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2018 Winners
The winners of the North Norfolk Business Awards 2018
Agriculture Award in association with Archant
Winner - Sands Agricultural Machinery
Sands Agricultural Machinery, established in 1975, is a family-run manufacturer of self-propelled crop sprayers. Employing nearly 50 people in Brunstead, near Stalham, it produces a market-leading product. With increased demand and a desire to continue to expand in the local area, Sands is continuing to invest heavily in the future, and is working with local colleges and schools to offer apprenticeships and work-experience placements as it invests in a skilled workforce for the next generation.
Business Development and Innovation Award in association with Start&Grow
Structure-flex is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of products made from flexible thermoplastic-coated technical textiles using high-frequency welding techniques. Its diverse portfolio of BSI accredited products includes commercial digital printing, lorry curtains, and liquid and granular bulk storage and packaging. The business has a long history of producing innovative products. One recent project involved harnessing this innovation in the design and production of revolutionary goose guards that are proving crucial in the regeneration of a wildlife haven for a conservation project on the Broads.
Business Growth Award in association with Spire Solicitors
PSS manufactures and remanufactures steering and hydraulic products and agricultural machinery. Each year it supplies more than 85,000 products to vehicle manufacturers, exporting 60% of them to the USA and Europe. PSS also supplies remanufactured components to fit every UK commercial vehicle and to prolong the life of military vehicles. It is making significant ongoing investments in the areas of clean assembly environments, new machinery, production processes and employee development. These investments will help drive the company’s five-year growth plan.
Environment Award in association with Anglian Water
Woodfruits grows high-quality shiitake mushrooms for local restaurants and the wholesale market, using locally sourced materials. Buying marginal land in Corpusty in 2006 provided the opportunity to design a complete environmental strategy for production. Using upcycled and recycled materials to minimise its carbon footprint, the growing facility is powered by off-grid solar pv power, renewable biomass heating and rainwater harvesting. It is a visibly unobtrusive business which produces almost no waste, noise, light or air pollution.
New Business Award in association with eastlaw
Amber's Rose, which began life in Potter Heigham in 2015, is pushing the boundaries in living artwork, fashion and design and redefining seasonal availability as it expands its range of preserved flowers to the retail and hospitality sectors. The team of floral designers hopes to help Norfolk florists offer sought-after blooms out of season, as well as looking at the potential to place floral installations in public spaces. It is a family enterprise run by mother and daughter duo Debbie and Amber Jones.
Tourism and Hospitality Award in association with Norfolk Hideaways
Winner - Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Thursford Christmas Spectacular attracts people from all over the UK and beyond. During its six week Christmas season, the little village of Thursford welcomes more than 160,000 visitors to enjoy the show, Santa’s Magical Journey and the world’s largest collection of steam engines. It is estimated that the Spectacular brings £15m into the local economy during what would otherwise be the low season.
Young People and Skills in association with New Anglia LEP
Winner - Bill Cleyndert and Company
Bill Cleyndert & Company recognises that a lack of skilled craftsmen is the biggest threat to its position as one of the UK’s finest cabinet makers. It is committed to investing in young people through its apprenticeship programme. Based on a traditional apprenticeship in cabinet-making, the scheme is run in conjunction with one of the leading training providers in England, Rycotewood College. Working at grassroots level, it establishes strong links and relationships with local schools to inspire, educate and develop young people in the furniture industry.