Diversity of businesses celebrated in first annual awards evening

Innovation in Agriculture. Food and Drink Harleston Cider Co. Second from right award sponsor - Julian Munson, New Anglia LEP PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

South Norfolk Council's business awards saw more than 150 people don their smartest outfits at Dunston Hall Hotel where awards were presented to 10 winning businesses.

This is the first year the awards have been held, built on the council's Independent Retailer Awards, widening the scope to focus on the diverse range of businesses that flourish in South Norfolk.

The Centre Paws team at the South Norfolk Business Awards. Second from right award sponsor - Stephen Fulcher, CNC Building Consultancy. Far right Councillor Michael Edney PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

Businesses nominated themselves for an award in one or more categories and residents showed their support by nominating shops for South Norfolk Retailer of the Year.

Sponsored by Fosters Solicitors LLP, the award winners were:

The Clinks Care Farm team at the South Norfolk Business Awards. Second from right - Cllr John Overton Chairman of South Norfolk Council (award sponsor was Britannia Safety & Training unable to attend on evening due to sickness). Far right Councillor Michael Edney PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

• Excellence in Digital Creative and ICT – enLight

• Excellence in Life Sciences – Iceni Diagnostics

The Colbalt Aerospace team at the South Norfolk Business Awards. Second from right award sponsor - Simon Coward, Hethel Innovation. Far right Councillor Michael Edney PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

• Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing - Panel Graphic

• Innovation in Agriculture. Food and Drink – The Harleston Cider Co

Excellence in Digital Creative and ICT enLight. Second from right award sponsor - Steve Temple, InTouch System PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

• The Visitor Economy Experience – Waveney River Centre

• New Business Award – Centre Paws Norfolk

Excellence in Life Sciences Iceni Diagnostics. Second from right award sponsor - David Parfrey, Norwich Research Park PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

• Business Growth – Panel Graphic

• International Business Growth – Cobalt Aerospace

Visitor Economy Experience Waveney River Centre. Second from right award sponsor - Andrew Blyth, Dunston Hall Hotel. Far right Councillor Michael Edney PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

• Business in the Community – Clinks Care farm

• Retailer of the Year – Wymondham Garden Centre

Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing - Panel Graphic. Second from right award sponsor - Ben McGuire, Mirus Aircraft Seating PHOTO: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

Steve Oakley, office marketing manager of Wymondham Garden Centre, said: 'We are all feeling great, it's a great achievement. I think basically we listen to customers and give them the best service we can.'

South Norfolk Council's deputy leader Michael Edney said: 'What a fantastic night.

'There is a huge confidence in our local economy and although tonight was an opportunity to celebrate our winners, through their success in driving our economy we are all winners in the end.'