round business excellence. Judges will assess businesses based on trading performance, clarity of future objectives, competitive advantage, and specific strategies that have driven measurable growth. This award is designed for businesses whose achievements and potential set them apart. 

Judging will be based on the following criteria, each weighted at 20%: 

1. Core Strengths & Success Drivers – A clear understanding of the business’s key strengths and how these contribute to overall success. 

2. Values & Mission – Well-defined business values and a clear mission that guides decision-making and culture. 

3. Growth Strategy – A clearly articulated and realistic strategy for growth, including short- and long-term objectives. 

4. Leadership & Management – Evidence of strong managerial leadership, effective team management, and the ability to inspire and drive performance. 

5. Innovation – Demonstrated creativity and innovation in products, services, or business processes that give the business a competitive edge. 

Judges will review the evidence provided for each criterion and evaluate how effectively the business demonstrates excellence and potential across all areas. 

Sponsored by Pound Gates Chartered Insurance Brokers

The Medium Business of the Year award recognises a company with a turnover between £1m and £5m that demonstrates outstanding all-round business excellence. Judges will assess businesses based on trading performance, clarity of future objectives, competitive advantage, and specific strategies that have driven measurable growth. This award celebrates businesses whose achievements, strategic vision, and impact set them apart in their sector. 

Judging will be based on the following criteria, each weighted at 20%: 

1. Core Strengths & Success Drivers – A clear understanding of the business’s key strengths and how they contribute to overall success. 

2. Values & Mission – Well-defined business values and a clear mission that guide decision-making, culture, and stakeholder engagement. 

3. Growth Strategy – A clearly articulated, realistic, and forward-looking strategy for growth, including both short- and long-term objectives. 

4. Leadership & Management – Evidence of strong managerial leadership, effective team development, and the ability to inspire and deliver high performance. 

5. Innovation – Demonstrated creativity and innovation in products, services, or business processes that give the business a competitive edge and drive growth. 

Judges will review the evidence provided for each criterion and evaluate how effectively the business demonstrates excellence, strategic thinking, and sustainable growth. 

Sponsored by Larking Gowen

The Large Business of the Year award recognises a company with a turnover exceeding £5m that demonstrates exceptional all-round business excellence. Judges will evaluate businesses based on trading performance, clarity of future objectives, competitive advantage, and examples of specific strategies that have driven measurable growth. This award celebrates organisations whose achievements, leadership, and strategic vision set a benchmark in their industry. 

Judging will be based on the following criteria, each weighted at 20%: 

1. Core Strengths & Success Drivers – A clear understanding of the business’s key strengths and how these contribute to sustained success. 

2. Values & Mission – Well-defined business values and a clear mission that shape decision-making, organisational culture, and stakeholder engagement. 

3. Growth Strategy – A clearly articulated and realistic strategy for continued growth, including short- and long-term objectives. 

4. Leadership & Management – Demonstrated strong managerial leadership, effective team development, and the ability to inspire performance across the organisation. 

5. Innovation – Evidence of creativity and innovation in products, services, or processes that give the business a competitive edge and drive sustained growth. 

Judges will assess the evidence provided for each criterion to determine how effectively the business demonstrates excellence, strategic thinking, and long-term impact. 

Sponsored by Greater Anglia 

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations. Entries should provide clear evidence of customer-centric strategies and initiatives that have measurably improved service standards and customer satisfaction. The winner will exemplify consistently outstanding customer service, delivered by a team whose actions reflect a deep customer focus and operational excellence. 

Entry Evidence Required (each weighted at 20%) 

1. Customer-Centric Vision and Values - Demonstrate how your organization’s mission and values are aligned with delivering exceptional customer experiences. 

2. Customer Satisfaction and Feedback Integration - Provide data on customer satisfaction rates and explain how feedback is systematically collected, analyzed, and acted upon. 

3. Customer-Driven Initiatives and Innovation - Showcase specific programs, processes, or innovations designed to enhance service quality and meet evolving customer needs. 

4. Employee Training and Continuous Improvement - Detail how staff are trained and empowered to deliver superior service, including ongoing development and improvement initiatives. 

5. Leveraging Core Strengths for Customer Success - Explain how your business’s unique strengths are utilized to create value for customers and drive long-term success. 

Sponsored by Churchmanor Estates

The Businessperson of the Year award is open to individuals at all levels within the business community. The winner may be a seasoned business leader with years of experience or an ambitious entrepreneur accelerating their career. Judges will be looking for individuals who have made a tangible impact on their organisation, demonstrating strategic thinking, effective leadership, and a track record of driving business growth. This award recognises not only achievement but also vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. 

Judging will be based on the following criteria, each weighted at 20%: 

1. Contribution to Business Strategy & Growth – Evidence of how the individual has influenced and implemented strategies that have driven measurable business growth. 

2. Values & Mission – Demonstrated alignment of personal and professional values with the organisation’s mission, and the ability to embed these values in their leadership approach. 

3. Financial Performance & Investment – Proven impact on financial growth, including successful management of budgets, resources, or investment initiatives. 

4. Leadership & Management – Clear evidence of strong managerial leadership, including team development, mentorship, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. 

5. Resilience & Problem-Solving – Demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, navigate uncertainty, and deliver results under pressure.

Judges will assess all evidence provided to determine which individual exemplifies excellence, leadership, and the potential to inspire and influence the wider business community.  

Sponsored by Ashtons Legal

Judges will be looking for organisations that demonstrate a people-first culture, where employee engagement, wellbeing, and development are central to success. This award celebrates businesses that have evolved progressive strategies to attract, retain, and empower talent, fostering an environment where employees thrive and contribute to organizational growth. Judges will seek evidence of recognition, innovation, and forward-thinking people practices that create measurable impact. 

Entry Evidence Required (each weighted at 20%) 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Employee Success -Explain how your business’s unique strengths and capabilities support employee engagement and organisational performance. 

2. Defined Values and Mission - Demonstrate how your values and mission are embedded in everyday practices and guide decision-making for a people-centric culture. 

3. Culture, Engagement, and Wellbeing - Provide evidence of initiatives that promote inclusivity, mental health, work-life balance, and overall employee satisfaction. 

4. Reward and Recognition Programs - Showcase how you celebrate achievements, incentivise performance, and create a culture of appreciation. 

5. Training and Development Opportunities - Detail how you invest in employee growth through structured learning, career progression, and skills development. 

Sponsored by Sizewell C

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate a genuine and measurable commitment to sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint through innovative practices and continuous improvement. The winner will not only show how they have enhanced environmental performance across operations in the last 18 months but also how they share knowledge and inspire others to adopt greener business models. Future plans for sustainability and contribution to a green economy will also be key. 

Entry Evidence Required (each weighted at 20%) 

1. Clear and Defined Sustainability Strategy - Provide evidence of a documented strategy outlining goals, actions, and timelines for environmental improvement. 

2. Commitment Embedded in Values and Mission - Demonstrate how sustainability is integrated into your company’s core values and decision-making processes. 

3. Communication and Engagement - Showcase how you engage employees, suppliers, and stakeholders in sustainability initiatives, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. 

4. Tracking and Reporting Environmental Impact - Detail the methods and metrics used to monitor progress, including carbon footprint reduction, waste management, and energy efficiency. 

5. Use of Green Initiatives and Grants - Highlight participation in green programs, adoption of renewable technologies, and utilization of grants or incentives to drive sustainability.

Sponsored By Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate sustained and strategic growth, not only in financial performance but also in market presence, customer base, and workforce. This award celebrates organisations that have achieved year-on-year turnover growth for the past three years, while also showing evidence of innovation, leadership, and adaptability. Judges will seek proof of how growth has been achieved responsibly and positioned for long-term success. 

Entry Evidence Required (each weighted at 20%) 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Growth - Explain how your business’s unique capabilities and competitive advantages have driven consistent growth. 

2. Defined Values and Mission - Demonstrate how your values and mission underpin your growth strategy and guide decision-making. 

3. Financial Growth and Strategic Investment - Provide evidence of turnover growth for three years and detail investments that supported expansion. 

4. Managerial Leadership and Vision - Showcase how leadership has steered the business through growth phases, including strategic planning and risk management. 

5. Innovation in Product or Service - Highlight specific innovations that have contributed to growth, whether through new offerings, improved processes, or market differentiation. 

Sponsored by Norse

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate meaningful and measurable contributions to the community, responding to challenges with innovation and adaptability. This award celebrates organizations that have taken proactive steps—such as adjusting products/services to meet community needs or mobilizing resources and teams to support local initiatives. Judges will consider both current actions and achievements within the last six months, as well as long-term plans for sustained impact. 

Entry Evidence Required (each weighted at 20%) 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Community Benefit - Explain how your business’s unique capabilities have been used to create positive outcomes for the community. 

2. Focus on Local Community Engagement - Provide evidence of enrichment activities, volunteering programs, financial or resource investment, and partnerships with local organizations. 

3. Defined Values and Mission - Demonstrate how your values and mission drive your commitment to community impact. 

4. Long-Term Impact and Vision Strategy - Outline your plans for sustained community engagement and the measurable outcomes you aim to achieve. 

5. Contribution to the Wider Business Community - Showcase how your efforts support broader economic, social, or industry-related improvements beyond your immediate locality. 

Judges will be looking for dynamic new businesses (less than three years old at the application closing date) that demonstrates strong early financial activity, clear purpose, and a foundation for sustainable growth. The winner will showcase evidence of inward investment, increased turnover, or acceleration toward profitability, alongside innovation and leadership that set the business apart in its sector. 

Entry Evidence Required (each weighted at 20%) 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Success - Explain how your business’s unique strengths and competitive advantages have driven early success. 

2. Defined Values and Mission - Demonstrate how your purpose and values guide decision-making and shape your business strategy. 

3. Managerial Leadership and Vision - Showcase how leadership has steered the start-up through its formative stages, including strategic planning and adaptability. 

4. Forecasted Financial Growth and Investment - Provide evidence of financial performance to date and realistic forecasts for growth, including any inward investment or funding secured. 

5. Innovation in Product or Service - Highlight specific innovations that differentiate your offering and contribute to market traction.