EDP Business Awards
Today the finalists who will compete for honours in the 2008 EDP Business Awards can be revealed.
Since the close of entries for this year's competition in May, the judges have been weighing the merits of each candidate in a year of entries of the highest quality.
They have paid site visits, talked to businesses, tried to learn about what makes the entrants stand out - and why they should win one of the EDP's prestigious awards.
The judges have selected three finalists in each of the 10 categories. Some names appear in more than one list of finalists - a tribute to their all-round performance. Some are start-up businesses. Some are the region's best known brands.
The winner in each category will be announced at the EDP Business Awards black tie gala event, held in association with Porsche Centre Norwich, at the Holiday Inn Norwich Airport on October 17.
That night will also see one of the finalists named business of the year - the ultimate award, sponsored by Barclays.
Now in its 19th year, the EDP Business Awards remains the centrepiece of the East Anglian corporate calendar.
With the unveiling of the finalists, the stakes have been raised. The question now is: who will rise to the final challenge?
Eastern Daily Press Business Awards sponsors: Barclays Commercial and Porsche Centre Norwich
BEST INDUSTRY/EDUCATION LINK
Sponsor: The Exchange
Holkham Estate & Alderman Peel High School: A powerful partnership has developed through real commitment by teachers and pupils from Alderman Peel High School at Wells and staff at Holkham Estate. Students who want to pursue land-based careers can now learn practical skills at Holkham on an NVQ course which has been jointly set up and is validated by Easton College. Work-related learning, work experience placements, countryside walks, leisure and tourism training, a gardening club and joint marketing are all part of a “friendship and genuine working relationship” which benefits both partners as they access one another's skills and expertise. As the school puts it, “Holkham really makes things happen for us”.
Macklow Engineering & Langley School: Clever thinking and bags of energy have created a highly impressive partnership between Langley School and Salhouse-based Macklow Engineering. Keen to diversify its product portfolio and transform its operation from two-dimensional to three-dimensional design, Macklow Engineering has been working closely with staff and students. The school is rising to real product design challenges from an industrial 'client' and students are able to visit and gain work experience in Macklow's workshops, seeing the manufacturing process at first-hand. Pooling information, nurturing new ideas and taking giant technological leaps forward together are all part of a link which both parties agree is “creating a real buzz”.
National Express & Wymondham High School: Electric doors that open and shut unpredictably between train carriages were the subject of an unusual challenge for sixth-formers from Wymondham High School. Local rail operator National Express asked the youngsters to come up with much more reliable design under the Education Engineering Scheme. Their clever prototype, costing only £100, is now being trialled and could even be rolled out across railway carriages nationally if successful. Students and rail staff alike say the partnership has already been “hugely enjoyable” and created real friendships. They are now hoping to expand the link to other parts of the school and the business.
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Sponsor: Shaping Norfolk's Future
Findafashion: Tucked away in rural Blofield, Findafashion has found a niche in the lesiure-wear trade that would be any football fan's dream. While clubs themselves produce often clunky and none-too-flattering replica strips for the fans, Findafashion has capitalised by collaborating with clubs to use their logos and badges to produce quality fashion wear, particularly for the women's and children's market - not just on match days. The firm's first and biggest customer is Manchester United, with merchandise flying off the shelves at both the Red Devils' Old Trafford superstore and its latest global outlet in Macau, and it now does business with every Premiership and most Championship clubs - including the Canaries.
Polar Composites: Mechanical engineer Mike Harris promised himself he would be running his own business by the time he was 30 - and made it by just two days when he set up carbon fibre composites firm Polar Composites at Suton, near Wymondham. Mike remortgaged his home to help finance the business and is now beginning to reap the rewards as his young company moves from strength to strength, offering design, consultancy and production in the fast-growing carbon fibre industry where lightness combined with strength is the watchword. Mike now employs 10 people, manufacturing everything from Formula One components to skateboards to a new design for cricket helmets.
3SUN: Gorleston-based 3Sun may be new kids on the offshore block, but its main players have a lifetime of hands-on experience in the cornerstone Norfolk industry. The firm provides hi-tech control systems that give operators in the oil, gas, petrochemicals and other industries the minute-by-minute data they need to monitor and measure the performance of their multi-million pound gear. Often it is under the sea or at a remote desert location, where wireless technology comes into its own. The company employs six staff with up to 40 contractors on its books and is currently working hard with Lowestoft College to provide courses to fill the skills gap and establish industry-wide qualifications. The hallmark of the firm is supporting local suppliers and collaborating with other local companies whenever possible.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Sponsor: Howes Percival Solictors
Bakers & Larners of Holt: Bakers & Larners of Holt is a name associated with north Norfolk, having been established more than 275 years ago. But it is in more recent times that the company has seen accelerated and astute expansion. The group now consists of a department store, three builders' merchants and, in 2007, it acquired the Budgens supermarket in Holt. As a result, the group now has a turnover of more than £20m and employs 235 staff. This year has also seen a 2,000sq ft extension to the Larners grocery store and expansion of the award-winning delicatessen. The management team is committed to further developing the business in the near future, including growing its international online sales.
E-Tech Group: E-Tech is a Norfolk success story that operates globally. Created when 'four men walked into a Yarmouth bar' in 1994, the business has gone from a £19,000 turnover in year one to a projected £19m in 2008, growth achieved organically and by mergers and acquisitions. The company's tagline 'total solutions - worldwide' tells the story. E-Tech operates in offshore oil and gas, commercial marine, onshore petrochemicals, maritime defence, luxury super yachts and renewables in locations as diverse as Malaysia and Tyneside, dealing with all aspects of electrical and mechanical engineering and the supply of cables and electrical equipment. It is one of the first companies to see the opportunity of offshore oil in Ghana. E-Tech's key to success has been its willingness to diversify, to not allow Norfolk geography to prevent its impressive expansion and, crucially, to provide a one-stop supply chain.
Milltech Precision Engineering: Since being a finalist in this category last year, Milltech has continued its impressive growth, with sales up by 30pc on 2007 and profit 45pc higher. The business has also extended premises by another 5,000sq ft to accommodate more staff and new equipment. The result of a management buy out four years ago, Milltech's success is based on allying traditional values to modern business thinking and entrepreneurialism with technical skills. They are innovative in a sector that is losing ground to lower-cost economies, even developing new manufacturing equipment themselves, but they also prove their commitment to the long-term by investing in apprenticeships.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Sponsor: Targetfollow, Business in the Community
Anglia Funeral Services: Anglia Funeral Services has 17 branches throughout East Anglia. It sponsors numerous community events and provides free use of meeting rooms for voluntary sector organisations. An annual charity golf event last year raised nearly £5,500 for two charities and a fishing competition raised a further £1,000 for the Cromer Lifeboat. Four days a week, staff visit nursing homes across Norfolk to entertain residents with singalongs. In addition, they provide gardening help for nursing homes on a voluntary basis. They recently provided £12,000 a year for three years to fund a bus service in Halesworth which had been axed by Suffolk County Council. The service is unique as it stopped at local doctor's surgeries, hospitals and supermarkets and was of real value to the elderly and young mothers.
Bayer CropScience: Bayer Crop Science manufactures herbicides and exports worldwide. It has developed a sustained community programme for several years, establishing good relationships with neighbours, businesses, education establishments and community groups. Bayer provides work placements, meeting rooms for community groups and a range of support for schools. Bayer is reducing its carbon footprint and all employees have been given four jute bags to save plastic carriers being used. They are also supplying the jute bags to schools. Staff fundraising has seen more than £16,000 donated to Quidenham Hospice.
Norfolk County Services: Norfolk County Services is a facilities management company based in Norfolk which makes a significant positive impact through its community investment strategy. In the past year, through its community fund, it has supported a diverse range of projects, from supplying plants for an environmental project to sailing lessons for disadvantaged children. NCS is a member of Norfolk Prohelp, which makes a significant impact providing pro bono professional support - recently providing HR support for west Norfolk Mind. It provides a wide range of support for local employability programmes. In partnership with Meridian East, NCS has developed the innovative “talent together” programme which supports people who want to work but face disadvantage in getting a job.
CUSTOMER CARE
Sponsor: Norwich and Peterborough Building Society
Hilltop Outdoor Centre: Hilltop Outdoor Centre at Sheringham offers outdoor training and events for businesses, colleges, schools and clubs. Customer service has been at the core of the company's ethos since it was established 20 years ago, and with a consistent repeat booking business of an astounding 90pc, it obviously works. Feedback is obtained from every customer, shared with the entire team - from cleaners to management - and acted upon. From the small touches, such as a birthday cake for a child celebrating away from home, to the bigger initiatives, such as adapting activities to create tailored alternatives for disabled visitors, Hilltop always strives to go above and beyond expectations.
Kitchens Etc: Family-run Kitchens Etc has been selling bespoke, individually designed kitchens since 1987. Based at North Creake, the company has customer service firmly at the centre of everything it does. Run by Mick and Linda Murphy and daughter Natalie, Kitchens Etc concentrates on the end result of the buying process, not the beginning. A customer may end up with a kitchen costing less than planned, but find it meets all of their requirements, and more. The team plans to send a feedback form to every customer who has not contacted them within one month of the completion of their kitchen, but they have not yet had to issue one in 2008. Every customer has proactively written to express their gratitude - an astounding achievement.
Mobility Independence: Based in Gorleston High Street, Mobility Independence sells medical and mobility products, from walking canes to electric scooters and chairs. With the majority of customers either elderly or suffering from medical conditions, Nick Pegge is passionate about providing a service that differentiates itself from the often negative impressions of salesmen preying on the vulnerable. Nick consistently exceeds customer expectations. There is no charge for call outs, regardless of the problem, and he often refers customers to charities which may be able to offer assistance, rather than making a sale. With customers often popping in for a cup of tea and some company, Mobility Independence is more than just a shop, it is a valued part of the community.
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Sponsor: Bidwells
Cinema City: Cinema City has undertaken a highly successful redevelopment project. In doing so they have been able to retain all of the charm and character of a Grade I listed building, but with the introduction of modern and complementary design which provide much improved and more comfortable facilities for cinema-goers. Available space has been used imaginatively to create two additional cinema screen areas, three in total, and a very pleasant sitting room for pre-movie relaxation. High consideration has been given to the Disability Discrimination Act with excellent accessibility being achieved despite the challenging working environment. The adjacent building, Suckling House, provides a spectacular setting for the restaurant and bar area, and the courtyard allows open air eating in picturesque surroundings.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes Visitor Centre: The Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes Visitor Centre uses an extensive range of sustainable features and materials to reduce the environmental impact of the new building on its surroundings. These include a wind turbine, ground source heat pump and solar thermal collectors. The facility provides Cley with a valuable community resource and visitors with an inspiring building from which they can enjoy and learn about this unique and beautiful environment. The building improvements are intended to enhance the nature conservation and recreation of the area and to promote sustainable rural tourism throughout the year.
Norwich Theatre Royal: The new Theatre Royal completed a significant modernisation in November 2007. High levels of consultation were undertaken with existing audiences and the transformation of the theatre's auditorium and front of house areas ensures exceptionally high standards and the finest facilities for theatre-goers. The redevelopment provides greater circulation space, improved access and facilities; external balconies and enhanced ventilation and acoustics. The achievement of greater legroom, without a reduction in available seats, has been well received and the theatre now commands all the style and grace that you would associate with one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE INITIATIVE
Sponsor: Grant Thornton
Glue4 Technologies Ltd/Proxama: Dr Neil Garner started this new technology business three years ago and now employs 13 people in Norwich. The client list includes Sky, Mastercard, Tesco, BT, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Virgin. The latest product launch involves a tap-and-go system allowing consumers to purchase and download items via their mobile phone by simply tapping their phone against a special poster. Recently, the company has been acquired by American Banknote, which is the producer of all banknotes and stamps in the United States. American Banknote produces two billion cards per year throughout the world and is keen to use Glue4/Proxama as a research and development capability.
Howards Group: From its base in Yarmouth, Chris Mitchell and Ian Miller have grown Howards to be a multi-faceted property and professional services business. It is the largest independent estate agency in Norfolk and north Suffolk and, through its other divisions, also has offices in London and Edinburgh. Howards Group is a key contractor to the Department for Communities and Local Government, having been instrumental in the development of the affordable homes sector. Although the estate agency business in the UK is under pressure, Howards use clever technology to create a better service for house sellers and buyers. A new web based Hip service is also used by other agents, and their client base includes both public sector and private clients in London and other parts of the UK. They are also the largest holder of Halifax banking franchises in the UK, helping local homebuyers to obtain funds.
Milltech Precision Engineering: The company is a specialist precision sub-contracting and assembly business, based on the Rackheath Industrial Estate near Norwich. Since a management buy-out in 2004, Mike Ottolangui and his team of Bernard Smith and Darren Osborne have developed Milltech Precision Engineering Ltd. The business has grown rapidly, exceeding its five-year growth plan in just two years. Milltech is a keen provider of apprenticeship training and five of the existing 30 staff are currently going through apprenticeship training. The company concentrates on state of the art manufacturing techniques, specialising in high quality, low volume, short lead-time precision engineering work. Profit has doubled in the last year.
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Sponsor: May Gurney
Bewilderwood: A wonderful outdoor playground that brings children and adults closer to the natural environment in a forgotten area of broad. Designed to have a light environmental touch, Bewilderwood, near Hoveton, carries the sustainable approach through every level of the organisation. It now embraces what the owners call a “holistic environmentalism” with the business looking at every potential environmental impact, from internal developments through to its suppliers and visitors. Waste is recycled and there is zero litter among the attractions beneath a canopy of trees. The whole environment, in an area that was a previously unmanaged landscape, is carefully monitored. But above all, this is a place that knows how to have good, green fun.
Deepdale Farm: A farm that has diversified into opening a backpacker hostel, campsite, visitor information centre and a number of stores at Burnham Deepdale, it is a centre that has not been afraid to be innovative and experimental in setting its environmental goals. Efficient in the way it produces and uses energy, it has a genuine “reduce, re-use and recycle” approach as well as maintaining effective stewardship of the countryside. Significantly, it spreads that environmental philosophy, encouraging neighbours, shop tenants, suppliers and visitors to adopt a similar approach. Its guests like it too, with high bed occupancy and repeat visits.
University of East Anglia: Established as a world leader in environmental research and climate change, the University of East Anglia understands all too clearly that it also has a responsibility to set and lead the environmental agenda closer to home. It has balanced its inheritance of listed but energy-inefficient 1960s structures in a rural location with innovative new buildings, a planned ground-breaking bio-mass energy generation plant and green transport strategy, as well as encouraging thousands of students to “buy into” the green philosophy. The UEA has placed the environment and sustainability at the heart of its business and seen its carbon emissions plummet as it heads towards being a truly low carbon campus.
STAFF CARE
Sponsor: Learning and Skills Council
Norfolk County Services: Norfolk County Services is a Norfolk-based facilities management company trading across the East of England and employing more than 4,000 staff. The majority of jobs are semi- or unskilled, with many staff having low levels of literacy and numeracy. This stifled aspirations for their development and promotion opportunities. By making learning fun, and involving families with events such as bicycle maintenance and digital photography, staff became confident to move on to learning for formal qualifications. By early 2008 more than 1,100 staff have taken on some extra learning, which has resulted in real business benefits such as lower staff turnover and higher staff satisfaction.
NWES: NWES is a private company limited by guarantee and registered with the DTI as an enterprise agency providing advice, training, finance and managed workspace to start up and existing businesses.A crucial event for the organisation is their annual strategy week. All 60 staff contribute in sessions on operational improvements and strategic direction. Although this is a huge investment in staff time and company money, both the improvements in organisation and staff ownership of the company strategy and objectives are very apparent. The social side of working for NWES is important and is reflected through subsidised trips such as visiting the pantomime, horse racing, curry nights, and fully funded Christmas meals. NWES believe employment should be fun and rewarding.
Tribe: There is a strong emphasis on individual and professional development at Tribe (formerly Band & Brown Communications) with personal training and development plans, group training sessions and support from internal and external HR advisors. The annual away day is a lively exchange of ideas where all play a role in agency direction. They have introduced 360 degree appraisals for senior managers, flexible working and job sharing. Striving to make the working environment fun and healthy, they signed up for 'Fit for Business', cook healthy team lunches and use their meeting room for taster dance sessions! At monthly meetings they share successes and celebrate special events with cards, gifts and trips.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR
Sponsor: Norfolk County Council
Albatross Villas: Former Norwich School pupil Charlie Webster, 22, has made remarkable progress in life since suffering a serious illness which meant he had to abandon his degree at Brighton University. During his recuperation, he helped rent out his parents' villa in Portugal, placing adverts and taking bookings. Success here led to more properties being added to the portfolio and he built a small website to advertise them. Albatross Villas was born. Progress since then has been amazing. He now handles the rentals for 40 properties on Portugal's Silver Coast, and has moved into sales. Charlie also has a consultancy service, buying land and building villas to customers' requirements. In its first 18 months, Albatross Villas turned over about £350,000 and made net profits of some £200,000.
Passion Automotive: Simon Doidge certainly showed entrepreneurial flair early, starting at the age of 10 to buy and sell computer games through the local paper. While still at school he progressed to BMX bikes, golf clubs and computer games consoles, getting up at 6am to cycle to the shop and get the paper so he could grab the bargains before anyone else. The Ebay phenomenon allowed him to expand his activities, and his enthusiasm for selling and careful planning and hard work enabled him not only to finance his studies at Loughborough University but also emerge with a profit, rather than a student debt, and a first-class degree. Now aged 24, he sells car parts through his Yarmouth-based business Passion Automotive, which has its own website and a shop within Ebay. The business now has five staff, handles 1,500 orders a week and has an annual turnover of more than £1m.
Polarelle: UEA postgraduate students Kate Thodey and Rita Lei have come up with an idea for a better hair straightener, adapting a heating and cooling device used in laboratories for scientific research. Polarelle's straighteners and curling tongs use heat to style hair, like conventional appliances, but the key innovation lies in cooling the hair as it exits the device. This ensures the hairstyle is firmly set and allows rapid styling at a lower, safer level of heat. They are currently working on a prototype but the idea has already attracted grants and won them a UEA business concepts competition. Considerable progress has been made in researching the market and in creating marketing material.
28 August 2008
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