The finalists for the EADT Business Awards 2024 have been announced.
Here we meet the finalists in the Large Business of the Year category, sponsored by Larking Gowen.
The winner of this award will be a company with a turnover surpassing £5 million, which has achieved great things over the past 12 months.
Jackson Civil Engineering
Jackson Civil Engineering employs around 320 staff across England, with roughly half that number working from its head office in Ipswich.
It undertakes civil engineering projects ranging from £500,000 to £50 million in value, and works for major clients such as the Environment Agency, National Highways, Canal & River Trust and Anglian Water, as well as many local authorities and private clients.
Recent projects include the infrastructure for the Gateway 14 business park at Stowmarket, upgrades to the Ipswich Tidal Barrier and construction of the Beccles Southern Relief Road.
Praising the culture at Jackson, the judges said “this is a very positive business”. They praised its focus on people and added that “the diversity of the workforce is wonderful to see”.
Spectra Packaging
Based in Holton, Spectra Packaging is a leading UK manufacturer of plastic bottles and caps for the cosmetics, toiletries and personal care sectors.
Since its formation in 2008, the business has worked with well-known high-street brands including Lush Cosmetics, Boots, M&S, Molton Brown and Liz Earle.
It has core values rooted in sustainability, evident from its 104,000 sq ft purpose-built facility with 1,700 solar panels, energy-efficient machinery and recycled materials used within the building structure.
DPL Group
Ipswich-based DPL Group is a 24-year-old family-run business that excels in the design, installation and maintenance of building services.
Operating predominantly in East Anglia, DPL collaborates extensively with local councils, authorities, schools and hospitals, covering all aspects of the building services industry.
The firm places a strong emphasis on the continuous development of its staff and employs six to eight apprentices annually. It is also passionate about community engagement and sustainability and has incorporated heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers.
The judges said that DPL is “ahead of its market, with a clear focus on sustainability”. They “really enjoyed” some of the ideas presented by the firm, including its shadow share award scheme, and said that “staff care is in its core beliefs”.
Bacton Transport Services
Based just outside Bury St Edmunds, Bacton Transport Services is a family-owned business that aims to deliver exceptional service across its range of distribution and logistics services.
It was founded in 1932 by the grandfather of the current owners, Charles and Edward Downie, and recent successes have enabled the firm to expand and diversify its offering and invest in its facilities and people – introducing a robust training programme.
Additionally, it consistently invests in its fleet to ensure it is well-maintained and has built a state-of-the-art facility to further its journey to net-zero.
The judges commended Bacton Logistics’ “willingness to try new ways of doing things” and also praised the “remarkable” innovation the business has achieved in sustainability and training.
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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