Businesses from across the Island have been celebrated at the first ever Isle of Wight Radio Best in Business Awards, in partnership with HTP Apprenticeship College.
Some 370 separate businesses were in the running for awards from the 1,400 nominations cast. Over 200 people attended the glitzy ceremony at Albert Cottage in East Cowes last Friday.
The first award of the night – Best Care Provider sponsored by Care UK Southampton Treatment Centre – was handed over by event hosts Paul Topping and Emily Wells, to Westview House.
The Best Family Business Award sponsored by Red Squirrel Property Shop went to Island Dance and Theatre Co, while the Best Island Produce Award sponsored by Isle of Wight Fuels went to Isle of Wight Distillery.
The Best New Business Award sponsored by Wight Fire and Security was picked up by The Island Riding Centre, while Best Social Enterprise Award sponsored by Federation of Small Business went to Aspire Ryde.
The Best Website and Marketing Presence Award sponsored by Coast and Country Marquees was Vectis Ventures (Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine), while the Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by Central Garage went to The Price Is Wight.
Gioia Minghella-Giddens, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, called the night a celebration of the Island’s creativity and excitement:
“The whole concept of the evening was such a treat and such a delight. It is important to celebrate our businesses on the Island”.
Meanwhile Island MP Bob Seely said:
“It’s been a great evening with an excellent atmosphere. Businesses are doing a fantastic job on the Island. For all the businesses – whether they won an award or not – they deserve to be recognised. I hope we can do it all again next year!”
The coveted Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by WP recruitment, went to long-serving Seaview Hotel staff member, Philippa Meeres – who has been with the business for 20 years.
The Retailer of the Year Award sponsored by The Needles Landmark Attraction was handed to Skintrade, while Tradesperson of The Year Award sponsored by Jewson was picked up by SM James Property Maintenance.
2 categories voted for by the public – Top Day Out sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight and Best Hospitality Venue sponsored by Wightlink – went to Tapnell Farm and the Wight Mouse Inn, respectively.
The prestigious Overall Business of the Year sponsored by HTP Apprenticeship College went to Newport based Caffe Isola.
Claire Willis, Managing Director of Isle of Wight Radio said:
“We wanted to set up an awards ceremony that celebrated and recognised all types of businesses on the Island. It was great to see so many people – and companies – supporting the event and picking up awards.”
