Entries for the EADT Business Awards 2024 are now closed and the next steps in the process will begin this week.
The judges will now begin reviewing the entries from businesses across Suffolk, assessing them against the five-point criteria and choosing the top six businesses in each category to go through to the next round of judging.
For this round, the judges will interview the businesses either virtually or in person – finding out more about the people behind the company and seeing how they operate.
The finalists will then be chosen and announced in a supplement in the East Anglian Daily Times, online and via social media on Wednesday, June 5.
Finally, the winners will be announced at the glittering award ceremony at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall on Thursday, July 4.
Also to be announced at the ceremony is the winner of the prestigious Suffolk Business of the Year award. This is a non-entry category, with the winner hand-picked by the judges from all category winners.
The judges for this category are Nick Evans, UK site and sales director of Treatt and vice president of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and Steve Carroll, supply chain engagement lead at Sizewell C.
Here, they tell us more about what they are looking for in this year’s Suffolk Business of the Year.
Why were you keen to get involved in the Awards?
Steve: These awards give me the opportunity to get a greater understanding of the businesses in our county, how they support each other and what value they create for the people of Suffolk.
Nick: I am passionate about recognising and celebrating the achievements of businesses in Suffolk.
Serving as a judge for the Suffolk Business of the Year award allows me to contribute to acknowledging outstanding organisations that have made significant strides in the past year.
What have your previous experiences of judging been like?
Steve: I have judged the Business of the Year award four times now, it has always been a great experience but it is also extremely tough to get to an eventual winner. Many firms could have won in previous years so the one that does really has to go the extra mile.
What inspires you in business?
Nick: I find inspiration in resilience, creativity and the ability of businesses to positively impact their communities.
Witnessing organisations overcome challenges and innovate to achieve success motivates me to contribute to the recognition of such accomplishments.
Steve: People! And putting something back while also being able to make a profit during tough times. My job is about maximising social value from our project and it inspires me to see the same in other businesses.
I am also really encouraged to see old and new businesses look at their carbon footprint and how they can better support their county.
What will you be looking for in the winner?
Nick: I will be looking for an organisation that has demonstrated exceptional achievements over the past year. This includes a strong brand profile, financial stability, positive community relations, and a commitment to environmental considerations.
The winner should embody qualities that make Suffolk proud and serve as an exemplary model for others.
To find out more about the judging process and to sign up for updates on tickets to the awards ceremony on Thursday, July 4, please visit eadtbusinessawards.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here