Back for 2025 – Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards return with nominations open
Business, business, business is on the agenda as the ball is rolling on the Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards for 2025.
Now in its 14th year, the gala evening showcases the best in business across the area encompassing both the West Suffolk district and the Bury Free Press catchment area, with 13 different trophies up for grabs.
An opportunity for businesspeople to network and foster further ties, the event is also a chance to celebrate the people, companies and trades which keep our region booming and growing.
Land promotion and property developer Jaynic, based in the EpiCentre in Haverhill, is into the final year of its three-year headline sponsorship of the event, while it is also the name behind the prized Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominations are now invited for the 13 categories, which will be explained and highlighted in the Bury Free Press over the comings weeks and months.
Entries close on August 4, and the finalists will be revealed at the back end of September before the winners are announced at a black-tie event at The Apex, in Charter Square, on October 10.
Jonathan Tewson, head of Iliffe Media awards and events, said: “We are delighted to have opened the nominations for the Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards, our 14th year of doing so. It is always amazing to see the vast range of nominees and businesses that get involved to really make this event the pillar it is.
“Of course, this event would not be possible without all of our amazing sponsors, the majority of whom have continued with us after our record year in 2024.
“A special thanks also to our headline sponsors, Jaynic, who have been incredible to work with on the last two iterations of this event.
“To any prospective businessperson or company who may want to get involved or put themselves forward, I would implore you to do so. You never know unless you try.”
The awards will coincide with the West Suffolk Business Festival, and always act as the culmination of this celebration. The full dates for this will be confirmed in due course.
The festival will be recognised with a special supplement in your Free Press, to give our readers a low-down on all the events which are available to attend.
Barry Peters, editor of the Bury Free Press, said: “Having been with this newspaper for 25 years, I have been around for every iteration of these awards. Without a doubt, I can say it is a highlight of the year – a great chance to celebrate the people and businesses which make our incredible community what it is.
“I look forward to seeing and hearing from those who put themselves forward for these awards.”
After the finalists are announced and a week before awards night, there will be a pre-event at Edmunds Restaurant, part of West Suffolk College, for networking and celebration, sponsored by Thomas Ridley, who are also the food and drink sponsors for the final.
To find out more and nominate, click here.
The categories in full and their sponsors are:
1. Lifetime achievement – Jaynic
2. Investing in West Suffolk – West Suffolk Council
3. West Suffolk Award for Innovation – Treatt
4. Best new startup – MENTA
5. Employee of the year – West Suffolk College
6. Customer service – Our Bury St Edmunds BID
7. Contribution to the community – Whitings Chartered Accountants LLP
8. Green/environment – arc Shopping Centre
9. Apprentice/trainee of the year – WS Training
10. Business of the year, small – Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
11. Business of the year, medium/large – Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
12. Business leader of the year – Greene & Greene Solicitors
13. Freelancer of the year – @inc
