Putting customer service excellence in the spotlight

The EADT Business Awards 2025 are now open for entries, with categories available for all sorts of enterprises to enter.

The judges for these awards comprise businesspeople and experts from across the county, who are eager to put the spotlight on Suffolk’s best businesses.

Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs at Greater Anglia, sponsor of the Customer Excellence Award, tells us what he brings to the judging process for the EADT Business Awards 2025.

Can you tell us a bit about your business journey?

Greater Anglia has operated train services in East Anglia since 2012.

Over that time, we have consistently improved service standards, culminating in the transformative project to introduce a complete new train fleet – a historic upgrade which is now delivering much-improved journeys and industry-leading performance across Suffolk and the wider region.

We are therefore proud to be sponsoring the Customer Excellence Award, which celebrates the best of customer service across Suffolk businesses, as well as highlighting best practice.

Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs at Greater Anglia (Image: Greater Anglia)

What do you bring to the judging process?

I have been involved in many aspects of the customer service improvements we have made at Greater Anglia and numerous projects delivered by predecessor operators in the region. I have also been a judge of these awards for the many years that we have sponsored the award.

In addition, I have often been on the other side of the judging process as an applicant to several rail industry and other customer service award schemes.

Why should businesses take the time to enter this category?

Entering these awards provides an opportunity to benchmark and highlight the progress your business is making in delivering excellent customer service. There are great opportunities to both validate and celebrate existing strategies and achievements and also to both share and see best practice.

Plus, if you make the shortlist, there are further potential reputational and commercial benefits.

What impact will winning this award have on a business?

Winning this award provides a high-profile, independent endorsement of your customer service strategy and approach through a well-respected local awards scheme.

Such recognition can only reinforce and build your business’ reputation and potentially underpin even greater success in the future.

What three pieces of advice would you give to businesses considering entering this category?

• Focus on providing evidence of your customer service achievements.

• Show how you go the extra mile for your customers.

• Demonstrate how excellent customer service is embedded in your strategy, operations and teams.

The deadline for entries to the EADT Business Awards 2025 is Sunday, April 6. To find out more or to enter, please visit the website at eadtbusinessawards.co.uk