The finalists for the EADT Business Awards 2024 have been announced.
Here we meet the finalists in the Customer Excellence category, sponsored by Greater Anglia.
This award will be given to a business that can demonstrate how it exemplifies outstanding customer service, consistently delivered at the highest level by a customer-focused individual or team.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Founded in 1848 by three Olsen brothers, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Ipswich is now in the fifth generation of the family, employing 220 people ashore and 2,000 crew on board its three ships: Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral.
In recent years, the business has undertaken comprehensive research into its customer base. This resulted in a detailed customer profile that has allowed the firm to enhance its on-board and ashore experiences.
As a result, last year it celebrated its best year on record.
Recognising the “real passion to make everyone’s experience with Fred. Olsen a memorable one”, the judges said that the business has adapted to feedback from customers and “a number of initiatives have been created to excite the traveller”.
Corbel Solutions
Corbel Solutions is an Ipswich-based provider of IT consulting and managed IT services for SMEs across Suffolk.
Founded in 1995, today the business serves over 50 clients across various industries, helping them to achieve their goals with a wide range of solutions and the core values of integrity, excellence, collaboration and customer satisfaction.
The business invests in continuous training and certification to keep up to date with the latest trends and best practices in the IT industry.
The judges said “Corbel sees itself as an extension of its clients” and that it provided specific examples of times it has gone the extra mile.
They also noted the “series of value-add initiatives” it has employed to educate its clients on leveraging technology to better their business.
Kingsfleet
Kingsfleet is a chartered financial planning firm based in Claydon that serves over 400 clients, managing millions of pounds for them.
The firm provides personalised financial planning solutions, helping clients achieve their future goals by advising them on their wealth, from pensions and investments to personal estate planning.
Its focus on client outcomes rather than solely profit is underlined by its B Corp status, which it achieved in 2022, and its commitment to outstanding service is evidenced in its excellent customer reviews.
The judges commended Kingsfleet for offering “a truly customer-focused, personal service for its clients”.
They said that the business is “consistently listening to customers and tailoring its support to their individual needs” and takes “a relentless approach to continuous improvement”.
Geek Retreat Ipswich
Now in its third year, Geek Retreat is a game shop and café serving the people of Ipswich.
The small, family-run business has inclusion and community at its heart. Its menu, product offerings and events are tailored to the needs of the community, and it invests all profits back into the space.
It also works with and supports the service users and workers of several local charities and organisations.
The judges said that, at Geek Retreat, “it is clear that there is a real passion to be part of the community and to go the extra mile for customers whose interests and needs vary enormously”.
They commended the business for “creating tools to aid customer satisfaction”, adding that these have “also benefited the broader Geek Retreat network”.
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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