Short-list announced for Mid Suffolk and Babergh 2020 Innovation Awards
Businesses from across Mid Suffolk and Babergh have been short-listed in the first business Innovation Awards.
The awards recognise and celebrate organisations which are thinking outside the box and finding new ways to reach customers, become more sustainable or grow.
The winners of the 11 categories will be announced during a virtual event on November 3. The event, which is free to attend, will include speed networking, workshops on small business finance, advice for start-ups and international trade.
The ceremony will be hosted by Paul Graham with the keynote speech delivered by Thea Goodluck, Tech Nation’s East of England entrepreneur engagement manager.
There are awards for sustainability, food, healthcare, construction, as well as for innovation on the high street, in SMEs and micro-businesses.
Chloe Davis and Sophie Tapscott from The Mix, Ellis Heighes from Queue Technology Ltd and Piers Brady from Orbital Media have been nominated for the Rising Star Award, which celebrates the region's young innovators aged 16-25.
The winners will receive a prize contributed by the category sponsor including a cash grant, bespoke professional advice, support, or training.
Sponsors of the 2020 Innovation Awards include, Orbital Media, EO Charging, Larking Gowen, West Suffolk College, Scrutton Bland, the University of Suffolk, Central Suffolk Chamber, Norse, Business Growth Coaches Network Ltd and Hudson Group.
The awards were judged by a panel including: Tim Robinson (TechEast), Justine Paul (Suffolk Market Events), Prof Gurpreet Jagpal (University of Suffolk) and Julian Munson (NALEP), as well as councillors Michael Holt and Gerard Brewster from Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council.
Cllr Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Despite the impact of Covid-19, we felt it was even more important to recognise the incredible innovation taking place in our districts. Our original plans were to hold a black-tie event; however, we are pleased to lead by example by hosting the awards virtually.”
Cllr Michael Holt, Babergh cabinet member for economic growth, said: “All the judges were impressed by the high standard of all the entries for our first ever Innovation Awards. The variety and quality of each nomination is testament to the forward-looking businesses we have in Babergh and Mid Suffolk and I wish everyone on the shortlist the very best of luck.”
For more infomration or to book a ticket, go to: www.Babergh.gov.uk/innovationawards or www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/innovationawards
2020 Innovation Awards short-list:
Shooting star – most innovative company
Dough&Co Woodfired Pizza
Halo Service Solutions
Personal Training Centre
Rising star – young innovator of the year
Chloe Davis and Sophie Tapscott @ The Mix
Ellis Heighes @ Queue Technology Ltd
Piers Brady @ Orbital Media
Tomorrow’s world – innovation in future technology
Acorn Bots Ltd
CAP Certified Ltd
Halo Service Solutions
Innovation in customer service
Andrew's Quality Butchers
Shotley Premier Stores and Post Office
West View IT Limited
High Street innovation
Battleburys at the Kings Head
Duck In Boots
Ferguson’s Deli
Innovation in sustainability
Carbon Charter – Groundwork East
Challs International Ltd
Modece Architects Ltd
Innovation in healthcare
Guided Innovation
Gymophobics, Sudbury
Personal Training Centre
Future food – future in sustainable food technologies
Acorn bots Ltd
Applewood Acres Market Garden
Yum Yum Tree Fudge
Innovation in construction
Gorniak and Mckechnie Ltd Architects and Designers
Modece Architects Ltd
Most innovative micro business
AVW Controls Ltd
EO Escape Rooms Ltd
Modece Architects Ltd
Most innovative SME
Challs International Ltd
Halo Service Solutions
Orbital Media
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