Meet the judges hunting out Suffolk's top businesses

But before we get to that point, there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure the right businesses make the final four in each category and, ultimately, for one of them to walk up on the stage and collect the award at the celebration event held at Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich on Thursday, September 28, 2023.

The nominations go through two rounds of judging. The application forms allow the judges to asses the entries against the five-point criteria, after which they are shortlisted to six-eight business that make it through to round two, which is a meeting with the judges. 

There are two judges per category: one is a representative from the category sponsor and the other is either a representative from LOCALiQ, a well-respected member of the local business community, or a previous winner.

These “expert” judges are an essential part of the robust judging process and the awards couldn’t take place without them.

Here the judges tell us why they’re so keen to be part of the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards 2023:

Hannah Smith – managing director at Anglia Capital Group

Judging the Employer of the Year category

The EADT Business Awards is a great opportunity to celebrate the fantastic businesses and business people we have in Suffolk. 

Anglia Capital Group is proud to help shout about the great things we, as a business community, are doing in the region towards building a stronger and brighter regional economy.

Suffolk’s business community deserves to be celebrated more and the EADT Business Awards are the perfect chance to do just that!

Ian Surtees – group chief executive officer at Vertas Group

Judging the Large Business of the Year category

As previous winners of Employer of the Year and Business of the Year in 2021 for Vertas Group, I am delighted to be offering my support to this year’s awards by being part of the judging process.

The EADT Business Awards are incredibly important to recognise local businesses. As CEO of the Vertas Group, I hope to bring a wealth of strategic and operational experience to the process, as well as insight into the local community and economy.

I wish all those participating the best of luck.

Alex Till – CEO of MENTA and chair of NEN

Judging the Small Business of the Year category

Its been an absolute pleasure being a judge for the awards this year, and it has once again proved a task and a half to find the winner.  

The level of entries has been of a seriously high standard, and it has been fantastic,  not only to see the unique local businesses that are within our region, but also the wonderful people that are so passionate about what they do, the businesses they run and the communities they serve!

Sophie Alexander-Parker – chief executive officer at Ipswich Central

Judging the Customer Excellence Award category

Last year was my first time judging the EADT Business Awards, which meant meeting many different businesses in all sectors. It is always a difficult process to judge businesses, as from what I can see they all deserve recognition.

Recognising Suffolk’s Business community is important. We have so much to showcase with the skills and talents in all sectors. Last year highlighted the resilience these businesses have shown during the last few years. Yet they continue to provide outstanding services, products and continue to grow.  

Jonathan Reed – chief executive officer at Paddy & Scott’s

Judging the Environmental & Sustainability Award category

There is an abundance of talented individuals and businesses in Suffolk, and like Paddy & Scott’s, deeply embedded in the community with a strong desire to do good. 

We were immensely proud to have been crowned Medium Business of the Year and Suffolk Business of the Year at last year’s awards. If I can contribute to recognising new talent through the awards and raise their company profile, how incredible is that!