Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

New awards spotlight region's hidden economic champions

Mid-sized businesses driving East Anglia's economic growth will get their moment in the spotlight as nominations open for a major new national awards programme.

Why it matters: These companies have shown "an impressive track record of growth, particularly against a backdrop of economic uncertainty," according to BDO East Anglia's regional managing partner Peter Harrup.

The big picture: The Private Business Awards 2025, sponsored by BDO, aims to celebrate mid-sized businesses that typically operate away from the public eye despite their significant economic impact.

Peter Harrup, East Anglia's regional managing partner at BDO
BDO
Peter Harrup, East Anglia's regional managing partner at BDO

By the numbers:

  • Eligible companies must have turnover between £50m-£300m

  • 10 award categories available

  • Businesses must have been trading for at least 3 years

What they're saying: "It is a richly diverse community, hugely entrepreneurial, with some fantastic stories to tell and inspire, particularly in East Anglia," Harrup said. "For private or PE-backed business in the region, the awards provide a great opportunity to be recognised and celebrated."

All categories:

  • Private Business of the Year

  • Tech Business of the Year

  • VC or PE-Backed Business of the Year

  • Social Enterprise of the Year

  • Scale up Business of the Year

  • Future Leader

  • CEO of the Year

  • Family Business of the Year

  • CFO of the Year

  • Transformation of the Year

What's next:

  • Nominations close on 14 March 2025

  • Shortlist announced in June

  • Winners revealed at London gala dinner on 11 September 2025

The bottom line: These awards shine a light on the hidden champions of our region's economy, celebrating their resilience and growth "particularly against a backdrop of economic uncertainty."

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Ipswich School, Kingsfleet and All About Hearing

The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
News

SEN Santa sessions at Buttermarket this weekend

Santa will turn down the music and limit numbers at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre this weekend after parents asked for calmer festive events for children with special educational needs (SEN).
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk researchers test whether singing can treat Parkinson's 'poker face'

Researchers in Suffolk are launching what they believe is the first UK study testing whether musical-theatre-style singing can rehabilitate facial expression in Parkinson's patients – addressing a symptom that affects around 9 in 10 people but has limited treatment options.
by
Continue reading →
News

Woman fighting for life after hit-and-run on Burrell Road

A woman is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being hit by a car whose driver fled the scene on Burrell Road in Ipswich this morning, with a man in his 30s now arrested in connection with the incident.
by
Continue reading →

Ipswich School, Kingsfleet and All About Hearing

The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
News

Gym manager's childhood inspires hospital toy appeal

A Martlesham gym manager who spent much of her childhood in hospital has launched a toy appeal that has collected nearly 150 Christmas gifts for young patients at Ipswich Hospital.
by
Continue reading →

Ipswich School, Kingsfleet and All About Hearing

The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
News

Police appeal for witnesses after Pearl Road burglary

Detectives are investigating a burglary at a home on Pearl Road in Ipswich on Monday evening, where jewellery and bank cards were stolen and used fraudulently.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,630+ people are already loving it