This year's EADT Business Awards finalists have been revealed and the Rising Star of the Year award looks to shine the spotlight on those companies and business leaders that are growing the future of Suffolk's business sector.
Here we find out more about the finalists in the Rising Star of the Year category, sponsored by Birketts.
Insight Energy Renewables
Insight Energy Renewables in Woolverstone, Ipswich, is a supplier and installer of electric vehicle charge points, battery storage and solar for homes and businesses across East Anglia.
The company is product agnostic, which enables it to offer a bespoke service advising on, and facilitating, green energy solutions for its customers.
The judges were impressed with how Insight Energy “endured adversity initially and sourced innovative ways of tackling those challenges to build what is clearly a thriving business with an exciting future”.
They added that the strategy for the business is very well considered, well researched and can be clearly articulated.
Quay Street Collective
Quay Street Collective is a hair salon in Woodbridge that aims to promote wellness and sustainability by using eco-friendly products, minimising waste and utilising energy-efficient equipment.
Launched in August 2020, the salon initially partnered with local businesses and artisans to help market them post lockdown. Three years on, it continues to partner with local artists who use its walls as display space to sell their art.
The judges said the salon is a “lovely environment”, and they could see first-hand how the ethos manifested in the business.
They added that the sustainability and vegan angle gives a clear line of differentiation for the salon, but it was also clear that clientele extended further than those who shared the same principles.
Satsuma Group
Satsuma Group is a full-service creative agency headquartered in Wherstead, Ipswich, but with staff working remotely and flexibly across the UK.
The company was founded in July 2021 by Ellen Widdup who is also a single parent to three children, two of whom are autistic with one requiring significant care for complex mental health conditions.
Ellen had struggled to find a position that worked for her and formed Satsuma with the intention of creating something entirely unique using the talented workforce that simply did not fit the typical nine to five.
The judges said the principles and ethos for Satsuma were “very strong and admirable”.
They added that Ellen has clearly spotted a gap in the market to onboard great talent who struggle to maintain a more traditional model of working.
Sunrise Studios
Joshua Freemantle established Sunrise Studios in 2021 within the regional charity Access Community Trust, based in Lowestoft.
It provides media production services for local organisations, including visual/audio content creation, photography, events, media campaigns and website development.
Operated by young people for the benefit of young people, all profits are reinvested to provide opportunities within media, music and the arts for those aged under 25.
The judges said Josh “has clearly been successful in influencing those who are in a position to support and champion his initiative from within the industry”.
They were also impressed with the “entrepreneurial mindset and principles” that he has adopted.
The winners of the EADT Business Awards 2023 will be announced at an award ceremony at Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich on Thursday, September 28. For more information, please visit eadtbusinessawards.co.uk
To find out more about all finalists, please click here.
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