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# New awards spotlight region's hidden economic champions
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/new-awards-spotlight-region-s-hidden-economic-champions/
- Published: 2025-02-06T08:05:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:22:42.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Business, #article, BDO, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**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](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1738702381-peter-harrup-1.jpg)

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

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