ISLE OF WIGHT CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED TONIGHT

The Isle of Wight Chamber Business Awards 2024, sponsored by WightFibre, will be presented this evening (Friday). This year, 42 exceptional Island businesses are up for the Island’s most prestigious awards, with a shortlist of nominees that reflects a wide range of size and sectors, from new start-ups to long established and well-known names. The ceremony will be hosted by double Olympic gold medal winning sailor Shirley Robertson OBE, who has been an Island resident for more than 20 years, and is a highly experienced international TV presenter and event host. The ceremony will take place at Cowes Yacht Haven, with entertainment, a 3 course dinner and an after-show party, as the Chamber’s Steven Holbrook explains:

“Our awards night is the pinnacle for many Island businesses. Our judging process is exemplary and wholly impartial, drawn from a panel of independent business experts, many of whom are based on the mainland and some internationally. “Our winners will know that they are the best in their field and they have won based entirely on their entry and the strength of their submission. Massive congratulations to all of our nominees. “As well as shining a spotlight on the best in business, our other job is to provide a fabulous evening where the Island’s business community can celebrate in each other’s success. Of course events like this are competitive, but there’s a huge collective spirit too. “Our awards night is all about fun, celebration, and a party for all of our nominees and winners.”

 The Chamber Awards event is once again supported by WightFibre as headline sponsor. WightFibre’s CEO John Irvine explains why:

“By sponsoring the IW Chamber Business Awards, for the 3rd consecutive year, we actively celebrate excellence, innovation, and resilience within our Island business community. We firmly believe that thriving businesses contribute to a vibrant economy. “Through our sponsorship, the event hopes to empower entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies to reach new heights. Their success fuels the Island’s prosperity. Their adaptability and determination inspires us all.”

This year, the bespoke glass statues will be handed out by host Shirley Robertson, who combines being an Island resident with a world-class CV. In becoming the first ever British woman to win Olympic Gold Medals at consecutive Olympic Games, Shirley Robertson OBE was until recently, the most successful female Olympic sailor of all time. Since that remarkable feat, Shirley has become one of the most recognisable faces in sailing, travelling the globe as a competitor and broadcaster for channels including the BBC and CNN. Shirley is a highly sought-after and experienced event host, presenting awards ceremonies at exclusive events around the globe. Shirley says:

“I’ve lived on the Island for more than 2 decades, and I’m still constantly impressed by the flair and ingenuity of the Island’s business community. “I’m thrilled to be helping you all celebrate, and to shine a light on the many successful and inspirational businesses that call the Island their home. I’m so excited to be part of this highly prestigious evening. It’s going to be a great night and I can’t wait!”

The nominations in full are: Start Up Business of the Year – sponsored by PC Consultants Cherry Godfrey Wight Coaches Wight Vets Entrepreneurship Award – sponsored by Liz Earle Acorn Interiors Julia Tanner Art Wed & Prosper Customer Service Award – sponsored by Red Funnel Grace’s Bakery Preziosa Dachshunds Southern Vectis W Hurst & Son Wed & Prosper Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by WRS Systems Datum Electronics PC Consultants Wight Coaches Community Award – sponsored by Moore (South) LLP Mountbatten Tidal Family Support UKSA Vectis Radio Wessex Cancer Support Environment and Sustainability Award – sponsored by IFPL Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd GKN Aerospace Cowes Nosy Agency Training and Development Award – sponsored by JR Zone BeCalmed Top Mops Vestas Blades UK Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Cherry Godfrey The Blacksmiths Island Holiday Company Luccombe Hall Hotel Technology and Innovation Award – sponsored by Lifeline Alarms Abundance Movement Innovative Physics IOW Group XRD Nano Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year – sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight Blackgang Chine JR Zone The Terrace Rooms & Wine Creative Impact Award – sponsored by Medina Publishing Monkton Arts Quay Arts Visit Isle of Wight  Employer of the Year – sponsored by Diametric Technical Ltd Datum Electronics PC Consultants Vestas Blades UK Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year – sponsored by GKN Aerospace IOW Group MedTec Design Business Social Impact Award – sponsored by WightFibre Nettlecombe Farm RenoDrain Right At Home W Hurst & Son Micro Business of the Year – sponsored by Gurit JR Zone MedTec Design Nosy Agency Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Wightlink Acorn Interiors Island Holiday Company Richardson’s Yacht Services Seaview Hotel Also presented on the night… Member of the Year President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution Business of the Year