Owlstone Medical, Billy Boyle's firm - which has pioneered a disease breathalyzer that could detect cancer early - has received a £4m cash injection, seen its ReCIVA device named invention of the year, then put on display at the Science Museum as part of a Tomorrow's World exhibition.
It's hoped that Owlstone's work could save millions of lives, and now we're looking for the next innovation that could change the world.
The Hewitsons Award for Business Innovation goes to the company which has shown initiative in terms of innovation research and development during the last 12 months. It could be an early stage firm, or an established company that's made a big breakthrough.
At the other end of the scale, the region's big beasts will be fighting it out in the Barclays Award for Large Business of the Year. Reigning champion is Amino, which picked up the accolade in recognition of a stellar 20th year of trading, which saw its share price quadruple as it continued to make waves in the IPTV sector.
Amino also went one step further and picked up the Business of the Year prize, which is chosen from all the other award winners.
Large Business of the Year is open to companies achieving sustainable growth in turnover of £26m and over, with profit, and which can demonstrate their increased market strength. The winner may be achieving this through adaptability, quality of management, or diversification into new markets.
To enter these categories, or to find out more about the other awards, visit cambridge-news.co.uk/business/business-awards. But better get your skates on, the deadline for entries is next Monday January 22.
Here are the categories:
BARCLAYS AWARD FOR LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
For businesses that are achieving sustainable growth in turnover of £26m and over, with profit, and can demonstrate their increased market strength. They may be achieving this through adaptability, quality of management, or diversification into new markets.
HEWITSONS AWARD FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION
Which company’s initiative in terms of innovation research and development has most impressed you during 2017?
CAMBRIDGE JUDGE HIGH GROWTH AWARD
For businesses that are achieving sustainable growth in turnover of £5m-£25m with profit, and can demonstrate their increased market strength. They may be achieving this through adaptability, quality of management, or diversification into new markets.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
For businesses that are achieving sustainable growth in turnover of up to £5m, with profit, and can demonstrate their increased market strength. They may be achieving this through adaptability, quality of management, or diversification into new markets.
PURE AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
The best employer category is looking for a locally based organisation that successfully inspires, motivates, develops and rewards its staff, encouraging employees to work together to achieve the organisations objectives within is a positive working environment.
BIOMED REALTY TRUST AWARD FOR BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
To be decided by a distinguished judging panel.
PRICE BAILEY AWARD FOR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
This award will be decided by the judges as the “best of the best” from the winners of the awards.
ALLIA AWARD FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Which initiative has delivered or will deliver the most impressive impact on society in terms of social, environmental and economic impact? The initiative could be operating at a local, national or international level but must demonstrate significant ability or potential to make a transformational difference.
This initiative could be delivering social impact in terms of:
- the audience it reaches
- a ground-breaking innovation
- demonstrating quality
- building awareness of an issue that affects society
MEDIMMUNE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
The winner of this award is decided by a distinguished panel of judges.
CAMBRIDGE BID AWARD FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR
This category is open to all Independent retailers, including jewellers, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and hair and beauty businesses and it will allow this important sector to be showcased and give these successful businesses in the city the chance to win this prestigious award.