Categories were open for entries from Wednesday 5th February 2025 and closed on Sunday 5th April 2025.

Judging took place from 6th April.  We have two judges per category (representatives from the category sponsor and a Expert or Previous Winner as the second judge) who reviewed entries and individually mark it against the five-point criteria with the top six business making it through to the next round of judging. 

Judging took place either virtually or in person for round two and was complete by 16th May 2025. All businesses were advised of their standing in the awards once judging was complete.  

Finalists were announced in a special supplement in the East Anglian Daily Times, online and via social media on Wednesday 25th June 2025. 

The award ceremony took place on Thursday 10th July at Kesgrave Hall Ipswich.

Winning a East Anglian Daily Times Business Award marks a milestone in your company’s history. It recognises your business journey and helps to celebrate your achievements.

Entering a category provides you with the opportunity to build your network and grow professional relationships.

We work to raise your brand profile through increasing coverage of your business throughout the awards process and afterward in articles, in both print and online, and extra social media coverage.

With over 20 years’ experience celebrating business achievement, the last 24 months have been unparalleled in the obstacles faced and challenges overcome.

We’re certain that there are countless reasons for businesses to celebrate at this year’s awards, so here are some tips on what you can do to add that little bit extra to your entry, as well as some things to avoid.

Still unsure on how best to write your entry? Check out our webinar from 2023 where we detail the do’s and don’ts for entering the awards. 

https://youtu.be/qdhYSBeyF0g

DO

STAND OUT

This is your chance to highlight why your business is unique in the market place. What initiatives have been behind your success this year? What makes you different?

BE RELEVANT

Simply cramming everything your business does into the entry and hoping for the best won’t do. Make sure your entry is laserfocussed on the award you are hoping to win.

BE CLEAR AND CONCISE

There are a lot of entries – you need to get your message across quickly and grab the judges’ attention.

CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN

Spelling and grammar errors matter. Silly mistakes give a bad impression of your business.

PROVIDE EVIDENCE

Making a claim and not backing it up won’t cut it with the judges. So, make sure you can prove what you are saying.

DON'T

BE LAZY

Simply copying and pasting links from your online reviews is not what the judges are looking for.

WAFFLE

We want to know all about your triumphs – but get to the point quickly and move on to the next reason your business should be

nominated.

FIB

You will get found out – and our judges have long memories.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

We are sure your plans for the next 12 months are stellar – but you can tell us about them when they have come to fruition.

LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE

Rushed entries rarely win awards. Give yourself time to ensure you say everything you need to.