South Norfolk and Broadland Business Awards 2022

The event, which is now in its third year, took place at Norwich City Football Club with Fosters again headline sponsors of the awards, as well as supporting the two Retailer of the Year categories.

Fosters’ Head of Business & Commercial, Jamie Arnall commented: “Huge congratulations to all the winners, as well as the category finalists and those shortlisted. We have been delighted to have the opportunity of supporting the awards since they began in 2019, as it provides us the opportunity of meeting the wider Norfolk business community, and celebrating the wealth of talent and innovation we have in our region.

“Thank you also to our partners at South Norfolk Council, Broadland District Council and Norwich City Football Club for organising and hosting the evening.”

There were 12 category award winners at the event.

Business Growth – sponsored by Big Sky Living

Winner: Lisa Angel

Originally a home-based business, Lisa Angel was founded in 2004 and now boasts two retail outlets and a global online presence. Despite a difficult couple of years, the company has managed to expand their high street presence, explore new lines and increased their online offering.

Our judges were impressed that despite the organisations size, it still retains a strong family feel. They have continued to invest in their staff and have a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and what they need to do to continue to grow.

Finalists: Norwich Orthodontics Laboratory, Rehook

Business Innovation – sponsored by Panel Graphic

Winner: BraveGoose Ltd

BraveGoose is a human resources company with a difference. CleverGoose is the name of the money saving software solution that our winners have devised to help small to medium businesses deal with HR headaches.

Our judges were particularly impressed with the way the owners have exploited this gap in the market.

Finalists: Rehook, Superior Garden Buildings

Business in the Community – sponsored by InTouch Systems

Winner: Thurlton Community Shop

A fantastic example of a community coming together to save its village store. Staffed by over 40 volunteers, the Thurlton Community Shop is a hub for local produce, a café, and a meeting space for the whole community. Any profits made by the store fund local groups and activities.

The judges were impressed with the wide range of skills and the care afforded into the community. It’s a lifeline to many and the heart of the community.

Highly Commended: ACE (Action Community Enterprises) CIC for their work educating and training vulnerable adults.

Finalist: The Pennoyer Centre

Business Resilience – sponsored by Mirus

Winner: SNAP

SNAP’s smart payment system is revolutionising the haulage sector in the UK and across Europe, by making life easier for drivers and operators.

Their strong business model impressed the judges, as did their broad array of services and digital platform that enabled resilience during the pandemic as well as significant growth.

Highly Commended: The Wildebeest for the way it quickly adapted during the pandemic to offer a click and collect service that helped gain new customers.

Finalist: River Green Restaurant

Environmental Impact – sponsored by University of East Anglia

Winner: One Planet Pizza

Setting the standard for sustainability and reducing environmental impact, One Planet Pizza is another home-based business that has grown to prominence since it started in 2016.

Judges felt that the founders’ ethos had been clearly embedded throughout the whole company, from their choice of suppliers, to how they reuse and recycle and the design of their packaging.

Finalists: Bee Green Laundry, Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park

International Business Growth – sponsored by Hethel Innovation

Winner: Midwich

Based in Diss since 1986, the Midwich Group is the UK’s leading trade only AV solutions supplier.

Internationally, the company has demonstrated strong sustainable growth and the judges were impressed with its clear plans to become a market leader in the sector across the world.

Finalist: SNAP

New Business – sponsored by CNC Building Control

Winner: Intwood Farm

Opened in March 2020, Intwood Farm is a family-run business set in a converted dairy. The farm shop supplies high quality meat and food products, much of which is home produced.

The family has worked together to achieve a successful new business, now employing local butchers, office and front of house staff and has ambitious plans for growth, all of which really impressed our judges.

Highly Commended: Doggy Paddle Norwich for building a successful new business, through an incredibly challenging time. Offering customers the opportunity to swim with their dogs and additional hydrotherapy services.

Finalist: The Crime Lab

Outstanding Employer – sponsored by Jarrold Training

Winner: Face to Face Finance

Face to Face Finance are truly independent financial advisors who show a real passion for engaging and developing their staff.

Judges heard personal testaments which echoed the focus on work life balance. From apprentices to more experienced members, they said this company feels like ‘the’ place to be.

Finalists: Big C, ML Financial Associates

Visitor Experience – sponsored by Adnams

Winner: ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure

At over 85 acres, ROARR! is the UK’s largest dinosaur themed adventure park and attracts huge and growing visitor numbers, thanks to considerable recent investment and development.

The judges were particularly impressed with the strong storytelling and educational content, making it suitable now for visits in all weathers.

Finalists: Broadland Charters, Wymondham Alpacas

Working Together – sponsored by Pasta Foods

Winner: White House Farm

White House Farm is a thriving business based on a collaborative and community approach. The wide range of on-site businesses around a central farm shop all work together to help each other grow and prosper.

The judges liked the engaging and supportive style that has given all businesses the opportunity to flourish through mutual support.

Finalists: ACE (Action Community Enterprises) CIC, Centre Paws Pet Spa

Broadland Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Fosters Solicitors

Winner: Thorpe Plant Centre

Our judges were really impressed by the way the plants presented were unlike any they had seen. Despite a small space they found a solution to encourage customers to dive into their secret world – plus the gift shop displays were worthy of any high street retailer!

Thorpe Plant Centre was truly amazing and a real hidden gem.

Finalists: Aylsham Garden Centre, Balloons & Bakes

South Norfolk Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Fosters Solicitors

Winner: Little Boutique

Little Boutique is an example of how a business can react to an everchanging market. With an eclectic mix of jewellery and gift items and a clever till linked to its website, this store is bucking the trend and attracting new customers all the time, both in shop and online.

Judges were very impressed with the dedication and constant attention to developing new product lines.

Highly Commended: Wymondham Garden Centre for its passionate staff, diverse product range, restaurant and clear strategy for growth.

Finalist: Our Slice of Country Life