In just over a week, the winners of the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2023 will be revealed.

The awards ceremony, held at the Norfolk Events Centre at Norfolk Showground, Norwich on Thursday, November 23, is the highlight of our county’s business calendar – and the Medium Business of the Year is one of the most hotly-contested categories.

Medium-sized businesses make an invaluable contribution to the Norfolk economy in terms of revenue generation and job creation – and for sponsor Howden, leadership and entrepreneurship are two of the most important aspects of the category criteria.

“Business leadership and entrepreneurship form the backbone of our business, and as an employee-owned company, we wholeheartedly endorse fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within our own ranks,” said James Monkhouse, commercial director at Howdens. 

“We take immense pride in sponsoring this particular award, as it perfectly aligns with our company culture and values.”

Eastern Daily Press: James Monkhouse, commercial director at HowdenJames Monkhouse, commercial director at Howden (Image: Howden)
A clear sense of mission and values that resonate internally and externally is also important for successful medium-sized businesses.

“Defining a business’s values and mission is crucial because it ensures clarity both for the internal team and external stakeholders,” said Mr Monkhouse. “It’s vital for everyone involved, including employees and clients, to grasp the core values and culture of the business. 

“At Howden, we strongly advocate for our employee owned and people-first culture, which significantly enhances the wellbeing of our staff and enriches the experience of our clients. 

“Clearly defined values and a well-articulated mission create a cohesive and positive environment, benefitting both those working within the company and those engaging with its services.”

These attributes were clearly demonstrated by the finalists of the Medium Business of the Year category: Great Yarmouth-based sonar equipment company GeoAcoustics; JPSE, a steel manufacturer based in Bracon Ash; estate agent Minors & Brady, which has five offices across Norfolk and Suffolk; and Norwich-based Opergy Group, a collection of companies focused on supporting business growth across various clean energy and energy transition sectors.

There’s not long to wait to find out which of these exceptional businesses will take the title. 

“The increased publicity resulting from this achievement will serve as a valuable catalyst for future growth and development, propelling the business to new heights,” said Mr Monkhouse.

For more information on the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2023, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk

About the sponsor

Howden comprises a team of skilled insurance professionals committed to delivering exceptional results for its clients, while fostering their growth. 

As a company owned by its employees, Howden’s clients’ achievements directly reflect its own success. 

For Howden, it’s not just a profession; it’s a passion. Employees genuinely care about each client and focus on building lasting, meaningful relationships. 

Howden’s dedication is unwavering, geared towards creating a business that instils pride in everyone involved.