Become a member
Accessibility tool

Derbyshire Business Awards

Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2023 Awards. See below for a full list of finalists, sponsors and winners.

Categories and sponsors 2023

Celebrating business success across Derbyshire

The 2023 Business Awards has been the strongest yet. The standard of entries was so high the judges had a hard time picking category winners.

It was fantastic to see so many different organisations at the Gala Dinner and hear the amazing stories.

 

Business Improvement through Technology

This award recognises businesses that have used and integrated technology to boost business performance. Entrants must demonstrate how technology has helped staff work more effectively and led to an increased ability to meet customer’s needs.

Finalists

- Coach Hire Comparison - Winner

- Devtank

- LT VA Services

- Strive Business Solutions

- Test Your Intolerance


Community impact

Recognising businesses, charities and social enterprises that have developed and implemented Corporate Social Responsibility policies as part of their overall business planning. Entrants must be able to demonstrate how their activities have made a positive impact on key social issues affecting their local community.

Finalists

- Archaeological Research Services

- Derventio Housing Trust - Winner

- Penguin PR

- Sporting Communities

Outstanding Growth

The judges will be looking for organisations that have achieved exceptional levels of growth in sales, profit, market share, jobs and/or international trade over the past 12 months. Entrants will need to demonstrate, and show, a strong plan for sustainable financial performance.

Finalists

- AG Group

- Bloc Digital

- EcoTech Engineers - Winner

- Ocean King

- Test Your Intolerance

Excellence in Collaboration

This category aims to recognise and celebrate successful business partnerships where organisations have collaborated on a project with successful outcomes for those involved.

Finalists

- Be the One in 111

- Bloc Digital and JCB

- Colleague Box and Blue Light Card - Winner

- Cosy Direct and Derby Kids’ Camp

- Partnerships for Better Business

- Sunbelt Rentals UK

Environmental Impact

This award is open to those organisations that can demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

Finalists

- HSG UK - Winner

- Licence Check

- Hopkinson Waste

Commitment to People Development

This award recognises organisations which demonstrate a firm commitment to people development and the implementation and promotion of a learning and development culture, as well as how employee wellbeing is supported. Entrants must demonstrate how this culture has contributed to the business’ overall success.

Finalists

- Longbow Bars & Restaurants

- Midland Lead - Winner

- Morrison Design

- Purpose Media

- Vibrant Accountancy

Education and Business Partnership

Aimed at schools, colleges and further education providers that engage effectively with business, this award recognises those which can demonstrate partnership working with local businesses and how they help pupils develop crucial employability skills valued by employers.

Finalists

- Althaus Digital

- EMA Training - Winner

- Embark Federation

- Penguin PR

Apprentice of the Year

This award recognises the rising stars who will become the business leaders of tomorrow. Open to all current or past apprentices of any age who can demonstrate they have made an exceptional contribution to their workplace. This award category can be entered by individuals or a company can complete the entry on behalf of an employee or colleague.

Finalists

- Anthony Yeomans – Devtank

- Elena Richards – Rolls-Royce

- James Bird – The Silver X Group

- Leah Bancroft – Longbow Bars & Restaurants - Winner

- Lucy Hilton – Cosy Direct

- Molly Grice – EEM

Entrepreneur of the Year

This Award recognises the contribution of a dynamic, creative and visionary business leader. It seeks to define the qualities of successful entrepreneurship – from drive, ambition, vision and tenacity to inspirational leadership, creativity, inventiveness and confidence.

Finalists

- Ian Chambers – App4 Developments

- James Bowers – Enicor

- Jonathan Edgeley – Montrose Health Group

- Rob Hattersley – Longbow Bars & Restaurants

- Steven Thai – Ocean King - Winner


Excellence in Customer Service

The judges will be looking for an organisation which delivers industry-leading standards of service and constantly strives to exceed customer expectations. Entrants will need to demonstrate the impact of their customer service strategy on business performance.

Finalists

- Longbow Bars & Restaurants

- Motorcycle Funerals

- Peak Translations

- Reformed IT - Winner

- The Silver X Group


Excellence in International Trade

This award recognises the strength of local businesses which trade internationally. Entrants must demonstrate how their objectives and strategies for growth has generated significant and/or sustained increases in their international activity.

Finalists

- Bloc Digital - Winner

- IVC Brunel Healthcare

- Spatial Global


Small Business of the Year

This award – open to organisations employing up to 75 full-time members of staff – will go to the company that has achieved consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance. Entrants will need to demonstrate current activity to grow market share and the effect this is having on business performance.

Finalists

- Bloc Digital - Winner

- CarMats.co.uk

- Cedar Tree Chiropractic

- EcoTech Engineers

- Reformed IT

- Rosewood Wealth Management

Excellence in Innovation

This category aims to recognise an organisation who has used innovation as a tool to improve business performance. Including any financial benefits, efficiency improvements and customer impacts.

Finalists

- Bloc Digital

- Engine Mobile

- Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare - Winner


Derbyshire Business of the Year 2023 - Midland Lead

The Business of the Year award sponsored by Mazars is chosen by the judges from the winners of the other individual award categories. The business of the year will be awarded to a business which has shown excellence in their field and is an exemplar to all other businesses within Derbyshire. It will showcase the quality of businesses and the expertise within the county.