She Grows Veg scoops Suffolk Business of the Year Award 2026

Suffolk-based heirloom seed brand, She Grows Veg, was named as the region’s Business of the Year at the 29th annual East Anglian Daily Times Awards, paying tribute to its outstanding contribution to work life in Suffolk and impact on the wider community.

The ceremony, which was held at Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich, on Thursday 9th July, witnessed companies from every corner of the Suffolk business world coming together across 10 categories. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to be named Suffolk’s Business of the Year. This was a non-entry category, meaning that we were up against all of the overall category winners and the very best companies from across the region,” says She Grows Veg co-founder, Kate Cotterill. “The Business of the Year award is presented to the organisation that has demonstrated exceptional achievement over the last year and we are so proud that She Grows Veg, and our hardworking team, has been recognised for all the hard work.”

The judging for the Business of the Year award was based on five categories; overall business performance, defined values and mission, strategic growth plan, leadership and workplace culture, innovation and availability. She Grows Veg stood as finalists for this award alongside Bridge Classic Cars, and Ipswich Computer Services (ICS).

Judges praised She Grows Veg’s ambitious growth since launching in 2023 and made tribute to the strong leadership shown by both Kate and Lucy. The judges recognised the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere amongst the team of almost 50, as well as the meaningful social impact the brand makes.

“As well as Business of the Year, we were also crowned Start Up Business of the Year. As a young company, less than three years old, we are proud of everything we’ve achieved to date, but we’re only just getting started. We celebrated our first big retail listing with Ocado earlier this year and have just launched our own gardening app, which is incredibly exciting.” comments Lucy Hutchings, co-founder of She Grows Veg.

She Grows Veg was in good company with the Start Up of the Year finalists: 21 Young Hearts Community Cafe in Ipswich, who are creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people with disabilities; independent hearing specialists All About Hearing; and Curious Retreats, boasting a collection of Suffolk’s finest luxury holiday homes.

She Grows Veg offers a range of over 400 open pollinated heirloom seeds that promise the most beautiful, unique and delicious veg, fruit and flowers, that shops don’t sell. Every seed packet features a QR code linking to expert, easy-to-follow growing guides, so even those starting out growing their own can get advice on how to get the best results from their seeds.