Business across Northamptonshire was in the mood to celebrate last night (Thursday) at the Northamptonshire Business Awards, organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.
A total 13 awards were handed out, including new accolades for Business of the Year in West and North Northamptonshire and the inaugural President’s Award, presented by Chamber president Robyn Allen to Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins of Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts.
Staff at Northampton-based PR company Pilkington Communications had double reason to celebrate after the company took the West Northamptonshire Business of Year award home to its office at Delapre Abbey and managing director Jessica Pilkington was named Business Person of the Year.
So did colleagues at Global Health Tests, which won the High Growth Business of the Year award for the second year running as well as taking the International Trade Business of the Year trophy back to its headquarters in Northampton.
The ceremony took place in front of around 300 guests at the Park Inn Northampton, hosted by broadcaster and journalist John Griff and with county law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors as headline sponsor.
Ms Allen pictured right said: “After the successful return of last year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards – which benefited so many businesses – it is thrilling to see this year’s event come to life once again. Business plays a key role in the shaping of our community. It gives hope and opportunity, as well as providing a place for forward thinkers t turn dreams into reality.
“When you spend most of your adult life working, it is important to make sure you enjoy it. You need to mark milestones, strive to be better and take some chances along the way.”
THE WINNERS
CHARITY OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Business Times
Winner: Northamptonshire Health Charity
Finalists: Northampton Leisure Trust / Trilogy Leisure; Northampton Town FC Community Trust
INTERNATIONAL TRADE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsor: RS Group
Winner: Global Health Tests
Finalist: 20/30 Labs
WORKPLACE WELLBEING Sponsor: CommSave Credit Union
Winner: Spokes Education
Finalists: 24/Three Consultants; Paradigm Shift Consulting
BEST NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire
Winner: Dunore Utility Connections
Finalists: Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts; Haus of HR
WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsor: West Northamptonshire Council
Winner: Pilkington Communications
Finalists: Competitive Edge Training & Consultancy; Northampton Leisure Trust / Trilogy Leisure
YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Sponsor: University of Northampton
Winner: James MacPherson – Risk Fluent
Finalist: Ryan Stewart – 123 Internet Group
CUSTOMER COMMITMENT Sponsor: qoob
Winner: Big Bear Trailers & Outdoor
Finalists: Global Health Tests; HR Solutions
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Global Health Tests
Winner: DB Shoes
Finalists: Competitive Edge Training & Consultancy; Paradigm Shift Consulting
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Learning & Skills Academy CIC
Winner: Jessica Pilkington – Pilkington Communications
Finalists: Kerry Leese – Food for Thought; Sean Maher – hireful
NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: North Northamptonshire Council
Winner: hireful
Finalists: Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts; TUTS
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Sponsor: HR Solutions
Winner: Pragmatiq
Finalist: Artemis Adjusting
HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsor: AZETS
Winner: Global Health Tests
Finalists: Competitive Edge Training & Consultancy; Mannol
PRESIDENT’S AWARD Sponsor: Wilson Browne Solicitors
Winner: Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins – Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts
