EADT Business Awards: Judges discuss Business of the Year award

They will be looking for an organisation that has achieved outstanding things in the last 12 months. They will look at its brand profile within its customer audience, as well as how it has built relationships within the local community.

The business’ financial standing will also be considered, in addition to its plans for future growth and how it has understood and is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact.

The winner of this award will be an organisation that Suffolk can truly be proud of, demonstrating the innovation, passion and commitment that is evident throughout the county.

Steven Carroll, supply chain engagement lead at Sizewell C (Image: Sizewell C)

“This is a great opportunity for Suffolk businesses to showcase the diverse range of business talent we have here in the county,” said Steven Carroll, supply chain manager at Sizewell C, headline sponsor for this year’s EADT Business Awards alongside Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. “This last year saw many businesses show significant growth coming out of a pandemic as well as other worldwide events.”

The past 12 months certainly haven’t been without their challenges for businesses the world over, and the title of Suffolk Business of the Year for 2023 will act as a badge of honour, demonstrating how the winner has overcome these challenges and made great strides in spite of them.

“The recognition and prestige that goes alongside winning this award will help to raise a business’ profile among their peers, and also recognises and rewards the people who own, run and work for it,” said Catherine Johnson, president of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

Catherine Johnson, president of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Image: Sylvaine Poitau)

“It’s an opportunity to show potential clients and suppliers that they are dealing with a sustainable business that lives and breathes its company values,” added Mr Carroll.

The judges will be assessing all aspects of the other category winners’ businesses. But, as they will all already be winners in their own right, how will the judges make the hard choice of deciding the overall Business of the Year?

“Great businesses stand out for many interlinked reasons,” commented Ms Johnson. “This could include agility in seizing opportunities, resilience in dealing with challenges and overcoming them, continued and deepened care and support for staff, and a sense of a wider social purpose and a loyalty to place.”

The winner could demonstrate any number of these qualities, but Mr Carroll added that its social value will be particularly important in the judging, as an increasing number of customers look for businesses that want to do good as well as turn a profit.

“Social value is an ever-increasing requirement within any supply chain,” he said. “It demonstrates that businesses are thinking about their impact both on the planet and their community. Putting something back will be key in judging this year’s winner.”

Last year’s Suffolk Business of the Year winner was Suffolk-based coffee supplier Paddy and Scott’s.

“We’re incredibly proud to be a Suffolk-based business,” said Joseph Cordy, head of commercial at Paddy & Scott’s, when asked how it felt to be named Suffolk Business of the Year at the 2022 award ceremony. 

“We’ve got really ambitious growth plans and our team is growing rapidly,” he added. 

“I think [this award] cements our place as a growing business in Suffolk for the future.”

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.