Association

28 March 2019

Norfolk business named best small company at trade body awards

A Norfolk-based pest management company has been named Small Company of the Year at a leading industry event.

Abate Pest Management Service, established 20 years ago, picked up the accolade at the British Pest Management Awards, organised by UK trade body the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

Held at ExCel London, the award ceremony formed part of the BPCA’s esteemed biennial exhibition and conference PestEx, the UK’s pest management show.

During the last year the company, which employs 11 people, has seen a significant uplift in contracts, especially businesses within the food chain, as well as housing associations and landlords.

Other notable projects that stood out to the expert judging panel included laser bird control in a nuclear power station and bird management measures in a walking safari park.

 The Abate team, including Jon Blake centre (holding the award), with Henry Mott, a member of the BPMA’s judging panel (left) and event host, TV wildlife presenter Mike Dilger.

Jon Blake, Managing Director of Abate Pest Management Services – who picked up the award – said: “Following years of successful growth, training plans, method statements, health and safety systems and marketing campaigns, Abate is now firmly driving forward the next stages of expansion with franchising.

“This will lead to additional growth and opportunities for other pest controllers to be part of a new centralised administration, sales and marketing system.”

Abate Pest Management Services, which provides domestic and commercial pest control services for homes and businesses across East Anglia, is also heavily involved with charity work throughout the local area.

Last year the firm helped to raise £7,000 for various causes by supporting their local family festival, including Norfolk’s The Raptor Trust, working to treat sick and injured birds of prey, plus educating the public on the need to protect and conserve both birds of prey and their habits.

Jon Blake added: “We’re absolutely shocked and overwhelmed to have won the award and I couldn’t have done it without the team, they are brilliant.

“We always aim to go that extra mile and that’s what we strive for.” 

MORE INFORMATION

More about Abate

More about the British Pest Management Awards

More about PestEx 2019

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

29 October 2026

Latest news

Shape housing policy and reduce the misery caused by pest infestations at home

Nobody deserves to live with a pest infestation. Sharing what you’ve seen in people’s homes can help BPCA secure stronger, workable protections for residents.

Read more

27 October 2026

Latest news

BPCA puts pest management on the careers map at AgriFest

BPCA attended AgriFest 2026 at the Norfolk Showground to introduce visitors to careers in pest management. The event welcomed 1,951 people, including 1,261 aged 16 to 24.

Read more

15 October 2026

Latest news

BPCA Chief Exec defends working dogs at Stormont

BPCA gave evidence at Stormont to make sure the draft Hunting with Dogs (Northern Ireland) Bill protects the use of working dogs in pest management.

Read more
Latest View all news

03 November 2026

Latest news

PGM & Son launches Who Gives a Rat’s Arse? winter campaign

Press release: With rodents accounting for 48% of PGM & Son’s recorded pest activity in Herefordshire during 2025, the BPCA member has launched a public awareness campaign.

Read more

02 November 2026

Latest news

SURVEY: General Licences for wild bird control

Natural England is inviting pest professionals to take part in a user survey for General Licences.

Read more

02 November 2026

Latest news

PelGar celebrates 20 years of service from Emmanuel Mahdavi and Nic Blaszkowicz

This month, PelGar International is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Emmanuel Mahdavi and Nic Blaszkowicz mark 20 years with the company.

Read more