THE PRESIDENT of Wellingborough & East Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has paid tribute to the area’s “vibrant and thriving” business community.
Speaking at the Chamber’s annual awards ceremony, Pritesh Ganatra praised the winners and finalists for their talent and innovation.
The awards were presented this year at Harrowden Hall, home of Wellingborough Golf Club. Guests at the breakfast event also heard a presentation from keynote speaker Simon Cooper, director of UK horse racing administrator Weatherbys GSB which is based in Wellingborough.
The Chamber presented a total five awards: Services Business of the Year, Retail Business of the Year, Industry Award, Community Award and Excellence Award.
Mr Ganatra (pictured with the award winners) said: “It is inspiring to witness the incredible contributions of businesses across the area, showcasing their dedication to excellence and community prosperity. The Business Awards are a testament to the vibrant and thriving local business community.”
Food consultancy The Nutrient Gap, which helps clients with product information and compliance, was named Service Business of the Year. “I am absolutely overjoyed and honoured,” said founder Georgina Stewart. “It reinforces our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction and making a positive impact with our services.”
The UK’s first importer and supplier of wines from Moldova, Wine Chateau, retained its title as Retail Business of the Year. Managing director Cristina Paunoiu said: “Being a small family business, winning this award increases our credibility to customers for the quality service and products we offer, especially with this being the second year in a row for us.
“This recognition is the perfect reward for our dedication to enriching wine experiences and the incredible support from our loyal customers. It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, setting new standards and elevating our business to greater heights.”
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Family-owned timber engineering business Scotts of Thrapston, which has been trading for more than a century, received the Industry Award. “Receiving the Industry Award is an immense source of pride for us. It is a celebration of the generations of hard work, dedication and values that define our company,” said managing director James Scott.
“This award symbolises not only our commitment to excellence in the industry but also the strong foundation of family values that have been integral to our success.”
The Northamptonshire branch of national animal charity the RSPCA collected the Community Award. Head of operations Richard Burns said: “This award will hold a special place in our hearts. It not only shines a light on our mission of the past six decades but also strengthens our resolve to continue championing the rights and welfare of pets and rescues alike for many more years to come.”
Nene Valley Crematorium won the Excellence Award for supporting bereaved customer’s wishes for their loved ones, initiating an innovative recycling of metals scheme and for sharing its profits among selected charities. “We are unbelievably proud of our team that made this possible,” said its head of operations Richard Porter.
The ceremony also included a compelling presentation by Weatherbys GSB director Simon Cooper on the rich history and enduring success of Weatherbys titled ‘250 Years of a Local Family Firm’. Weatherbys administers the sport of racing under contract from the governing British Horseracing Authority and registers all thoroughbred horses in Britain and Ireland within The General Stud Book. The business, based in Wellingborough, also runs Weatherbys Bank.
Weatherbys GSB also sponsored the Excellence Award. Other award sponsors were SEMLEP’s Growth Hub, Clifford Roberts, Wine Chateau and Nene Valley Crematorium.