Businesses celebrate as Innovation Awards winners revealed
Last night (Thursday, 7 November), all 21 finalists gathered at All Manor of Events to find out if their name was on a trophy.
Throughout the evening, nine awards were handed out as businesses were recognised for their achievements and for striving to use unique and creative approaches to deliver their products and services.
At the end of the night, the ‘Overall Business of the Year’ award, sponsored by Mosaic Group, was presented to Stowmarket-based IEMusic.
The business was commended for setting a new standard for industry engagement and youth development by enhancing musical education in schools and giving young people the freedom to carve out careers in the music industry.
In the wake of the pandemic, IEMusic, run by its founder Sam Robson, has provided nearly 200 industry taster days to young people across East Anglia, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge while opening the gateway to a career in music, where it might not have been possible before.
Other winners at the 2024 Innovation Awards:
Customer Service Innovation (sponsored by University of Suffolk):
Breakout, Long Melford – for being the ‘Swiss army knife’ of business support and providing a range of services to fellow businesses in the local community, including social media guidance, help with tech and beyond.
High Street Innovation (sponsored by Babergh District Council):
The Crooked House, Lavenham – for bringing a medieval building into the 21st century, utilising social media and consumer trends to create immersive, sell-out experiences and gifts at one of Suffolk’s most iconic landmarks.
Sustainability Innovation (sponsored by Connected Innovation):
Aquagrain, Needham Market – for being a pioneering force in the agricultural sector. The business uses its unique soil improver technology to allow crops to be grown in poor, arid or sandy soils while using up to 50% less water and without need for inorganic fertiliser.
Construction Innovation (sponsored by Suffolk New College):
Project Orange Architects, Lavenham – for committing to building sustainably and using local materials and labour to create elegant, yet practical, architectural designs that respond to their surroundings while leaving a minimal carbon footprint.
Shooting Star (sponsored by Eastern Education Group):
Canine Dip and Dive Club Ltd, Helmingham – for being the first dog swimming pool to offer full water training for dogs including one-to-one sessions, socialisation and support for senior dogs. Recognised as the best in its field, the business has since expanded to Norfolk, Essex and Devon.
Growth Business of the Year (sponsored by MENTA):
IEMusic, Stowmarket – for integrating the music industry into education across East Anglia by facilitating artist-led workshops and motivational breakfast clubs, while also giving three young singer-songwriters the chance to perform at Latitude Festival this year.
Rising Star (sponsored by University of Essex):
Annabelle York of Ocala Healthcare, Stowmarket – for her proactive approach to technology and her impact in specialised training, which has inspired remarkable progress for individuals in her community with complex needs. She helps people to lead fulfilled lives with her vision, resilience and compassion.
Food and Drink Innovation (sponsored by Mid Suffolk District Council):
James White Drinks Ltd, Ashbocking – for breaking ground in the drinks industry with the ‘Veg It’ vegetable juice blend as well as innovating in sports nutrition with beet-based gels and juice shots, supplying international teams in sports including rugby, the Olympics, European cycling, the NFL and the NBA.
Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh District Council cabinet member for sustainable economy, said:
“On behalf of everyone at Babergh District Council, I’d like to congratulate each of the winners at this year’s Innovation Awards.
“Each of these businesses has proven to be at the cutting edge of their industry and I’m immensely proud that we have so many pioneering companies in our area.”
Cllr Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for thriving communities, said:
"It has been heartening to celebrate and listen to our businesses this evening. The clear entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking in Mid Suffolk. More than ever before, being a sustainable business is key to the future and will meet society's needs."
“A special mention must also go to Stowmarket-based IEMusic, our overall winner on the night, which has exemplified everything that the Innovation Awards are about – forward thinking, creativity and ingenuity. Congratulations from all of us at Mid Suffolk District Council.”
