The outstanding individual and group achievements of businesses across Waveney were celebrated at an annual awards ceremony.
Fourteen awards were presented at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Lowestoft and Waveney Business Awards, at a glittering ceremony at the Ivy House Country Hotel in Oulton Broad on Friday night.
The event saw 200 local business representatives and special guests enjoying a three course meal with entertainment from soul vocalist Douglas Brown of Quirk Bespoke Events, before compere Chris Bailey started the ceremony.
John Bidwell of High Lodge Leisure near Darsham, was given the Lifetime Achievement award, for his successful leisure business and sporting achievements. Neil Barrett of Lowestoft-based Oven Blitzer scooped the prestigious Business Person of the Year, and the event culminated with Lowestoft-based Hoseasons winning both the Community Pride Award and Business of the Year 2017.
Simon Altham from Hoseasons said: 'It's always a great achievement for the team to win awards, but recognition locally means so much to everyone in the Hoseasons business. We are extremely proud of our Suffolk heritage and work hard to reflect that in the active role we play in the local community, whether that's through our CSR work with local schools, colleges and charitable organisations, or in the pathways into employment we provide through our training and apprenticeship programmes.
'We are incredibly grateful to the judges and to the Suffolk and Waveney Chamber for this double honour and look forward to another successful year in 2018 working with local businesses, schools and colleges across the region.'
The awards night is now in its 10th year, and other awards handed out included Apprentice of the Year and Family Business of the Year.
Jules Shorrock, chairman of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Lowestoft and Waveney said: 'Our awards allow us to come together to celebrate and recognise the entrepreneurism and excellence within our county and in particular here in Lowestoft and Waveney, as well as enabling businesses in our region to show their support for each other by sponsoring awards.
'It is truly magnificent to see our business awards celebrating its 10th year, with so many businesses showcasing their skills, talent and success. We thank all businesses that have taken part and congratulations to everyone and we look forward to a prosperous 2018.'
Award winners
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award
Amy Berwick, Home Group
Business of the Year Award
Hoseasons
Business Person of the Year Award
Neil Barrett, Oven Blitzer
Commitment to Skills and People Development Award
Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park
Community Pride Award
Hoseasons
Enterprise in Education Award
Ormiston Denes Academy
Excellence in Customer Service Award (one to 10 employees)
Coes Menswear, Lowestoft
Excellence in Customer Service Award (11+ employees)
ASAP Supplies
Family Business of the Year Award
Total Balance Wellbeing Centre
Growing Business Award
Marine Teak
Local Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Most Promising New Business Award
Rem67Medex
Recognition of Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognised: John Bidwell, High Lodge Leisure
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Winner: Rosie Kefford, Rosie's Hair, Beauty and Make-Up Studio
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