We are so excited to announce that our amazing Managing Director, James Groves has won ‘Combined Early Business (Young/New) Director of the Year’ in the East of England, IoD Director of the Year awards 2021. The prestigious, black-tie awards ceremony took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London on Friday 18th March and were hosted by the Institute of Directors, East of England.
The IOD Director of the Year Awards are one of the few cross-sector awards programmes to celebrate success and leadership talent and gives the business community a chance to acknowledge the excellence and professionalism we have in the East of England.

This is a huge achievement for James and all the swans are so proud of him. Indigo Swan wouldn’t be the company it is today without him. He fuels and supports us as employees to be the very best version of ourselves so that we can achieve the very best for our clients and reach our own personal goals. He is the drive, encouragement, and kinetics beneath our calm appearance. Without him many of us wouldn’t be in the position we are today, and we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving for this award.
James Groves, Managing Director commented:
‘I have never been good at celebrating my own individual success. Why is this? It’s because firstly I am blessed and lucky to be surrounded by the very best people and people much better than me in certain areas. I am a true believer that we are only as good as our team, and I am fortunate to have an awesome one. With that being said this is of course personally and professionally a highlight, and I am extremely proud and honoured to have been recognised in this way. The last few years for all of us have been challenging and as a new and young Director, there hasn’t been a better way to learn than what has been thrown at me in the last 24 months. I believe that I, along with the team have stepped up and achieved a huge amount. This is very much still the beginning of our journey and my journey, and I am excited for what is to come. For now, I will enjoy the moment, share it with the team and my family and be proud to have been recognised on a national stage for honestly just being myself. Be kind, be present, be the best you can be and always be thankful to those that allow you to be you.’
The past couple of years have been a difficult time for everyone both personally and professionally, however throughout the pandemic and lockdowns, James has really shone as a Managing Director and has shown his passion and commitment to not only being there for each of the swans on a personal level, but also on a professional level, pushing us to achieve our goals and be the best versions of ourselves. The lockdowns have been challenging for everyone, but this hasn’t stopped us as a company pushing forward and aiming high and this has also been shown in our recent TELCA Award wins too.

Pictured above: Chris Cliffe, Sarah West, James Groves, Judeline Nicholas and Nathan Lomax
Congratulations to all of the other finalists and winners on the night – everyone should be so proud of what they have achieved. It was a fantastic event and was great to see so many Norfolk businesses doing incredible things and coming together to celebrate the fantastic achievements and businesses that we have in this region.