Aquaterra Energy claimed the Norfolk Business of the Year award, sponsored by Barclays, at the Norfolk Business Awards 2022. 

The Norwich-based company, which provides equipment and solutions to the global offshore energy industry, also won the Environmental and Sustainability Award, sponsored by Norse Group.

The judges felt Aquaterra Energy was a worthy winner of Norfolk Business of the Year due to its worldwide reach and influence as a leading supplier to the offshore oil and gas sector.

They said the business is “heavily supporting energy transition” by helping its clients drive efficient and sustainable offshore operations from drilling and field development to decommissioning, renewable wind and hydrogen projects, as well as carbon capture and storage.

The judges commended the “intelligent thinking” that is at the heart of the company’s operation, including the understanding that every customer is different and the need to adapt the approach to deliver the right solutions at the right time, every time. 

Leveraging its significant research and development in industrial scale hydrogen generation, in September the company signed a joint venture to develop the world’s largest offshore floating wind and green hydrogen production project in Italian waters. 

With 90pc of a growing revenue generated outside the UK, but 90pc of its staff based in its Norwich headquarters, the company is significantly contributing to both the local and national economies.

All this and it still has time for office “Dog Day” on a Friday!

“It’s fantastic to be recognised as Norfolk Business of Year,” said Louise Thompson, marketing director for Aquaterra.“We’ve worked hard over the last few years to grow our business; from people and operational footprint, to launching our renewables division and supporting offshore energy decarbonisation. This is a testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment, and something the entire team can be proud of.”

Louise added that the firm has “an ambitious growth plan and targets” for the next few years.

“We’ll be looking to further expand our geographical footprint as we support even more customers globally, add to our already fantastic team, launch new product innovations to support the energy transition, and support the world on its path to net zero,” she said.

About the sponsor

Barclays is a British universal bank. It is diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography.  

Its businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by a service company that provides technology, operations and functional services across the group. 

The finalists

AVANT Tecno UK

Headquartered in Bridgeham, near Thetford, AVANT Tecno UK is a family-owned business that manufactures compact multipurpose loaders at its plant in Finland.

The judges felt the business demonstrates very clearly the growth theme of this year’s awards, having doubled its turnover in the last three years, but also growth in the development of its people. 

Potters Resorts 

Potters Resorts offers the UK’s only all-inclusive short breaks at its sites in Hopton-on-Sea and Maldon, Essex. 

The judges said that this fourth-generation, family-owned business has been at the top of its game for so many years, but continues to innovate and stretch its brand into new areas – clearly evident through its record-breaking forward bookings for 2023.