Norwich-based disability employer, Norfolk Industries for Disabled People, has had a run of success during February, receiving awards for its products at two of the UK’s major trade shows.
The company’s colour-in Small Animal House product was a finalist at the Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year 2020 awards at the NEC Birmingham on 2nd February, taking home a Highly Commended in the Pet Gift category.
The awards took place at the Spring Fair retail trade exhibition and the entries were reviewed by over 40 judges, all buyers and key influencers for the home and giftware industry making it a great way to get your products in front of the right people.
Factory manager, Sharon Tooke, received the award at an evening ceremony where all the finalists’ products were displayed together.
The following weekend saw Norfolk Industries triumph again, this time receiving recognition for its ‘Nibble and Nest’ product which was awarded New Product Showcase winner at PATS Sandown.
‘Nibble and Nest’ was developed in-house at Norfolk Industries and is an innovative product designed to promote natural scavenging behaviours and provide animal enrichment for mice, gerbils and hamsters. The product, which consists of small nests with treats hidden inside, has proved popular with hamsters, receiving favourable reviews from testers, and is part of Norfolk Industries plastic-free range, so it is also good for the environment.
Factory manager, Sharon Tooke said: “It is just a wonderful achievement to now win a second award this year for the development of our new products.
"We try to develop new products specifically taking our staff and people on work placements abilities into consideration as any product needs to be relatively uncomplicated to produce. To then gain awards for these products from the judges on their merits to the pet sector is a dream come true!
"Again, it is hoped that this award will raise the profile of Norfolk Industries across the country and ultimately any business growth created by the award and our attendance at PATS will directly contribute to the employment of people with disabilities or the provision of work placements to those who wish to get closer to employment but need support to do so.”
