Suffolk Business Awards: “Innovation can be accomplished on a budget”

The coronavirus crisis has disrupted many aspects of commercial life – including the Suffolk Business Awards. The closing date for entries have been extended until June 14, which means there’s still time for your business to enter. Entering the awards provides an opportunity to celebrate your successes. It’s a chance to involve staff in compiling the entry, explaining what makes your company stand-out from others.

To do well in the Small and Medium Business category, a business should have grown through engaging with staff and by innovating. These are the cornerstones of long-term success.

A few years ago, Beckett Investment Management won this award ourselves and, even in a heavily regulated industry like financial services, we’ve proven that innovation can be accomplished on a budget. The same is true of employee engagement, where effective communication is vital.

That is especially important now. Most companies will have staff working remotely and it’s easy for them to become isolated – both from one another, and from the business. Embrace the technology and keep communicating, to keep team spirit alive and keep people motivated. And do the same with your clients!

Though nobody can know what the next few months will bring, it’s vital to plan ahead. Think about as many outcomes as you can, to make effective plans. Try to be pre-emptive and positive - and connect with the leading business organisations across East Anglia for support.

To get through these tough trading conditions and win an award of this calibre really will be something to be proud of. The publicity from winning may result in new business opportunities and the awards night is a great opportunity to celebrate with your staff, who will be proud of the recognition their work has won.

To enter the Suffolk Business Awards, click here. Entries close on June 14. The awards will be presented at Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich on September 24.