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The Small Business of the Year award (up to £1m turnover) recognises a company, self-employed or sole trader that demonstrates outstanding all-round business excellence. Judges will assess businesses based on trading performance, clarity of future objectives, competitive advantage, and specific strategies that have driven measurable growth. This award is designed for businesses whose achievements and potential set them apart. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Core Strengths & Success Drivers 

2. Values & Mission 

3. Growth Strategy 

4. Leadership & Management. 

5. Innovation 

The Medium Business of the Year award recognises a company with a turnover between £1m and £5m that demonstrates outstanding all-round business excellence. Judges will assess businesses based on trading performance, clarity of future objectives, competitive advantage, and specific strategies that have driven measurable growth. This award celebrates businesses whose achievements, strategic vision, and impact set them apart in their sector.   

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Core Strengths & Success Drivers

2. Values & Mission 

3. Clear and defined strategy for growth

4. Clear and demonstrated managerial leadership

5. Innovation of product / service

Sponsored by Ensors part of Azets

The Large Business of the Year award recognises a company with a turnover exceeding £5m that demonstrates exceptional all-round business excellence. Judges will evaluate businesses based on trading performance, clarity of future objectives, competitive advantage, and examples of specific strategies that have driven measurable growth. This award celebrates organisations whose achievements, leadership, and strategic vision set a benchmark in their industry. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Core Strengths & Success Drivers

2. Values & Mission 

3. Clear and defined strategy for growth

4. Clear and demonstrated managerial leadership

5. Innovation of product / service

Sponsored by Greater Anglia

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations. Entries should provide clear evidence of customer-centric strategies and initiatives that have measurably improved service standards and customer satisfaction. The winner will exemplify consistently outstanding customer service, delivered by a team whose actions reflect a deep customer focus and operational excellence. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Customer-Centric Vision and Values

2. Customer Satisfaction and Feedback Integration

3. Customer-Driven Initiatives and Innovation

4. Employee Training and Continuous Improvement 

5. Leveraging Core Strengths for Customer Success

The Businessperson of the Year award is open to individuals at all levels within the business community. The winner may be a seasoned business leader with years of experience or an ambitious entrepreneur accelerating their career. Judges will be looking for individuals who have made a tangible impact on their organisation, demonstrating strategic thinking, effective leadership, and a track record of driving business growth. This award recognises not only achievement but also vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Contribution to business strategy and growth 

2. Defined values and mission

3. Financial Performance & Investment

4. Leadership & Management

5. Resilience & Problem-Solving 

Sponsored by Ashtons Legal

Judges will be looking for organisations that demonstrate a people-first culture, where employee engagement, wellbeing, and development are central to success. This award celebrates businesses that have evolved progressive strategies to attract, retain, and empower talent, fostering an environment where employees thrive and contribute to organizational growth. Judges will seek evidence of recognition, innovation, and forward-thinking people practices that create measurable impact. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Employee Success

2. Defined Values and Mission

3. Culture, Engagement, and Wellbeing

4. Reward and Recognition programmes 

5. Training and development opportunities 

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate a genuine and measurable commitment to sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint through innovative practices and continuous improvement. The winner will not only show how they have enhanced environmental performance across operations in the last 18 months but also how they share knowledge and inspire others to adopt greener business models. Future plans for sustainability and contribution to a green economy will also be key. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Clear and Defined Sustainability Strategy

2. Communication and Engagement  

3. Communication and engagement.

4. Tracking and Reporting Environmental Impact

5. Use of Green Initiatives and Grants 

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate sustained and strategic growth, not only in financial performance but also in market presence, customer base, and workforce. This award celebrates organisations that have achieved year-on-year turnover growth for the past three years, while also showing evidence of innovation, leadership, and adaptability. Judges will seek proof of how growth has been achieved responsibly and positioned for long-term success. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Growth 

2. Defined Values and Mission 

3. Financial Growth and Strategic Investment

4. Managerial Leadership and Vision

5. Innovation in Product or Service

Sponsored By RWE

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate meaningful and measurable contributions to the community, responding to challenges with innovation and adaptability. This award celebrates organizations that have taken proactive steps—such as adjusting products/services to meet community needs or mobilizing resources and teams to support local initiatives. Judges will consider both current actions and achievements within the last six months, as well as long-term plans for sustained impact. 

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Community Benefit

2. Focus on Local Community Engagement

3. Defined Values and Mission 

4. Long-Term Impact and Vision Strategy 

5. Contribution to the wider business community

Judges will be looking for dynamic new businesses (less than three years old at the application closing date) that demonstrates strong early financial activity, clear purpose, and a foundation for sustainable growth. The winner will showcase evidence of inward investment, increased turnover, or acceleration toward profitability, alongside innovation and leadership that set the business apart in its sector.

Entry evidence required – each point 20%. 

1. Leveraging Core Strengths for Success 

2. Defined values and mission

3. Managerial Leadership and Vision 

4. Forecasted Financial Growth and Investment 

5. Innovation in Product or Service 

Sponsored by Barclays 

This award celebrates the achievement of an individual or group which has played a transformative role in both their business and also in the wider business community. The winner’s achievements can be measured both in terms of the effect on the bottom line of the business, in an individual’s character as a leader in their chosen business field or a group’s overall impact. They are a person or group whose achievements have helped put Norfolk firmly on the map as an innovative and dynamic place to live and work. The Outstanding Achievement award is not just a look back over a career but also a look at the impact this business person or group is having both on the present and the future. 

This is a non-entry category.