THE finalists for the prestigious East of England Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) awards have been revealed – with several Essex businesses making it through to the finals. With record numbers of entries this year, the awards are designed to celebrate the region’s best loved small businesses.

Reflecting on the high calibre of entries, Ann Scott, FSB Development Manager for Essex, says “It is fantastic to see so many successful small businesses nominated for a ‘Celebrating Small Business Award’. From start-ups to sole-traders, sustainable businesses to overall service excellence, we have so many small businesses to be proud of in the East of England – and right here in Essex”. 

“Right now, things are tough for small businesses and it’s inspiring to see so many innovative businesses that are thriving despite the challenging conditions. Every business that has made it through to the finals should feel exceptionally proud of everything they have achieved”.

The shortlisted small businesses come from all corners of the East of England, including Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Small businesses in Essex include Sell Beyond in Colchester, Ellacott Morris in St Osyth, Enterprise East Group CIC in Saffron Waldon, LPI Tuition in Colchester, Ginger Nut Training in Colchester, VerriBerri in Maldon, Bitesize Bakehouse in Saffron Walden, LandyCampers in Dunmow, East Saxon Training in Colchester, Amanda’s Beautiful Ceremonies in Leigh on Sea and Kaleida International in Chelmsford.

The grand final takes place on 17 March at Newmarket Racecourse, with BBC presenter, Dave Sharpe, hosting the ceremony. A cornerstone of the local business calendar, tickets can be bought athttps://www.fsbawards.co.uk/finals-too/east-of-england.html

Professor Gary Packham, Pro Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, who have sponsored the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award’, said: “ARU is delighted to be supporting the FSB awards which recognise and celebrate the significant contribution small businesses make to our economy and wider society in the East of England. We remain fully committed to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs and helping them to transform lives and communities”.

Finalists for the 2023 FSB East of England Celebrating Small Business Awards:

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – sponsored by Anglia Ruskin University

Motive Graphics

Layrd Design Ltd

Softwood Self-Publishing

Anglia Wines

Business and Product Innovation Awards

• Sell Beyond – Colchester
• Ellacott Morris – St Osyth
• My New Term
• Vibraseeds
• CeraPhi Energy
• Domestic Abuse Alliance

Community Award

• The Feed
• Something To Look Forward To
• Safe Soulmates
• Able2B community interest company
• Nurture Marketing
• Toolbox Marketing

Diversity and Inclusion Award

• Moss HR Limited
• Woodworks Art Cafe CIC
• Enterprise East Group CIC – Saffron Waldon

Exporter of the Year Award

• Cambridge Worldwide Academy (U.K.)
• SuperStar Communicator
• Burland Technology Solutions Limited

Family Business of the Year Award

• Ellacott Morris – St Osyth
• LPI Tuition – Colchester
• KVM SERVICED ACCOMMODATION LTD
• Multi-Active Holiday Courses Ltd
• Cladspray Solutions Ltd
• Something To Look Forward To

Larger Small Business of the Year Award

• Ginger Nut Training – Colchester
• VerriBerri – Maldon
• Rthirteen Recruitment
• TOAST
• Cladspray Solutions Ltd
• UK TRUCK & PLANT GROUP LTD
• 6 Alpha Associates Ltd
• Face to Face Finance (Anglia) Limited
• Fiscale Ltd.

Micro Business of the Year Award

• Bitesize Bakehouse – Saffron Walden
• LandyCampers – Dunmow
• Airborne Fit
• Chester & Cooke
• The Couture Cushion Ltd
• Taylor Investigations

Self-employed/Freelancer of the Year Award

• Bitesize Bakehouse – Saffron Walden
• East Saxon Training – Colchester
• SuperStar Communicator
• DJV Boutique
• The Massage Hut
• Tap HR
• Renata Muniz Beauty Clinic
• Ginger Pickle

Service Excellence Award

• Amanda’s Beautiful Ceremonies – Leigh on Sea
• Indigo Swan
• EMS Lifts Ltd
• Seven Resourcing
• SHE Advises
• Draganfly Motorcycles

Start-up of the Year Award

• Kaleida International – Chelmsford
• Deroiste Natural Beauty Limited
• The Content Agency
• Amersify Ltd
• Savage Macbeth
• Satsuma Group
• Don’t Panic Group Limited

Sustainability Award

• Pier
• KFE
• TOAST
• Layrd Design Ltd
• PECT
• Green Blue You
• acti-Chem UK