Ben Weaver wins Norfolk Business Awards Director of the Year

Outlook Publishing is an international media and marketing company delivering content through digital publications, websites, social media channels, bespoke corporate brochures and company reports.

The brand publishes global business titles including Africa Outlook, EME Outlook, APAC Outlook, North America Outlook, Mining Outlook and Outlook Travel Magazine.

Key business sectors including construction, energy and utilities, finance, food and drink, healthcare, manufacturing, mining and resources, oil and gas, retail, shipping and logistics, technology, and transport are all catered for amongst its profile.

CEO Ben Weaver won the Director of the Year award, sponsored by FRP Advisory, at the Norfolk Business Awards 2022.

“Winning Director of the Year felt like the hard work myself and my team have been putting in over the past 10 years – and especially since Covid – was finally recognised and rewarded,” says Ben. “It was a surprise victory, but nonetheless we feel it was deserved and the whole team were happy to receive the award.

“Initially, we were in shock at the win – but once that settled, we decided to let our hair down and enjoy the event, making the most of the bar and dancing until the end of the night!”

Throughout the judging process, Ben always said that everything Outlook Publishing does is a team effort.

“Despite this being an individual award, it represents much, much more than that,” says Ben. “We are one big team all pulling in the same direction and we base our whole approach on being one of the best places to work in Norwich.

“Some people don’t like to use the word ‘family’ when describing how a business operates, but everyone who works here would agree that Outlook Publishing is one big, successful and happy family. Having that togetherness helps us ride the ups and downs which all businesses inevitably face.”

Outlook Publishing is an international media and marketing company. (Image: Blue Space / Outlook Publishing)

As CEO, Ben says that his role has become more strategic, which has seen him move away from his natural habitat: the sales floor.

“Getting in the trenches every so often gives me the opportunity to get the lay of the land and feel the pulse of the operation,” he says. “I spend time walking the floor and doing my rounds, which involves speaking to individuals and heads of departments daily.”

In the current economic climate, Ben stresses the importance of strategising and organisation.

“In uncertain times such as these, I believe business owners need to have a calm and measured approach to their operations,” he says. “Being proactive and getting ahead of any possible negative situations is key. If you don’t have a plan, you need to be reactive – and the chances are you’re already a little too late to the party.”

Ben and his team are always looking for ways to expand, and the next few years will see this accelerate even more.

“We are looking to launch new products and revenue streams,” Ben says. “Naturally, in line with this, the team will grow. We’ve gone from nine staff when we opened our doors to 60, and I can see us increasing our workforce by another 10 to 15 this year alone.

“Outlook Publishing has gone from strength to strength over the 10 years we have been in business, and we are confident the next 10 years will be equally as successful,” Ben says. “It hasn’t all been a bed of roses, but how we’ve dealt with struggles or unavoidable circumstances has stood us apart – and will continue to do so.

“At Outlook, our mindset is to never settle.”

For more information, please visit www.outlookpublishing.com