Four Norfolk organisations that aim to support the communities around them alongside their daily operations have been named as finalists in the Positive Impact in the Community category, sponsored by Vattenfall, at the EDP Business Awards 2023.
Read on to learn more about the work of these local enterprises.
Big C
Big C was founded over 40 years ago by David Moar MBE and Clive Bamford, who were having to endure long-distance travel for cancer treatment and vowed to improve the lives of others with a cancer diagnosis.
Today, Big C has raised over £40 million to support those in Norfolk affected by cancer. It has eight cancer support and information centres and hubs and hosts an online support centre.
The judges praised the “amazing” community work of Big C and said that “genuine passion oozes from the top down” in the charity. They added that it is “thinking innovatively” and ensuring it’s reaching out to all sectors of the community.
East Anglian Air Ambulance
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) in Norwich is a charity providing life-saving critical care 24-hours-a-day by air and road. It has attended over 30,000 lifesaving missions since its launch in 2000.
Its specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots bring advanced skills, equipment and medicine directly to patients in need across the East of England.
The judges called EAAA “outstanding on every front”, recognising its impact and its dedication to extending CPR training, which they said “is going to make a lasting legacy in this region”.
They also said that “the insistence in making sure everyone in the company is recognised demonstrates the excellent culture at play”.
Home Instead Norwich
Established in 2010 by Chris Carter and his wife Akie, Home Instead Norwich provides care that enables older people to remain living in their own homes, encouraging them to maintain their independence.
Services offered include companionship, home-help, personal care, live-in care and more specialised services such as dementia, Parkinson’s and end-of-life care.
The judges said Home Instead is “reaching out to not only improve life for people and their carers, but to advance this to improve accessibility for all older people and increase understanding in the community.”
They also commended the care organisation for the extent to which it has grown and invested.
NR Health and Fitness
NR Health and Fitness is a family business founded in 2017 which aims to make exercise accessible to all.
With roughly 8,000 members across its six Norfolk sites, the business is committed to creating a community where everyone feels welcome and empowered to achieve their fitness goals regardless of their ability, background or fitness level.
The judges recognised the “amazing energy” of NR Health and Fitness and said that it is “punching way over its weight in terms of making a positive impact”.
They commended its goal of improving access and inclusion to its fitness centres across local communities.
The winner of the Large Business of the Year award will be revealed at the EDP Business Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 23 at Norfolk Showground. For more information or to buy tickets, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk
To see the finalists in all categories, please click here.
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