The finalists for the EADT Business Awards 2023 have been announced, and here we'll find out more about this year's Director of the Year finalists, sponsored by Churchmanor Estates.
Colin Yaxley – Seatrium Offshore Renewable Services
Colin Yaxley is managing director of Seatrium Offshore Renewable Services (previously Sembmarine SLP) in Lowestoft. The company has recently transformed from fabricator to offshore support services provider, building on 55 years of offshore experience.
Seatrium has won major contracts with offshore wind developers including Ørsted and TenneT.
The judges said that Colin “took a risk by presenting a strategy to his parent company” to transform the business and “this risk paid off”.
They said that his “in-depth knowledge of the industry and strategic thinking took the company from loss to notable profit in just two years” and praised the “time and care” he has spent investing in a strong team to support him.
James Tweed – Coracle
James Tweed is CEO of Newmarket-based digital learning company Coracle, which provides inmates at 86 prisons in England and Wales with access to education.
Coracle is one of the few companies permitted by the Ministry of Justice and HM Prisons and Probation Service to provide prisoners with laptops for education. Its tech platform allows prisoners to safely access content from organisations such as The Open University and Prison Education Trust without using the internet.
The judges felt that James is “on a mission to tackle the digital skills gap”. They noted his “support for his team and their wellbeing” and said that “James’ passion for his mission is clear and he was truly inspiring to listen to”.
John Parnell – Generate Leads Online
John Parnell is the founder of Generate Leads Online (GLO), a lead-focused online marketing agency based in Ipswich.
The GLO team use a unique combination of data, technical know-how, and creative flair to transform the online presences of businesses.
GLO is a longstanding Google Partner and Data & Marketing Association (DMA) member, and also proudly supports education and the community through a degree apprenticeship programme, sponsorship of emerging industry talent and more.
Noting that “John’s desire for progress is clearly the driving force behind the success of GLO”, the judges praised the CEO’s passion, hard work and creativity. They also commended him as a “prominent figure in the local business scene”, who has “raised significant sums for Suffolk Mind”.
Mark Dolman – Portable Space
Portable Space near Stowmarket is a leading UK supplier of shipping containers and conversions, portable cabins, modular buildings and steel storage containers.
The business was founded in 2002 by the owner and director Mark Black and Mark Dolman became a director in 2017.
Mark Dolman has grown turnover for the company from around £8m to an expected £23m this year, which has seen Portable Space named in the Grant Thornton top 100 Suffolk-based businesses 2023.
The judges said: “Mark is without a doubt one of the reasons behind the growing success of this company”. They added that he is “passionate, confident and enthusiastic” and felt that “people power” is the at the core of his leadership.
The winners of the EADT Business Awards 2023 will be announced at an award ceremony at Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich on Thursday, September 28. For more information, please visit eadtbusinessawards.co.uk
To find out more about all finalists, please click here.
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