Meet the EDP Business Awards' Business of the Year judge

Can you tell us a bit about your business journey?

I joined the UK Corporate Barclays team 19 years ago. The majority of my career has been spent looking after a portfolio of corporate clients, helping those businesses achieve their growth aspirations.

Why were you keen to get involved in the EDP Business Awards?

I am passionate about supporting businesses across Norfolk.

My career has been spent working with SME’s; collectively these businesses are significant employers in the region and drive our local economies.

What do you bring to the judging process?

I have had the privilege over my career of seeing inside hundreds of privately owned businesses. I bring a significant amount of experience in understanding and assessing different business models across all sectors.  

Have you ever been judged for an award yourself?

I would not use the term ‘judged’, but through my career my clients have made a choice to work with me based on my approach to their business.

For me the key has always been a transparent approach, showing a proactive interest in the business strategy and bringing new ideas to the table.

Will you use that experience when judging this award?

I intend to take a similar approach to judging to that I undertake when building relationships here at Barclays Corporate Banking. I want to understand the business strategy and how management is working to deliver the business’ plans.

Steven Brown, head of East Anglia at Barclays Corporate Banking (Image: Barclays Corporate Banking)

What have your previous experiences of judging been like?

I have judged for a number of business awards in recent years. It always impresses me to see how businesses evolve to meet their target market, whether that’s developing new products or new routes to market.

What inspires you in business?

I want to have a positive impact on the community I serve, to leave things better for future generations than they are today. In my current role, I see that as supporting growth, job creation and the transition to a greener economy.

Do you have any anecdotes of moments that changed your business strategy?

Perhaps not an anecdote, but I tend to adopt an approach of ‘never give up’ in my own personal strategy.

Persistence goes a long way in business. If we are prepared to challenge ourselves, more often than not the outcomes will be positive.

What are you looking for in the Business of the Year and Outstanding Achievement award winners?

Businesses that have the edge over their competition. Not just in their product, but also in their culture and their long-term strategy.

The recipient of the Outstanding Achievement award will be a business that has shown a track record of success over an extended period, evolving to meet the needs of the customers it serves and investing in its product and people.

The finalists for the EDP Business Awards 2024 will be announced on November 6 in the EDP. For more information, please visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk