The Growth Business of the Year award at the EDP Business Awards 2024 acknowledges the thriving local firms that have boosted their turnover across the past three years. David Sloman, senior associate at award sponsor Ashtons Legal, explains why he is excited to get to know Norfolk’s best growing businesses.
Can you tell us a bit about your business journey?
Having started out advising local businesses of all sizes and types, I’ve more recently carved out a specialism advising founders and emerging companies, effectively acting as an in-house lawyer providing practical and valued advice over a long period while they scale up and grow through to exits.
Why were you keen to get involved in the Business Awards?
The EDP Business Awards are a great way of bringing together and showcasing the diverse range of businesses which make Norfolk the fantastic and thriving county that it is.
We live and work here, so it is a pleasure to offer our support to fellow businesses in the area.
Have you ever been judged for an award yourself?
Ashtons are often nominated for awards across a number of sectors – a good few of which we were successful in winning. My advice when being judged: be honest.
Will you use that experience when judging this award?
This is my third year judging the Growth Business of the Year category, so I know what I am looking for and am well-versed in seeking out ‘blue sky thinking’ that entrants might have missed on their entry.
What have your previous experiences of judging been like?
Very positive. Having judged this category twice before, it was a brilliant opportunity to speak to a really diverse and interesting group of businesses, lots of which I am still in contact with.
What inspires you in business?
I’m inspired by the innovation and opportunities we have in this county. We have not only world-leading food and drink businesses and fantastic tourism, but also great innovation hubs at Akcela and Hethel.
What will you be looking for in the winner?
The business will need to have something special that differentiates it from its competitors. It will also need to demonstrate growth across all its operations.
What advice would you give to a business that’s considering entering?
Don’t hesitate to do so – the experience is invaluable and can lead to some fantastic opportunities and connections even if you don’t win the award on the night.
Entries for the EDP Business Awards close on July 28. To enter, please visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk
Award criteria
Businesses entering this category must have achieved a minimum of 20pc year-on-year financial growth (turnover) for the past three years.
The judges are also looking for growth in market share, as well as a business that has evidence of a growth in customers and/or employees.
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