A ‘Swiss army knife’ business hub and a historic tilting house were among the ventures receiving their share of the limelight at a ceremony celebrating innovation across Suffolk.
Businesses across all sectors were lauded at the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Innovation Awards, at All Manor of Events in Ipswich, last Thursday.
Held once every two years, the event saw nine accolades handed out to businesses recognised for their unique and creative approaches to delivering their products or services.
Long Melford-based Breakout scooped the Customer Service Innovation award, following up on the High Street Innovation gong it achieved in 2022.
The centre was praised by judges as the ‘Swiss army knife of business support’, providing a virtual office and co-working space for other businesses.
In addition, it offers technical and administrative services, as well as help with web design and social media content.
Breakout co-founder Farley Boxall said: “The fact we won customer service innovation is a dream.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on day after day, since opening three-and-a-half years ago.
“2024 has been a tough year for small businesses, so to be surrounded by such inspiring other businesses in the room and supported by Babergh and key sponsors was fantastic.
“To be nominated and win was another high for Breakout. The winning makes such a difference to our exposure as a small business and awards solidify the success we have in our business.”
This year’s High Street Innovation prize went to The Crooked House in Lavenham, an iconic medieval landmark, known for its wonky architecture, that is now a popular tourist attraction.
The building’s custodians, known as ‘The Crooked Men’, said they were delighted to be recognised for their work to enhance the visitor experience, using social media and consumer trends.
“The Crooked House is our home for life,” said owners Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin in a joint statement.
“This award recognises the unique way we’re sharing its remarkable 600-year story with everyone, through our immersive black-tie dinners and theatrical house tours.
“We’re loving meeting so many wonderful people from across Suffolk and around the world and are proud to be part of such an amazing community here in Lavenham.”
Meanwhile, Project Orange Architects, of Lavenham, picked up the Construction Innovation Award – overcoming competition from Mbloc Ltd, in Long Melford, and TMJ Interiors, in Bildeston.
The firm earned plaudits for its commitment to building sustainably and using local materials and labour to create ‘elegant, yet practical, architectural designs’ that leave a minimal carbon footprint.
James Soane, director and co-founder of Project Orange, said: “As a small architectural practice, it is a great honour to have been recognised as being innovative, as well as contributing to the community.
“These awards are particularly important for all involved, because they show belief in local talent and collaborations.
“The construction industry is having to make huge changes in response to the climate crisis and we are doing our bit through learning new skills, as well as design solutions.
“A big thank you to all the sponsors, as well as Babergh and Mid Suffolk, for making it happen.”
The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Innovation Awards made their debut in 2020, taking place through a virtual ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event has since become a biennial occasion, with the first in-person ceremony held in 2022.
Derek Davis, Babergh’s cabinet member for sustainable economy, said: “On behalf of everyone at Babergh District Council, I’d like to congratulate each of the winners at this year’s Innovation Awards.
“Each of these businesses has proven to be at the cutting edge of their industry and I’m immensely proud we have so many pioneering companies in our area.”
Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “It has been heartening to celebrate and listen to our businesses this evening.
“The clear entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking. More than ever before, being a sustainable business is key to the future and will meet society’s needs.”
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