BURY FREE PRESS WEST SUFFOLK

BUSINESS AWARDS

Nominations are NOW OPEN

Could you be the Bury Free Press West Suffolk

Business of the Year 2026?



Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards 

Entries are NOW OPEN

The awards showcase the best businesses from the length and breadth of West Suffolk and the Bury Free Press circulation area.

The awards celebrate excellence and showcase the achievements of local businesses and the people who work for them. 

They bring decision-makers and business leaders together from across the area and have gained tremendous momentum to become the premium business event in our area. There are 13 categories in total. 

Finalists will be announced in September 2026 in the Bury Free Press, ahead of the awards ceremony at The Apex in October.

If you would like further details regarding sponsorship opportunities or how to enter, please contact events@iliffemedia.co.uk

Nominations are NOW OPEN - Click here to view the award categories.

A warm welcome to our 2026 host!

Shaun Williamson

Shaun Williamson is an actor and singer, best known for his role as Barry Evans in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, which he played from 1994 to 2004. He is also widely recognised for playing a fictionalised version of himself in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s sitcoms Extras (2005–2007) and Life’s Too Short (2011–2013).

Shaun’s other television work includes roles in the CBBC comedy series Scoop (2009–2011), Plebs (2014), Houdini (2014), Mister Winner (2020), and Significant Other (2023), along with appearances in TV staples such as Doctors, The Bill, Casualty, Holby City, and London’s Burning.

His theatre credits are extensive, with performances in One Man, Two Guvnors at the National Theatre, The Ladykillers, Anything Goes, The Railway Children, Guys and Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Porridge, Saturday Night Fever, and many more.

Shaun has also featured in several reality TV shows, including Fame Academy (2007), Celebrity Big Brother (2017), Five Go Barging (2019), and Celebs on the Farm (2021).

An avid quizzer, Shaun has raised over £350,000 for charity by winning shows such as Pointless (four times), The Chase (twice), Beat the Chasers, Celebrity Mastermind, House of Games, and Britain’s Brightest Family. He hosted his own quiz show, The 24 Hour Quiz, in 2004 and co-hosted Al Murray’s Great British Pub Quiz in 2019. His autobiography, A Matter of Facts (2020), intertwines stories from his life with his quest to win the World Quiz Championships.

Since 2020, Shaun has been touring the UK’s music venues and festivals with Barrioke , a joyous, interactive karaoke party where audience members join him on stage to create an unforgettable singalong celebration.

Our Main Sponsor - Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has been providing unwavering support for the success of businesses in Suffolk, and the region's thriving economy, since 1884.

As a private sector, not-for-profit member led organisation, our core competencies of Connect, Support, Inform, and Inspire reflect our commitment to advocating for our members' interests at all levels. Through lobbying and advocacy, strong relationships with policymakers, networking events, professional development, business resources, and access to exclusive services, we empower businesses to grow and thrive.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is the largest independent business forum in the county. The Chamber was originally established in 1884. Our membership accounts for over 100,000 employees and our reach is deep - with regular access and communication to many other businesses across every part of Suffolk and across every sector, where we champion, represent and respond as the voice of Suffolk business but our impact extends beyond our members. We actively contribute to Suffolk's economic development by promoting job creation, business retention, and community outreach. By collaborating with various stakeholders, we work towards shared goals and objectives, fostering a thriving business ecosystem.