Winning awards as a business can do wonders for your brand awareness, as well as building trust amongst your customers and connections. As marketers, it’s always handy to have a list of the opportunities available to your business or your clients.
While national and international awards may have further reach, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to get your brand recognised in East Anglia. Plus, we know that running awards isn’t easy, so we wanted to shine a light on the other organisations doing great things for the region.
Have you entered any of these before? If not, make a note of the launch dates and deadlines, and consider submitting a nomination.
1. Eastern Daily Press Business Awards
Best for: Businesses of any size and industry, as well as some individual categories
Every year, the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards bring together Norfolk’s business community for an elegant evening where achievements, individuals, and important milestones within a company are celebrated.
These awards serve as a platform to connect with similar professionals, offering valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, winning or participating in these awards can enhance a company’s brand visibility through increased media coverage. It doesn’t matter if a business is just starting out or has been around for a while; these awards provide a chance to applaud the dynamic businesses that contribute to Norfolk’s economic landscape.
The nominations tend to open around summer and the celebration event takes place towards the end of the year. You can find out more on their website: https://www.edpbusinessawards.co.uk/
2. DevelopHER Awards
Best for: Women in the tech and digital space
The DevelopHER Awards is an annual event in East Anglia, recognising women in the tech sector. It began in 2015 in Norwich, growing each year with over 150 attendees and 130 nominations across 11 categories. Now held in Norwich, Ipswich, or Cambridge, it returns to Norwich in 2023.
Founded by Vickie Allen, an advocate for gender equality in tech, the awards aim to elevate women’s profiles in the industry, inspiring future generations. You can support by nominating, sponsoring, attending, or volunteering.
You can find out more on their website: https://www.developherawards.com/
3. Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards
Best for: Businesses of any size and industry
The Broadland and South Norfolk Councils host an annual event where businesses from the two districts can nominate themselves for recognition in various categories. For instance, there are awards for Business Collaboration, which acknowledges companies that excel in working together. Another category, Business Growth, celebrates companies that have demonstrated significant expansion.
For businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors, there are specific awards such as Visitor Experience, and Pub of the Year and Retailer of the Year awards for both Broadland and South Norfolk, with nominations open to the public.
You can find out more on their website: https://www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/broadland-south-norfolk-business-awards
4. Muddy Awards
Best for: Independent Lifestyle businesses
The Muddy Stilettos Awards are highly sought-after honours for independent lifestyle businesses, spanning 28 counties and requiring no entry fee. These awards are characterised by positivity and enjoyment, providing the 3.8 million readers with an opportunity to express gratitude to their beloved local establishments.
You can find out more on their website: https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/
6. Norfolk Arts Awards
Best for: Artists and contributors to the Norfolk art community
The Norfolk Arts Awards provide an opportunity to honour local organisations, projects, or individuals who have greatly influenced Norfolk’s arts and cultural landscape in the past year. It’s a platform to celebrate their significant contributions and recognise their impact on the community’s artistic and cultural vibrancy.
You can find out more on their website: https://norfolkartsawards.org/about-us/award-categories/
7. Norfolk Food & Drink Awards
Best for: Cafés, restaurants, hospitality spaces and food/drink products
Norfolk’s culinary scene has long been revered for its array of food and drink businesses, ranging from specialised ingredient providers to restaurants offering inspired menus, solidifying its status as a hotspot in the industry.
The Norfolk Food and Drink Awards provide both businesses and customers with a platform to nominate their favourites, offering a chance to recognise Norfolk’s food heroes and heroines. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge those who have not only weathered the storm but have also made substantial contributions, enriching the culinary landscape and adding to the county’s flavorful tapestry.
You can find out more on their website: https://www.norfolkfada.co.uk/
8. East Anglian Marketing Awards
Best for: Individuals, campaigns and businesses in the marketing industry deserving recognition.
The East Anglian Marketing Awards celebrate the very best marketing talent and creativity from across the region. Whether you’re an individual making waves, a freelancer building a name, a team pushing boundaries, or a business delivering standout campaigns, these awards are designed to showcase the impact of marketing in all its forms.
With categories spanning individuals, teams, and work, the awards provide a level playing field for East Anglian marketers who want recognition closer to home – without competing against the entire country. From bold branding and compelling storytelling to inspiring leaders and rising stars, the awards highlight the diversity and strength of our region’s marketing community.
You can find out more on our ‘About’ page: https://eastanglianmarketingawards.co.uk/about/