It’s been another tricky year – but things are looking up.

And this year the Norfolk Business Awards will – once again – be held in person.

Challenges have continued to rain down on the business world. Not just the continued widespread disruption of Covid, but crises in energy, logistics and labour continue to impact on almost every sector.

At times like these it is more important than ever to celebrate success. So here is your chance to tell inspiring stories and recognise innovation – everything these awards have set out to do in their 30-year history.

Our 2021 awards shine a spotlight on the resilience, quality and excellence we have here in Norfolk - and the last 18 months have proved beyond doubt we have these attributes in abundance.

World-class firms, which can be an inspiration to others. Agile entrepreneurs, who have brilliantly adapted to volatile business conditions.

The award categories capture a diverse range of the region's business acumen.

Many congratulations to all our finalists, selected from hundreds of extremely strong entries. They should be so proud of what they've achieved.

This cohorts of finalists is the strongest I have ever seen. Incredible when we factor in the challenges everyone has faced.

Judges have been amazed at the quality, and this should give us confidence that Norfolk's business community will emerge from current difficulties stronger than ever. You are the engine room of the recovery.

The winners of our categories, including overall Business of the Year, will be crowned at a glittering awards night at Norfolk Showground on November 25.

Eastern Daily Press: Kanya King, founder of the MOBO Awards, is a guest speaker at the Norfolk Business Awards 2021Kanya King, founder of the MOBO Awards, is a guest speaker at the Norfolk Business Awards 2021 (Image: Kanya King)

We thank our headline sponsors Barclays along with all our category sponsors. Without them these awards simply would not happen.

We look forward to seeing you at the awards night when the special guest speakers will be Kanya King and television’s David Whiteley as host. See you all then!

Meet this year’s finalists:

Business Person of the Year

James Groves – Indigo Swan
Julie Hunt – Face to Face Finance
Christine Malcolm – The Maids Head Hotel
Sarah Mintey MBE – Developing Experts


Changing Lives Special Recognition Award

GH Hair Design
Norwich Theatre
Trinity Solutions
Yellow Brick Mortgages

Customer Excellence Award

Breakwater IT
R13 Recruitment
Scribe
Shred Station

Disruptor of the Year

Developing Experts
Iceni Diagnostics
Indigo Swan
Liftshare Group

Education in Business Award

Developing Experts
Face to Face Finance
Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support
Pure Physiotherapy

Employer of the Year

Cornwall Insight
Evander
Liftshare

Green Business of the Year

Deepdale Farms
Liftshare
Netmatters
Shred Station

Marketing Innovation Award

PlantGrow
Potters Resorts
Richardsons Leisure
ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure


Scale-Up Business of the Year


Bread Source
e-Pharmacy
Netmatters
Yellow Brick Mortgages

SME of the Year

Abel Homes
The CGM Group (East Anglia)
Cornwall Insight
Shred Station

Start-Up Business of the Year

Abode Construction
Bread Hospitality
Keeler Recruitment
Naturally Raw Pet Food