In a ceremony at Norfolk Showground, Wilby Jones was announced as the recipient of this year’s Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Ashtons Legal, as well as the Growth Business of the Year award.
Founded in 2020, Wilby Jones has rapidly evolved from a specialist in R&D tax relief into a full-service consultancy for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
Over the past five years, it has expanded into accountancy, patent box, grant funding, leadership development and IP protection, positioning itself as a trusted partner for innovation-driven firms.
Strong financial results have underpinned significant reinvestment, including £500,000 for a new headquarters and modern systems to support growth.
Headcount has also surged 43pc in the past year, taking the team to 38.
Strategic partnerships with Anglia Capital Group and AF Group have strengthened its regional footprint across Norfolk and Suffolk, particularly among high-growth enterprises.
Internally, Wilby Jones prioritises culture and career development, aiming to build a high-performance, people-first organisation with national ambitions and deep local roots.
The judges commended the business’ “enthusiastic leadership team”, who have proved that they are clearly “passionate about the business and their team”, which extended to their dedication to prioritising the wellbeing of employees.
They added: “There is a clear ambitious financial direction for the business, as well as a progression route for employees with a ‘Future Leaders’ programme in place.”
Reflecting on the win, Wilby Jones’ director of people Michael Casanova said: “I think our focus on our people is what makes our work environment stand out. It’s an environment which allows people to be their best.
“We’ve worked really hard over the last few years to become a business which people want to work for, and are proud to work for, and this award reaffirms that we’re doing that,” he commented.
“It’s a real team effort. Everyone plays their part.”
Director Simon Wilby added: “We’ve been on a crazy journey, going from two people to 45 in just three or four years.
“The fact we can win this award in front of lots of businesses who mean a lot to us and who we’ve looked up to is fantastic.”
To find out more about all of the winners, click here.
To find out more about the EDP Business Awards, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk
The finalists: Employer of the Year
Indigo Swan
Indigo Swan, an independent energy consultancy based in Norwich, is a leader in the green energy space. Its mission is to “change energy” by helping people and businesses buy smarter and embrace sustainability.
The judges complimented the company’s “strong, charismatic leadership team” and its “real investment in supporting wellbeing and flexibility”.
ROARR!
ROARR!, the UK’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure park, spans 85 acres of woodland in Lenwade. Its prehistoric-themed activities blend fun and education.
The judges praised the ROARR! team for their excellent communication and team skills, highlighting that their daily department huddles and open-door policy “gave a feel of genuine care”.
Westcotec
Westcotec, an employee-owned firm in Dereham, designs and installs intelligent traffic safety systems – including speed management tools and detection systems – which help prevent collisions and save lives.
The judges commended the company for its innovation and commitment to its mission, as well as its “strong, open and honest leadership”.
About the Employer of the Year sponsor
Ashtons Legal is delighted to sponsor the EDP Business Awards for the third year – this year for the Employer of the Year category.
An award-winning company, Ashtons Legal’s vision is to be “an exceptional professional service provider putting our clients at the centre of everything we do”.
Regardless of the issue, the focus of the Ashtons Legal team is on always delivering first-class legal advice with exceptional service, helping its clients to both grow and to achieve their aims.
With more than 420 staff members across five offices in East Anglia, Ashtons Legal is rooted in the local region and works with national and international clients.
The finalists: Growth Business of the Year
Cats At Home
Cats at Home is a specialised, feline-only grooming service with branches in Norwich, Wymondham, North Walsham and London.
It provides a stress-free environment where cats receive expert grooming from a team with a history of veterinary nursing experience.
The judges said: “The focused service offered by Cats at Home has delivered strong growth.”
Diamond Controls
Diamond Controls is a Norwich-based leak detection system and trace heating products supplier with engineers across London and the South East.
Its services are used by contractors, facilities and operations managers, property managers and developers.
The judges said the firm “has experienced superb growth with fantastic projections”.
Mills & Reeve
A full-service law firm founded in Norwich, with seven offices nationwide, Mills & Reeve advises on all major legal practice areas, including employment, corporate, tax, property, banking and finance, planning and more.
The judges called Mills & Reeve an “amazing firm with a wonderful culture”, recognising the “innovative ways” it is growing.
