Maintaining success throughout the past year hasn't been easy, but businesses across Derbyshire have put in the hard work and effort to ensure they not only survived, but thrived.

Their passion for the region and their industry shows not only how far they have come, but also how far they can go.

Shining a spotlight on these brilliant businesses and local entrepreneurs, the exciting will take place on Thursday, October 21 at the Derby Arena.

This year’s headline sponsors are , , , and . To find out more, visit the For tickets, contact Michelle Roberts, .

The award for SME Business of the Year, sponsored by , is dedicated to the Derbyshire companies employing less than 250 staff members and with a proven record of success. These companies are are integral to the local economy and have the potential to break boundaries in the business industry.

The finalists for the SME Business of the Year are:

Project D

A forward-thinking handmade doughnut bakery, Project D has re-imagined how the popular sweet snack is perceived and presented.

A mission to create the ‘world’s best doughnut’ took Project D on a research trip around the world. This culminated in two artisan bakeries, a raft of pop-up store experiences and partnerships with Amazon and Coca Cola.

Its distinctive pink branding and ‘D’ logo has been used to launch youth-oriented clothing merchandise with streetwear label Ratchet. The range seamlessly incorporates fashion trends with its own branding, fortifying the youthful, fun feel of the Project D brand.

Fresh Logistics

Fresh Logistics provides 24/7 temperature-controlled solutions for a range of industries including food, drink, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. After more than a decade of building resource networks, Fresh Logistics can deliver same-day transfers of temperature-sensitive items, from lifesaving drugs to emergency deliveries of blood.

A four-times winner of TCS&D Awards' Refrigerated Courier of the Year, Fresh Logistics operates one of the largest refrigerated courier fleets in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, meaning maximum flexibility for short-notice delivery requests is comfortably achieved. It has shipped to dozens of countries internationally, each delivery fully temperature controlled.

Each delivery request is catered for by a team of experienced logistical experts, accustomed to finding the correct vehicle and storage solution.

Bloc Digital

Now in its second decade of creating digital models, animations and interactive information, Bloc Digital has won several high-profile clients, including Jaguar Land Rover, Royal Dutch Shell and Siemans. Specialising in both sales and support solutions, it is committed to presenting and re-utilising customer information across the four core digital disciplines.

With a tailored approach to each project, Bloc Digital’s adaptive processes allow for differing size and complexities of projects. In-house personnel combine specialist knowledge, from research and development to maintenance and support applications, providing both knowledge and creativity across concept, draft and delivery stages.

The categories are:

Company of the Year

SME Business of the Year Sponsored by

Start-Up Business of the Year Sponsored by

Business Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by

Employer of the Year Sponsored by

Customer Service Excellence Award

Professional Services Sponsored by

Excellence in Innovation Award Sponsored by

Contribution to the Community Award Sponsored by

Family Business of the Year Sponsored by

Apprentice Employer of the Year Sponsored by

Not-For-Profit-Organisation Award Sponsored by

Education Sector: Business Engagement and Employability Sponsored by

Best Digital Transformation Sponsored by

Excellence in Manufacturing Award Sponsored by

Excellence in Business Growth Sponsored by

  • The will take place on Thursday, October 21 at the Derby Arena. To find out more information, visit the
  • For tickets, please contact Michelle Roberts, .