The finalists for the EADT Business Awards 2024 have been announced.
Here we meet the finalists in the Small Business of the Year category.
Kingsfleet
Based in Claydon, Kingsfleet is a chartered firm that provides personalised financial planning solutions, helping hundreds of clients organise their wealth, from pensions and investments to personal estate planning.
The business was founded in 2010 by Colin Low, who wanted to provide financial advice on an ethical basis, rather than focusing purely on profit.
In 2019, the business furthered this aim by shifting focus from the scale of clients’ wealth to what they want to achieve using it.
The judges said that this is “a business with a clear moral compass, practising what it preaches”, as underlined by its B Corp status.
They added, “the organisation firmly has its roots within Suffolk and actively gives back to the local community by supporting many local charities”.
SimpleClick
Web design agency SimpleClick, located in Ipswich, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary and yet remains at the forefront of innovative software, app and web development.
The business boasts a high calibre client base and in 2023 it achieved record profits.
It was also recognised for its investment in company culture at the 2024 UK Dev Awards when it won Employer of the Year.
Praising recent adjustments to strengthen the business’ management team, the judges said “SimpleClick has proactively reviewed its working arrangements to the benefit of staff wellbeing while not neglecting the needs of the business”.
They also commended the Doddle platform, which “has enabled the organisation to create a business that is specialised and has global industry”.
Token of the Forest
Token of the Forest is a woodworking company based in Barking Tye. It is owned by Joe Gleed, a self-taught woodworker who always dreamed of being an entrepreneur.
Joe set up the business during lockdown, aiming to give old materials a new lease of life. The majority of products are made from disused whisky or wine barrels and other reclaimed materials.
The judges said that “this sole trader organisation is in the early stages of its development and is driven by a passionate owner who has a fantastic skill in wood and craftwork”.
They concluded by saying that “the business is progressive in its outlook and has a wealth of opportunity to grow and develop”.
West View IT
Stowmarket-based West View IT offers IT and support services across East Anglia.
It was launched in 2017 by Owen Williams as a traditional IT support company and computer repair service, and today has developed into an outsourced IT department exclusively for small businesses.
The business has a comprehensive environmental strategy, implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices such as virtualisation, server consolidation and energy-efficient hardware, as well as properly recycling and disposing of e-waste generated from outdated or decommissioned equipment.
Praising Owen’s “enthusiasm, energy and ambition for the business”, the judges said that West view IT has “a clear view of its own strengths and weaknesses” and they liked the “focus on taking particular clients that suit its skillset” to avoid overstretching staff.
The winners of the EADT Business Awards 2024 will be announced at an award ceremony at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich on Thursday, July 4. For more information, please visit eadtbusinessawards.co.uk
To find out more about all finalists, please click here.
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