There is less than a week left to enter the EDP Business Awards 2024, so if you think your business has what it takes to be recognised as one of the best in the county, now is your last chance to make it happen!

Entry remains open until Sunday, July 28 and after that the judging process will begin.

There are 10 varied categories available to enter, and businesses of all types and sizes are encouraged to apply. To find out more about the categories, please click here.

This year, the theme of the awards is sustainability, and the companies that best showcase their commitment to serving and enhancing the communities they operate in will be recognised at the glittering celebration awards evening on November 28 at the Norfolk Showground.

The EDP Business Awards 2024 would not be possible without the support of the headline sponsor, Barclays Corporate Banking, and the category sponsors. 

Here, we learn about the judging criteria for the Small Business of the Year category. 

Tom and Toto was 2023’s Small Business of the Year. Pictured left to right are Grace Betts and Victoria Penrose with Dane Hipkin, who presented the award, and Sarah Wright, Molly Mills and Anna Quinton from Tom and TotoTom and Toto was 2023’s Small Business of the Year. Pictured left to right are Grace Betts and Victoria Penrose with Dane Hipkin, who presented the award, and Sarah Wright, Molly Mills and Anna Quinton from Tom and Toto (Image: Matt Brasnett - I Do Photography)

Small Business of the Year

The Small Business of the Year award will be given to a local company with a turnover up to £1 million that can demonstrate all-round excellence in business.

Many of Norfolk’s small businesses are firmly embedded in their local communities, and finding something that sets them apart from the competition can be critical in ensuring continued growth in a marketplace.

Entrants will need to show the judges how they stand out among their competitors, as well as providing evidence of strong trading performance over the past 12 months, with specific examples of strategies that have driven business growth, and clear plans for the future.

The judging criteria for this award focuses on five key areas, the first of which is an understanding of environmental impact and a clear sustainability strategy. The theme for this year’s Business Awards is sustainability, so it’s essential to highlight your business’ commitment to this in your entry.

The judges will also be looking for evidence of business’ values and overall mission, their growth strategies and how they have innovated in either their products or services offered.

Finally, clear and demonstrated managerial leadership will help entrants to stand out to the judges.

The winner of last year’s Small Business of the Year award was Tom and Toto in Norwich, which was established in 2013 as a one-woman dog walking business and has grown into an award-winning pet care company that offers a range of services and products.

The judges said that owner Sarah Wright “has built a fantastic business borne out of her passion for working with animals” and “has clearly demonstrated her ability to nurture and inspire her team to provide an exceptional service to their clients”.

At last year’s awards ceremony, Sarah said: “Winning Small Business of the Year has given us a tremendous feeling of pride, validation and sense of achievement.

“The recognition from peers and the business community is also incredibly motivating for our future growth plans.”

Entries for the EDP Business Awards close on July 28. You can find out more about all the categories and enter at edpbusinessawards.co.uk

Categories

Small Business of the Year

Medium Business of the Year

Large Business of the Year – Sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants

Customer Excellence Award – Sponsored by Greater Anglia

Director of the Year

Employer of the Year

Environmental & Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Norse Group

Growth Business of the Year – Sponsored by Ashtons Legal

Positive Impact in the Community – Sponsored by RWE

Start Up of the Year

Outstanding Achievement Award – Sponsored by Barclays Corporate Banking

Norfolk Business of the Year – Sponsored by Barclays Corporate Banking