Business Awards Winners 2019

For this award the judges were looking for an individual who has made a significant impact on the business they work in, either as a leader or team member.  Someone who is inspirational, both within their business or industry and in the local business community.  In addition, they wanted to see evidence of the highest levels of business acumen, outstanding personal qualities, a wealth of achievements and respect from their peers.  There were a number of strong entries for this Award.

Organisations stand or fall on the strength of the bonds between the people working for them. The judges were looking for well-defined aims and objectives, high levels of trust and commitment, great relationships, and a successful outcome – as well as that all important team spirit. There were many entries in this category, and the results were very close.

This award is aimed at businesses or organisations (with a commercial operation) of all sizes, to show how they have contributed positively towards the local community and environment in Cirencester – above and beyond their trading remit.  The judges were looking for those that go that extra mile to help our local community, and will not be judging on amounts of money spent. Judges will be looking at evidence within a range of different approaches, from businesses offering ongoing, steady and reliable support, to the more imaginative and innovative community projects. This was a highly competitive field.

This category was open to new ventures with no more than 3 years of trading history.  The judges were looking for a business that has grown from an idea to a thriving business, achieved through planning, commitment, energy and determination.  This was a closely contested category, and the judges were impressed with the quality and range of new businesses in the area.

This category was open to independents, chains, and multiples.  Judges were looking for a retailer that understands its customers and stands out from its competitors with outstanding products and service.

This award is aimed at any business which provides professional services for its clients.  The judges were looking for businesses that demonstrated why they are the right choice for their particular professional service, as well as examples of imaginative and innovative ways of enhancing their offer to their clients.  This was a highly competitive field, with many entries all showing very high standards.

This award is aimed at hotels, pubs, restaurants, cafes and eateries, and/or any venue which offers great entertainment too.  As well as looking for entries that provide good quality food and beverages for the price set; facilities, entertainment, presentation, service and recommendation. The judges were also looking for clear examples of customer satisfaction, repeat custom, high levels of team work, warm and friendly atmosphere, and where applicable, locally sourced produce.

This award is aimed at all sizes of companies, whether large corporates, SMEs, partnerships or sole traders or working from home. Running a business presents unique challenges in terms of logistics, skills and management. The winner should be able to demonstrate how their company has successfully achieved a balance of core business activities including financial growth, ongoing sustainability, operations, HR, sales and marketing as well as outlining any provable positive social impact on the local community and will be supported by testimonials of client satisfaction.

The Judges were looking for entries which showcase the impact an apprentice has had on the organisation they work for, as well as being able to show growth and commitment to their own personal development and progression.

Judges will be looking for entries that demonstrate an exceptional contribution to the work of their organisation, and high levels of passion and motivation to develop their own workplace skills, knowledge and behaviours.

This apprentice can be working within a business of any size, but should have proven themselves as a dedicated member of the team in which they are working.

This award was aimed at the young entrepreneurs of today who are the business leaders of the future. Judges were looking for entries where a person or team have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills (creativity, leadership, hard-work, determination, resilience, customer service) in turning a business idea into reality. The category was open to people 25 or under and, as a bright star/stars of the future, be able to demonstrate balancing enthusiasm with professionalism and a great personality.

This could be a shop or solicitor, a bank or pub.   In a town that prides itself on friendliness and quality of service in all kinds of business, this was not an easy task! The Customer Service award winner offers high quality offices to rent in Cirencester on a business park, providing a co working environment for all types of businesses from new start-ups to larger businesses. Nominations mentioned the excellent customer service provided by Jenna and Michelle, who always made them feel welcome and went out of their way to make sure they helped with any issues.

The winner of the award always goes above and beyond to help Cirencester communities and often volunteers on projects and was a part of our future Cirencester and establishing Cirencester Community Development Trust Of which she was a director for three years. She has also worked closely with The Churn Project to help set up the community groups operating in each ward.

Our winners tonight received more than 60% of a huge public vote for this category. Musical Director Sandra Dukes and her husband Trevor, established the Corinium Players Guitar Ensemble as a charity in 1999. Its objectives were to advance the education of classical guitarists of all ages, to encourage children and young people to play classical guitar and to educate the public in this genre.

Every year, the Chamber is able to give a ‘special award’, which has no category. The award is given in recognition of a business or an individual who has made a significant contribution to Cirencester in some way.

A good idea is of no use if nothing is done to make it come to reality. There are lots of people in Cirencester with ‘good ideas’, but this person brings those dreams to life. For over 30 years he worked at the RAU, starting off with rolled up sleeves and perched on a piece of farm machinery and finishing up in 2017 after having been Director of Business Development and attracting millions of pounds to the University and, by extension, the town.