In these unprecedented times, many businesses across our region are demonstrating how adaptable they can be, responding to challenges, grasping new opportunities whilst ensuring staff are safe and supported.

The Suffolk and Norfolk Business Awards celebrate the exceptional work of the Norfolk and Suffolk business communities and we are proud to sponsor both the Suffolk and Norfolk Business Awards with our partners, Birketts.

This year we have chosen to adapt the award to recognise the impact COVID-19 has had on workplaces and their employees, and how our business communities are adapting with resilience and innovation.

For 2020, the Best Employer category has been renamed “Employer of the Year”.

The current working environment is ‘far from normal’ for most. We wanted to adapt this award to recognise organisations that have stood out during this period of change, recognising not only the organisation’s leadership but the willingness and flexibility of employees to adapt.

With many employees being asked to work differently, balancing care, compassion and commercialism is key to every organisation’s success. We will recognise employers that have supported, adapted, and involved employees to enable a team effort to tackle the challenges.

Jeanette Wheeler, partner at law firm Birketts said “This is the most challenging time that our employers will have ever faced. Sharing your organisation’s approach is not only a huge recognition for the whole team; your story will also inspire others to overcome challenges, both now and in the future. Employer of the Year in 2020 will be remembered for years to come and the award will be a proud appreciation and recognition for employers and employees alike.”

The awards provide the perfect opportunity to recognise employers who have supported, adapted and been innovative with their workforce throughout the crisis.

We are looking for businesses that are leading the way with employment best practice to care for their staff whilst continuing to fulfil their business needs. If this sounds like your business or the company you work for, make sure to enter the Employer of the Year Award.

To view the new criteria for the Employer of the Year award, and to enter, visit:

Suffolk Business Awards. Entries close on June 14. All being well, the awards will be presented at Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich.  

Norfolk Business Awards. Entries close on August 9. All being well, the awards will be presented at Norfolk Showground in Norwich.