THE Island’s biggest and most prestigious awards, the IW Chamber Business Awards, were presented last night (Friday, May 6) – for the first time since 2019.
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With 52 nominations from 39 Island businesses, it was a huge night for the Island’s business community.
Steven Holbrook, IW Chamber chief executive, said: “Our winners this year tell an incredible story.
“Despite huge challenges for us all in 2021, the Island’s businesses adapted and, in many cases, thrived.
“It’s a genuine thrill to be able to present these awards tonight.”
Start Up Business of the Year went to J&B Wholesale, suppliers of fresh fish and shellfish to Island hotels, nursing homes, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
The Entrepreneurship Award was won by Isle of Wight Cocktail Co, whose drinks are found in farm shops, bars and restaurants across the Island.
The Business in the Community Award saw two highly commended businesses in Storeroom2010 and Vectis Radio, with Island Roads taking home the award.
For the Workplace Health and Well-being Award, Yokogawa Marex was highly commended, and Gurit UK, based out of St Cross Business Park in Newport, was announced the winner.
Cowes based spa treatment, sports massage and holistic beauty treatment company BeCalmed was highly commended in the Customer Service Award, in which Top Mops cleaned up the prize.
The Training and Development Award was won by Lifeline Alarm Systems, which specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of electronic fire and security systems, with Nosy as highly commended.
The Environment and Sustainability Award was won by the British beauty brand Liz Earle, with its flagship store still operating on Union Street in Ryde.
Taking home the Technology and Innovation Award was Datum Electronics, based in East Cowes, who said it was 'all about teamwork'.
Hospitality and Tourism Business of the Year was named Adgestone Vineyard, who described the win as “absolutely amazing” and told the crowd their children said, “against Tapnell Farm, they had no chance!”
The Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year is Vikoma, which designs and manufactures oil and environmental control solutions.
The Made on the Isle of Wight Award saw Something Blue, the lightly bubbling Cuvee created at Adgestone Vineyard, claim highly commended, and Blackgang Chine taking the award.
Skates Roller Rink in Newport Quay took to the stage to collect the Made in 2021 Award, teasing that there may be a new project on the horizon, but plans remain “hush, hush!”
Growth Business of the Year went to the Garlic Farm, which said they were “really proud of everyone.”
On their fourth entry of the evening, William Eikos, creator of Aurigen – the award-winning loudspeaker – won Micro Business of the Year.
Diametric won Small Business of the Year, taking to the stage to thank their “amazing team” who they “couldn’t do it without.”
IW Chamber Member of the Year went to All Things Printed, which helped put the event together with its professional printing, merchandising and branding service.
Alec Dabell, the director of Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill, claimed the IW Chamber President’s Cup for Outstanding Contribution.
And finally, the big award of the evening, the IW Chamber Business of the Year went to Top Mops, with their outstanding contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic a major factor in the decision, as staff kept St Mary's Hospital clean to help stop the spread of the virus.
- Congratulations to all the highly commended and winning businesses!
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