Tendring4Growth Business Awards

Tendring District Council are proud to announce the return of the Tendring4Growth Business Awards!

This year we have nine awards open for nominations, with our tenth award Tendring Business of the Year chosen from the pool of nominations by our Headline Sponsor, Colbea.

We'll once again be welcoming the nominated finalists to attend an evening of celebration, which will include a three course meal, entertainment, and the awards ceremony at the Princes Theatre on Thursday 2 October 2025 to recognise the business excellence we have within Tendring.

Nominations for this year's awards open on Monday 28 April 2025 and will close on Sunday 29 June 2025. Self-nominations are once again accepted for businesses and individuals alike. The Standard Eligibility Criteria will apply to all nominees, with category specific guidance for each award located further down this page; we recommend reading this before submitting a nomination. If you are intending to nominate an individual rather than a business, make sure you have their consent to do so before submitting your nomination.

Only the content described in the nomination will be used in the judging process so make sure to capture achievements, evidence, and any other reasons as to why you believe they deserve to win within your nomination.

Standard Eligibility Criteria

• Businesses must be based in Tendring.
• Businesses can be of any size, from a self-employed sole trader to businesses with hundreds of employees.
• Charities, Community Interest Companies or trading arms of 3rd sector organisations are eligible to be nominated, however community groups and/or not-for-profits are not. These awards are aimed to celebrate the Tendring business community first and foremost.
• Business must have begun trading no later than 1st January 2024.
• Nominations are welcome from the business itself, members of staff, or of course customers and/or friends and family.
• A business can be nominated more than once, and in more than one category where this is applicable, but a separate form must be completed for each different category. Please note, the number of nominations received will not favour a business over another which was nominated only once. If nominated in more than one category, the business will be considered in each category.
• Winners/Runners Up/Commended Businesses in 2024’s T4G awards are eligible to be nominated again in an appropriate category.
• Please note that, once shortlisting for eligibility has taken place, due diligence (including checking the business is up to date with NNDR/Companies House/Licencing check where applicable) will be undertaken.

Submit a nomination for the 2025 Tendring4Growth Business Awards

Commitment to the Community

Sponsored by KAT Marketing

This award is for a Tendring business that has made a positive contribution to their local community and demonstrated a firm commitment towards meeting their social responsibilities which go over and above their day-to-day business activities.

Judges will be looking for:

• How the organisation has worked effectively with community groups

• The impact of their activity in the local community

• Commitment to continue their work in the community in the future

Submit a nomination for the Commitment to the Community Award

Creative Champion

Sponsored by Esign

This award recognises those Tendring businesses who show creativity in the service they provide. Acknowledging a business in the creative sector, from designers to photographers, musicians to marketing, film to performers. This business must stand out from the crowd due to their originality and creative vision.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of creative vision and originality

• Showcase of their work and how this sets them apart from other businesses in their sector  (please give links to evidence)

• What impact does your organisation have on your customers/audience?  

Submit a nomination for the Creative Champion Award

Environmental Impact

Sponsored by Galloper Wind Farm

The winner of this award should be able to demonstrate how they have reduced the enviornmental impact of their business or supported other businesses in reducing the impact on the environment by implementing sustainability measures, e.g.:

• Green product innovation

• Reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases

• Energy / water consumption

• Reduction of waste and improving recycling rates

• Sustainable supply chain and procurement

• Transport impact of their goods and services

• Staff development and training on environmental impact

Judges will be looking for:

• A service or product delivered in a sustainable manner

• Low carbon approach built into the planning and daily operations of the business including supply chains

• The involvement and engagement of staff in sustainable practices

• A culture that encourages long-term thinking, reuse, and protection of natural resources

Submit a nomination for the Environmental Impact Award

Health and Wellbeing Champion

Sponsored by Colchester Institute

Making a real difference when it comes to bettering our health, fitness, and wellbeing, whether that be for clients, customers or staff. Offering new and unique experiences with an emphasis on creating a better lifestyle and improving mental wellbeing among other things.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of product/service that promotes health, fitness and wellbeing for its customers

• Examples of how the business promotes a better lifestyle for its customers

• Evidence of how the business supports its staff to gain and maintain better health and wellbeing

Submit a nomination for the Health and Wellbeing Champion Award

Leisure and Hospitality

Sponsored by Surya Hotels

This award is for all leisure and hospitality businesses in Tendring e.g. restaurants, pubs, cafes, theatres, accommodation, leisure facilities and tourist attractions. Looking for a business that puts Tendring on the map.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of exceptional visitor experience

• Examples of marketing where location is used to positively promote the business and surrounding area

• Collaboration with other hospitality and leisure facilities to enhance customer journey

• Examples of delicious products, where they are sold and how

Submit a nomination for the Leisure and Hospitality Award

Retailer of the Year 2025

Sponsored by North Essex Economic Board

Recognising an independent Tendring retailer that provides exceptional service and experience to its customers. With an understanding of their products or service, to enable them to offer something that cannot be replicated online. Demonstrating resilience, creativity, and innovation in navigating the challenges of the retail industry. Nominated businesses must have at least one physical shop open to the public within Tendring.  

Judges will be looking for:

• Demonstration of exceptional customer satisfaction or achievement of high levels of repeat business

• Evidence of innovation and adaptations made within the shop to accommodate the change in customer's shopping habits

Submit a nomination for the Retailer of the Year 2025 Award

Team of the Year 2025

Sponsored by Backing Essex Business

This award celebrates an independent business team in Tendring working in any sector that excels in service quality, has demonstrated significant growth, delivered exceptional customer experiences, and upholds commendable core values.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of exceptional customer service

• Examples of how the business has achieved growth within their sector

• Examples of how the team work together to achieve their goals  

Submit a nomination for the Team of the Year 2025 Award

Tradesperson of the Year 2025

Sponsored by Rose Builders

This award is designed to celebrate Tendring Tradespeople; people of any relevant sector which demonstrate excellence in their skilled work, their customer loyalty and recommendations, or in the growth of their business.  

Judges will be looking for:

• Why this tradesperson should win this award, not just they have completed the work to a high standard

• What sets them apart from others in their field

• How are they continuing to achieve high standards of work

• How are they achieving new and continued skills to keep up with qualifications needed in their chosen field.  

 Submit a nomination for the Tradesperson of the Year 2025 Award

Young Businessperson of the Year 2025

Sponsored by Pickering Group

This award is made to individuals under the age of 30 who are involved in a Tendring business. These include young entrepreneurs that are building their own venture or those employees who have had an outstanding impact in contributing to the successes of a larger organisation.

Judges will be looking for:

• A start-up business in the first 2 years of trading, if building their own business, or less than 2 years’ employment in an established business

• Nominee must be 30 years or under at the time of entry (please provide evidence)

• Passion for the product, service and/or business growth  

• Potential for growth

Submit a nomination for the Young Businessperson of the Year 2025 Award