Norfolk-based pet food company Natures Menu has picked two impressive trophies in the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards – Barclays Business of the Year and the Business Development title.

Managing director Craig Taylor said: “It’s an absolute joy to win and a real pleasure. I’m so proud of everything that everybody has done within our business and really pleased for the vote of confidence in what we are doing.”

Peter Roy, business development manager, added: “What we’ve been able to do over the last couple of years, which has crystallised this year, has been to really focus on individual aspects of our sales strategy. We have been looking at clearly defined aspects of the UK, vets, breeders, retailers, as well as export.
“The last couple of years we have been lucky. We have had industry recognition, but now recognition that sits outside, through the business awards, is very important.”

Natures Menu clinched the Barclays Business of the Year Award because the company “ticked every box that we looked at."

Tim Seeley, head of corporate banking for Barclays in East Anglia, said: “Whatever aspect we looked at with Natures Menu, they were exceeding expectations. They are really a great example of a Norfolk-based business, using Norfolk-based supply routes and creating Norfolk-based employment. A fantastic business.”

In the Business Development Award category, Andrew Barnes, a senior partner at award sponsors Howes Percival, said: “For me what stood out is the ambition of these guys. They are very modest, but they have a great vision, and it’s here in Norfolk.

“It is remarkable what there is tucked away here, They are going for Europe and beyond, and obviously with an innovation in their product, that I absolutely know has got a terrific future.”

Pictured (from left to right): Craig Taylor, Peter Roy and Andrew Barnes from award sponsors Howes Percival.