The talent, excellence and inspiration that shines in East Suffolk has hit the spotlight once more.

An evening of celebration was marked at a glittering annual business awards ceremony, which recognises the best of the best.

And organisers have hailed the "absolutely overwhelming" response as the Suffolk Chamber East Suffolk Business Awards took centre stage.

For more than 15 years the annual Suffolk Chamber Business Awards in Lowestoft and Waveney has been celebrated.

But marking a memorable milestone this year - with the 140th anniversary of the Suffolk Chamber - a new name was unveiled for the glittering gala.

A total of 10 prestigious awards were presented at a ceremony held at Ivy House Country Hotel in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft last Thursday, November 14.

More than 170 local business representatives and special guests attended with the evening compered by business owner Ashley Riley, of Blue Soul Shoes.

A glass of welcome fizz - sponsored by High Lodge Leisure - was enjoyed ahead of a four course meal and the awards ceremony.

Broadwater Mouldings of Ellough, near Beccles won the Growing Business Award and the Large Business of the Year Award.

Mat Waters, of Lovewell Blake and chair of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce East Suffolk Forum, said: "We can honestly say the response to this year’s newly launched East Suffolk Business Awards has been absolutely overwhelming with a fantastic number of entries across all the categories and it is wonderful to be able to come together and celebrate all our fantastic businesses here in East Suffolk.

"It is truly magnificent to see our business awards grow each year, with so many businesses showcasing their skills, talent and success."

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, added: "This year our chamber celebrated its 140 anniversary, of course much has changed since 1884 but our core purpose remains the same: uniting businesses, advocating for their success, and enabling them to drive prosperity and job growth across Suffolk and our awards celebrate and recognise this in East Suffolk."

Award winners

Family Business of the Year, sponsored by Nicholsons Solicitors

Winner: Hillfarm Oils

Finalist: Steel & Co

Growing Business of the Year, sponsored by VC Cooke

Winner: Broadwater Mouldings

Finalist: Kingsfleet

Net Zero Champions Award, sponsored by East Suffolk Council

Winner: Spectra Packaging

Finalist: Mabel & Co

Tourism & Hospitality Award, sponsored by Thorington Theatre

Winner: Magnus PR

Finalist: RSPB Minsmere

Community Pride Award, sponsored by East Coast College

Winner: Pathways Care Farm

Finalist: Women Like Me

Local Charity of the Year, sponsored by Access Community Trust

Winner: Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre

Finalist: Home Start Suffolk

Made in East Suffolk Award, sponsored by Associated British Ports

Winner: Suffolk Meadow Ice Cream

Finalist: Magnus PR

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by Peterson Energy Logistics

Winner: Caitlin Barker-Tidy – Allied Health Professionals CIC

Finalist: Steven Goode – Lacons Brewery

Small/Medium Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sizewell C

Winner: MG Builders (East Anglia) Ltd

Finalist: Radical Waste

Large Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Lovewell Blake

Winner: Broadwater Mouldings

Finalist: Moss and Co Trading