The winners of the EADT Business Awards 2024 have been announced and Jackson Civil Engineering has been named winner of the Large Business of the Year award, sponsored by Larking Gowen.

Jackson Civil Engineering employs around 320 staff, operating out of seven offices across England, with around half that number working from its head office in Ipswich.

Founded in 1952, the firm undertakes civil engineering projects ranging from £500,000 to £50 million in value.

It works with some major clients, including the Environment Agency, National Highways, Canal & River Trust and Anglian Water, as well as many private clients and local authorities.

Recent projects in East Anglia include the infrastructure for the Gateway 14 business park in Stowmarket, upgrades to the Ipswich Tidal Barrier and flood defences at Woodbridge, and the construction of the Beccles Southern Relief Road.

Jackson’s values run through every aspect of the business, with some of its core values being collaboration, health and safety and environment. The company looks to reduce its impact on the environment using new methods and materials, and is aiming to be net zero by 2035.

The judges said it was great to see that Jackson has “such an emphasis on reducing its carbon footprint, something all businesses should be aspiring to”.

They were also impressed by the company’s leadership and growth. “Clearly this is due to delivering value and quality through solid leadership and clearly defined values which are visibly being met,” they added.

 Commenting on the award, Brian Crofton, contracts director at Jackson Civil Engineering, said: “It means so much to us. We’re a Suffolk-based business that’s been here for 70-odd years – and to get this award means we really now are represented as a Suffolk business.

“We want to be a regional business with national influence, and the award really emphasises that the impact we’re having on the local community is really being recognised by people around us, which is great.”

Claire Finbow, HR and training director, added: “It’s an amazing achievement for us.”

The finalists

Bacton Transport Services

Bacton Transport Services, based just outside Bury St Edmunds, is a family-owned business that aims to deliver exceptional service across its range of distribution and logistics services, as it consistently invests in its fleet.

The judges called its sustainability and driver training “remarkable”, with a “willingness to try new ways of doing things”.

DPL Group

Ipswich-based DPL Group is a family-run business, working in design, installation and maintenance of building services.

The company collaborates with local councils and more, covering all aspects of its industry.

The judges said that DPL is “ahead of its market, with a clear focus on sustainability”, and that “staff care in its core beliefs”.

Spectra Packaging

Spectra Packaging in Holton is a leading UK manufacturer of plastic bottles and caps for the personal care sectors.

Its core values are rooted in sustainability, with its product offerings made using recycled materials.

The judges called its knowledge on sustainability “world class”, and the company culture “wonderful and inspiring”.

About the sponsor

Larking Gowen is a local, independent UK top 50 accountancy firm operating in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk.

The firm’s values are centred around service and commitment to its clients, as well as its people and local community.

It builds strong, dedicated teams that share knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all clients, delivering a friendly one-to-one service you can count on.

With a team comprising specialists in audit, tax, VAT, private client, corporate transactions, tourism and leisure, medical, not for profit and more, whatever your financial needs, Larking Gowen is committed to securing your future and helping you reach your goals.

Find out more about all of the winners here.

For more information on next year's EADT Business Awards, please keep your eyes peeled for updates at eadtbusinessawards.co.uk