East Midlands Chamber names its three Business of the Year winners as awards season comes to a close

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 22 November 2022

UPDATED: 23 November 2022

East Midlands Chamber has recognised dozens of organisations over the past few weeks during its Business Awards season – including bestowing three firms with the Business of the Year title.

Katapult was named the Derbyshire Business of the Year, Scope Construction picked up Leicestershire Business of the Year and Copley Scientific won Nottinghamshire Business of the Year.

They were honoured during gala dinners for the Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, at the King Power Stadium in Leicestershire on 4 November, Reach Pride Park in Derbyshire on 11 November and Nottingham Belfry in Nottinghamshire on 18 November.

Hundreds of people turned out at the three ceremonies, which recognised 150 finalists across 13 categories – ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year – in each county, in addition to the Business of the Year award.

Winners were chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said:

“The past few years have been challenging for our business community, and yet we continue to see so many shining examples of business success across our region.

“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Nottinghamshire. We know it is a fantastic place to do business and these organisations – many of which have worked together to maximise their impact within their sectors and communities – are doing a wonderful job.

“This week, the Chamber will launch a Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond in Parliament that illustrates how our region is a Centre of Trading Excellence. Our Business Awards are full of companies that are living proof of this.”

Each of the Business Awards ceremonies, hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan, featured a raffle that raised £5,075 in total for East Midlands Chamber president Lindsey Williams’ three chosen charities this year – Focus, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Treetops Hospice. 

Lindsey, chief executive of housing association Futures Housing Group, added:

“Behind every nominee and winner whose name will go up in lights are people and organisations that are truly delivering for the region. Their achievements generate employment, wealth and opportunity not just for those directly connected, but for the wider community.

“So I’m proud to see the Chamber yet again take the opportunity to bring us together and celebrate our top talent – for their success but also for what they bring to the East Midlands as a whole.”

East Midlands Chamber Business of the Year winners

Derbyshire Business of the Year

Katapult is a Derby-based creative business that designs themed attractions and experiences for some of the biggest brands in the world, including Lego, Merlin Entertainments, Ferrari and Cartoon Network and Warner Bros.

Established in 2001 and employing 15 people, the company’s portfolio of work includes the Ferrari Experience in Orlando – featuring simulator rides, an e-sports adrenaline hub and dining experiences – and the DOTS immersive experience for children at 11 Legoland Discovery Centres across the world. Closer to home, it created an outdoor hospitality space in Derby market place during the pandemic. With a foothold in North America, it is now pursuing new opportunities in the Middle East.

Nottinghamshire Business of the Year

Copley Scientific, based in Nottingham, designs and manufactures pharmaceutical test equipment used across the world. It exports about 85% of its products to more than 70 markets across Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa, and North and South America.

Established in 1946 and employing more than 30 people in Colwick, has made major investments in its manufacturing capabilities in recent years to develop new products. As part of its global expansion, the company has made its website available in both English and Mandarin languages to help growth in China, while it has become a regular at trade shows in target markets.

Leicestershire Business of the Year

Scope Construction, based in Loughborough, is a fast-growing company that provides construction, refurbishment and interior design contracting services for the residential and commercial sectors.

Founded by Maz Patel and Paz Patel in 2015, the business has almost trebled its seven-figure turnover over the past 12 months, and expects to double it again this year after building a reputation mainly via word of mouth for its work on a range of projects including shop, restaurant and car showroom fit-outs, as well as home refurbishments.

For more information on the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/connecting-you/business-awards.

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