Top performing businesses to be recognised at virtual awards ceremony for Spirit of Enterprise Awards

Organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the popular awards aim to recognise and raise the profile of the area's top-performing businesses, while boosting investor confidence in the strength of the local economy.

After weeks of anticipation, businesses shortlisted for the various awards (please see below) will find out who the winners are, including the overall 2020 Business of the Year, chosen from among the category winners.

While it is not possible this year to hold the usual gala dinner at the Town Hall's prestigious Assembly Room, guests will be able to enjoy a virtual ceremony hosted by Lee Derbyshire, an award-winning presenter who has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years.

The main sponsor is last year's Business of the Year, API Microelectronics Ltd, who has chosen the 2020 Business of the Year. The other award sponsors are P&S Personnel, Norse Group, Barclays PLC, Itron (UK) Ltd, ASCO World, Potters Friends Foundation, GYTABIA, Equinox Enterprises Ltd, and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, plus multi-media sponsor Shaun Lawson Video.

Cllr Carl Smith, the council leader, said: "Many businesses have adapted and innovated well to continue their great work and support their workforce. As a council, we've done everything we can to support our local economy through response and into recovery, including handing out more than £30m in business grants.

"Despite the additional challenges this year, the Spirit of Enterprise Awards is a chance to celebrate success, to showcase the many innovative, entrepreneurial and determined companies from across the borough's business community, who are helping to support the local economy.

"Huge congratulations to all the finalists, who should be proud to be shortlisted in our prestigious and competitive awards scheme. We've seen another batch of strong entries this year, and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors."

The categories, sponsors and finalists are:

2020 Business of the Year - sponsored by API Microelectronics Ltd

·       Chosen from among the category winners.

Employer of the Year - sponsored by P&S Personnel

·       East Coast College

·       Haven Seashore Holiday Park

·       John G. Plummer & Associates

Great Customer Service - sponsored by Norse Group

·       Branford's Limited

·       The Imperial Hotel

·       King's Arms, Fleggburgh

Director/Business Owner of the Year - sponsored by Barclays PLC

·       Emma Jarvis of The Hair Base

·       Mark Dixon of King's Arms, Fleggburgh

·       Mark O'Mahony of P+S Personnel

Investing in Future Growth - sponsored by Itron (U.K.) Limited

·       En-Gen Diesel Products Limited

·       The Hair Base

·       Nemesis Consultants Ltd

SME (Small or Medium Enterprise) of the Year - sponsored by Equinox Enterprises Ltd

·       En-Gen Diesel Products Limited

·       King's Arms, Fleggburgh

·       Sam Race - Venue Decoration

Large Business of the Year - sponsored by ASCO World

·       Hammond Cars

·       Haven Seashore Holiday Park

·       P&S Personnel

Great Community Contribution - Sponsored by Potters Friends Foundation

·       Darling Darlings Cat Lounge

·       Smart Radio

·       The Island Cafe & Boating Lake (Access Community Trust)

Great Family Owned - sponsored by Great Yarmouth Borough Council

·       Branford's Limited

·       King's Arms, Fleggburgh

·       The Imperial Hotel

Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year - sponsored by GYTABIA

·       The Imperial Hotel

·       Haven Seashore Holiday Park

·       King's Arms, Fleggburgh