Felixstowe will be represented among an impressive collection of businesses, community groups and outstanding individuals named as finalists in the East Suffolk Awards 2023.

Litter-Free Felixstowe, has been nominated in the Green Impact Award category, while the whole town's community is also a finalist.

The awards are all about recognising the achievements of organisations and people making a positive contribution to life in East Suffolk over the last 12 months.

Felixstowe community nominated

This year's awards were launched in November, with the winners due to be announced during an event at Snape Maltings on 28 February.

Run by East Suffolk Council, and last staged before the Covid pandemic in 2019, the awards are designed to celebrate excellence, innovation, community spirit and charity.

In addition, this year's Community 'Next Big Idea' award will highlight originality in the development of a concept, creation or campaign – with the winner receiving a grant to help achieve their dream scheme.

Felixstowe councillor Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: "I'm excited to see such an impressive list of local businesses, groups and individuals making a positive difference to lives in East Suffolk.

"We received a lot of excellent applications highlighting many remarkable and inspiring achievements. It was a challenge to then reduce them down to a shortlist of final nominees.

"A huge congratulations to all finalists for their hard work and commitment over the last year – and thank you to our sponsors for helping to make the event happen."

The nominations for the East Suffolk Awards 2023 are:

Team of the Year Award sponsored by Everyone Active

Dora Brown

Inspire

Catering Team, Northfield St Nicholas Primary School

Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Active Suffolk

Dora Brown

Suffolk Mind

Unlock My Mind

New Business of the Year Award sponsored by Spider

The Good Dog

Nexus Ramps

Satsuma Group

Business Growth Award sponsored by ABP Associated British Ports

Dolled Up

Pleasurewood Hills

Satsuma Group

Great Idea Award sponsored by Cory Brothers Ltd

Dora Brown

Sammy the Sea Squirt

St Philip's Community Hub, Felixstowe

Green Impact Award sponsored by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Sizewell C Supply Chain

Andy Sutherland, Nexus Ramps

Litter-Free Felixstowe

Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music

Encouraging Tourism Award sponsored by East Suffolk Council

Magnus PR

Pleasurewood Hills

Satsuma Group

Community 'Next Big Idea' Award sponsored by East Suffolk Council

Trustees of Jetty Lane

Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by EDF Energy

Enamulah Safi

Elliot Cropley

High Street of the Year sponsored by East Suffolk Means Business

Halesworth Town Centre

Leiston Community Land Trust

Community champion of the year (individual) sponsored by Places Leisure

Barrie Hayter

Karen Prime

Tony Wright

Community of the year sponsored by East Suffolk Community Partnerships

Bealings Community Hub

Felixstowe

Kessingland

Levington and Stratton Hall

Mike Bowden, Marketing and Partnerships Director for award sponsors Cory Brothers Shipping Agency, said:

"Cory Brothers Shipping Agency is delighted to sponsor the 2023 East Suffolk Awards.

"An almost hidden gem and certainly an unsung hero, Suffolk is vital for UK shipping and trade.

"As a global business celebrating 180 years trading and headquartered in Suffolk, Cory Brothers is always adapting to keep with the times. The 'Great Idea' award category is the perfect match for Cory as we continually seek innovation and new ideas."