New Sponsors On Board for This Year’s Business Awards

Two new sponsors, including a former winner, have signed up to the Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards.

Cross Country Carriers, based in Risby and winner of Business of the Year – Medium/Large last year, has joined this year’s event as a table sponsor, while The EpiCentre, based in Haverhill, will sponsor the gala event’s drinks reception.

Operating since 1978, Cross Country Carriers is a well-established haulage and pallet distribution firm which provides reliable and cost-effective transport solutions, including single and multi-pallet distribution, general haulage, Moffett deliveries, and same-day or next-day services nationwide. Ben Smith, commercial operations director, said winning last year was a ‘major milestone’ for the firm, and the sponsorship was about giving something back to the business community.

“We’ve experienced first-hand the positive impact that recognition can have, so we’re keen to support an event that encourages and inspires other businesses,” he said. “We believe it’s important to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the West Suffolk business community because it highlights hard work, inspires others to grow and strengthens connections,”

Meanwhile, The EpiCentre plays a key role in supporting the business community by creating an environment where organisations can grow, connect and innovate. Helen Earl, EpiCentre manager (pictured above with Jonathan Tewson from Lliffe Media) attended last year’s ceremony alongside her colleague Sian Garwood, and said it showcased the strength of the West Suffolk business community and the ‘inspiring innovation’ happening across the region.

”We were especially proud to see two companies based at The EpiCentre receive awards,” she said. “That experience made us want to deepen our involvement this year, so we can play a bigger role in supporting this vibrant community and celebrating the successes of the businesses that make West Suffolk such a great place to work.”

Helen said West Suffolk can sometimes sit in the shadow of bigger regional players, and added it was ‘vital’ the area recognises its own successes.

Nominations for this year’s business awards open on May 15. The pre-event ‘Meet the Finalist’ networking session will take place at Edmunds Restaurant on October 1, and the gala final itself is on October 9.

Jonathan Tewson, head of Iliffe Media Awards and Events, said: “We are thrilled to have both Cross Country Carriers and The EpiCentre on board for this year’s Business Awards. As evidenced last year, Cross Country Carriers is an industry leader in its field and it  is a privilege for us at Iliffe Media to be working alongside the team.

“The EpiCentre is a wide-reaching and pivotal hub for business people across West Suffolk and beyond, with several of our former winners based there. Helen and her team do such an incredible job and I can’t wait to get started with them.”

There are still opportunities for firms to become involved with sponsorship for the 2026 awards. The Customer Service, West Suffolk Award for Innovation and newly-created People and Culture categories are available, while the Meet the Finalist networking event is also open.