The Suffolk Business Awards 2022 are now open for entries, and the Growth Business of the Year award is open to companies who have achieved a minimum of 20% year-on-year financial growth for the past three years, and who can show evidence of growth in market share, as well as in the growth of their customers and/or employees.

“Twenty per cent year on year financial growth is no mean feat, especially when businesses have experienced some of the most stressful times in history,” said judge Paul Whittingham, a partner at Ashtons Legal, which sponsors the category.

“These awards are a great opportunity for businesses to showcase their achievements – achievements they should be proud of,” he added.

“We are delighted to sponsor this category, and are hoping to see entries from a diverse number of organisations all involved in East Anglia’s thriving business community.”

Mr Whittingham encouraged those meeting the criteria to enter, describing winning business awards as a “badge of honour” and “an accolade”.

“It’s important to reward achievement and give credit where it is due,” he said. “Awards confirm that as a business you know what you’re doing and showcase your successful business model.”

Acknowledging some of the common pitfalls associated
with growing a business, Mr Whittingham admitted that differentiating yourselves from your established competitors can be one of the biggest challenges, but said that establishing growth in market share is important.

“It shows evolution,” he said. “A business needs to have flair and be nimble in changing as it grows.”

To enter the Growth Business of the Year category, visit the Suffolk Business Awards website.

Meet the sponsor

Ashtons Legal is delighted to sponsor the Suffolk Business Awards for the fifth consecutive year and this year is sponsoring the Growth Business of the Year category.

At Ashtons, the aim is to be a firm clients are proud to call ‘their solicitors’ and are happy to recommend to others. Whether a commercial or an individual client, whatever the legal needs, Ashtons’ focus is on always delivering first class legal advice with exceptional service.

With 400 staff across six offices, Ashtons has many clients in East Anglia but helps people in other parts of the country and internationally.

Criteria

To enter in this category, businesses must provide a clear and defined strategy and ambition for growth, as well as defined values and missions.

Evidence is also needed of financial growth – a minimum of 20% year on year for the past three years – and investment, as well as clear and demonstrated managerial leadership, and specific innovation of product/service.