A ‘port in the storm’ of the rough economic recovery

Despite the challenging economic environment for Suffolk business, entrepreneurism, innovation and excellence took centre stage in the north of the county last week.

Hard working businesses that are succeeding at a time of sustained low growth came together in Lowestoft and Waveney to recognise outstanding individuals and business at the Chamber of Commerce annual awards.

Winners of the awards included Starfrost (UK) Ltd, Gaoh Energy, Ange and Co and Aqua Blast.

“Recognising outstanding people and businesses in the great town of Lowestoft and applauding the investment being made is a fundamental pillar of establishing the future sustainability of our local economy,” said John Dugmore, the Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

The drivers of entrepreneurism, innovation and excellence were the themes at the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, which were held at the exclusive Zest Rooms at Potters Leisure Resort. Over 175 business delegates attended the evening which Tony Mallion, Editor of Places&Faces and Paul Briddon, President of Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber, jointly hosted. 

“The Lowestoft & Waveney Business Awards recognises businesses from all sectors, and of all sizes whether they are just starting out, or, are innovatively developing our region,” said Paul Briddon, the President of Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber. “It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, which is why it is important to take the time to concentrate on the positives, and to celebrate the successes.”

“We looked to recognise the outstanding people and businesses in our area, the investment being made and projects that will help establish the future sustainability of our local economy,” he added.

Lowestoft and Waveney celebrated the awarding of Enterprise Zone status in 2011 following the successful submission by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. The Enterprise Zone is expected to see 2,000 new jobs and 80 new businesses created by 2015 and is being seen as a golden opportunity for the area.

“We have a challenging, but exciting year ahead with local regeneration, the growth of the renewable sector and the Enterprise Zone it is envisaged that Lowestoft & Waveney will have much to celebrate in 2012, and the awards will be an even bigger success,” said John Dugmore from Suffolk Chamber.

L&W Business Award Winners 2011

Suffolk Chamber Business of the Year Award
Starfrost (UK) Ltd

Peter Aldous MP Business Investment Award
Gaoh Energy      

Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce
Family Business of the Year Award
The Lock Family - Ellough Park Raceway, The Wine Vaults & 515151Taxis

Pilot Drilling Control Product Innovation and Diversity Award
Starfrost (UK) Ltd

NWES Business Person of the Year Award
Rachel Ducker - Apparition Marketing & Design

Lovewell Blake Business Start-up Award
Ange & Co

Essex & Suffolk Water Community Enterprise Award
JUMP (Junior2Adult Unbiased Mentoring Project)     

M. R. King Excellence in Customer Service Award
Ange & Co

V.C. Cooke Environmental School/College Award
Denes High School

V.C. Cooke Young Environmentalist Award
Kurtis Brown

Potters Business & Pleasure Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Customer Care Award
East Restaurant, Lowestoft College

The Waveney Economic Partnership Community Impact Award
The Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival    

UKTI International Trade Award
Starfrost (UK) Ltd

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Greenest County Environment Award
Aquablast

Lowestoft College Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award
AKD Engineering

Waveney District Council
Gaoh Energy

The Britten Centre & LTMP Shop Assistant of the Year Award
Kerry Field  - Iceland Lowestoft

The Britten Centre & LTMP, Store Manager of the Year Award
Susan Patterson - Palmers Dept Store Lowestoft