A much loved peninsula shop has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award after being recognised for its outstanding customer service before, during and after the coronavirus lockdown.

Shotley Premier Stores & Post Office is among 28 businesses from across Babergh and Mid Suffolk to have been shortlisted in the first ever business Innovation Awards.

The Shotley shop, owned by the Patel family, has been named in the final three of the Innovation in Customer Service category, sponsored by Larking Gowen, and will be up against Andrew's Quality Butchers, from Hadleigh and West View IT Limited from Stowmarket.

This award will be given to a sole trader or company that demonstrates the best application of new methods, practice and technology - to improve the customer experience. and recognises the best practice in delivering innovation in customer experience.

The awards will recognise and celebrate organisations who are thinking outside the box and finding new ways to either reach new customers, become more sustainable or grow their business.

The winners of the 11 categories will be announced during a virtual event on Tuesday 3 November. The event, which is free to attend, will include speed networking as well as workshops on small business finance, advice for start-ups and international trade.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by compere Paul Graham with the keynote speech delivered by Thea Goodluck, Tech Nation's East of England Entrepreneur Engagement Manager.

There are awards for sustainability, food, healthcare, construction, as well as for innovation on the high street, in SMEs and micro-businesses.

Four talented people; Chloe Davis & Sophie Tapscott from The Mix, Ellis Heighes from Queue Technology Ltd and Piers Brady from Orbital Media have been nominated for the Rising Star Award which will celebrate the region's young innovator aged between 16-25.

The winners will receive a prize contributed by the category sponsor that will be a mixture of a cash grant as well as bespoke professional advice, support, or training.

Staff and family members of the Shotley shop, went above and beyond during lockdown, with free deliveries and other initiatives, then stunned villagers by handing out Diwali sweet treats to every home in the village as a thank you for being loyal love their 25 years,

Sponsors of the 2020 Innovation Awards include, Orbital Media, EO Charging, Larking Gowen, West Suffolk College, Scrutton Bland, the University of Suffolk, Central Suffolk Chamber, Norse, Business Growth Coaches Network Ltd and Hudson Group.

The awards were judged by some of the leading names in innovation and creativity in the county including Tim Robinson (TechEast), Justine Paul (Suffolk Market Events), Professor Gurpreet Jagpal (University of Suffolk) and Julian Munson (NALEP) as well as Councillors Michael Holt and Gerard Brewster from Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council, respectively.

Cllr Michael Holt, Babergh District Council, cabinet member for economic growth said: "All the judges were impressed by the high standard of all the entries for our first ever Innovation Awards.

"The variety and quality of each nomination is testament to the forward-looking businesses we have in Babergh and Mid Suffolk and I wish everyone on the shortlist the very best of luck."

Find out more and book a free ticket for the 2020 Innovation Awards by visiting: www.Babergh.gov.uk/innovationawards

2020 Innovation Awards - Shortlist

1. Shooting Star - Most innovative company, sponsored by Scrutton Bland

This award highlights businesses demonstrating successful innovation developing new opportunities and ways of creating value in a national and international arena.

Dough & Co Woodfired Pizza

Halo Service Solutions

Personal Training Centre

1. Rising Star - Young innovator of the year, sponsored by University of Suffolk

An award for young people (16 - 25) who demonstrate outstanding innovation within a learning or workplace environment.

Chloe Davis & Sophie Tapscott @ The Mix

Ellis Heighes @ Queue Technology Ltd

Piers Brady @ Orbital Media

1. Tomorrow's World - Innovation in future technology

This award focuses on emerging and enabling technologies across all sectors of industry and areas of research - inspirational solutions for tomorrow's challenges.

Acorn Bots Ltd

CAP Certified Ltd

Halo Service Solutions

1. Innovation in Customer Service, sponsored by Larking GowenThis award will be given to a sole trader or company that demonstrates the best application of new methods, practice and technology - to improve the customer experience. This award recognises the best practice in delivering innovation in customer experience.

Andrew's Quality Butchers

Shotley Premier Stores and Post Office

West View IT Limited

1. High Street Innovation, sponsored by Central Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils

This award recognises successful implementation of innovative strategies, products, procedures or technology to promote successful trading on the high street.

Battleburys at the Kings Head

Duck In Boots

Ferguson's Deli

1. Innovation in Sustainability, sponsored by EO Charging

This award is for any business that demonstrates a contribution to sustainability or energy-saving technologies that lower their carbon footprint.

Carbon Charter - Groundwork East

Challs International Ltd

Modece Architects Ltd

1. Innovation in Healthcare, sponsored by Orbital Media

This award recognises research, development or businesses using emerging technology within the animal and human health sector.

Guided Innovation

Gymophobics, Sudbury

Personal Training Centre

1. Future Food - Future in sustainable food technologies, sponsored by

This award recognises innovation in the food and agriculture sector.

Acorn bots Ltd

Applewood Acres Market Garden

Yum Yum Tree Fudge

1. Innovation in Construction, sponsored by Norse

This award is in recognition of Innovation in construction projects, materials or systems, putting in place creative solutions that result in sustainable homes, workplaces and infrastructure for the future.

Gorniak & Mckechnie Ltd Architects and Designers

Modece Architects Ltd

1. Most Innovative Micro Business, sponsored by Business Growth Coaches Network Ltd

Celebrating a micro business (under 9 employees) that has shown innovation in its business processes and products.

AVW Controls Ltd

EO Escape Rooms Ltd

Modece Architects Ltd

1. Most innovative SME, sponsored by Hudson Group

Recognising a small to mid-size enterprise (under 250 employees) that has shown innovation in its business processes and products.

Challs International Ltd

Halo Service Solutions

Orbital Media