THE boss of the new Oxfordshire Business of the Year put its success down to the achievements of his staff.

John Hoy, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, paid tribute to an “amazing team” after the World Heritage Site in Woodstock walked off with the ultimate accolade at the Oxfordshire Business of the Year Awards.

Mr Hoy said: “We have worked hard over the years and I’m so proud of the team. It’s an amazing achievement.”

He added that the success had been particularly satisfying as it had recognised the efforts the business had made during the recession.

Mr Hoy added: “We have fought back against the economic downturn and put something out there that offers value for money and that people have wanted to come and see.”

It was a double celebration after Blenheim, which attracts tourists and corporate guests from around the world, also won the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award in front of more than 450 guests at a gala dinner held at the Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford, on Friday night.

The Oxfordshire Business Person of the Year is Steve Liquorish, of office seating supplier CMS Industries, in Grove. He said: “I’m really shocked but I’m pleased for my team.

“It rubberstamps our belief that we have been doing things the right way.

“I treat people how I would wish to be treated and this has proved I have like-minded people around me.

“This award will take pride of place in the office for everybody to see.”

The winner of the Charity and Community category was Oxford City Football Club.

Managing director Colin Taylor said: “I’m delighted and proud we have won.

“It has been down to the hard work of all the volunteers as well as the initiative that we run and it is great to see that it has been appreciated.”

For the first time at the awards which have been going for 16 years, a Lifetime Achievement category was introduced and dedicated to Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood, co-founders of Oxford Instruments, for their work on the county’s business scene.

Sir Martin said: “This is a great surprise – I have received awards before but nothing like this.”

Lady Wood added: “We have had tremendous opportunities and very good luck.”

THE WINNERS

Oxfordshire Waste Partnership Sustainability Award: The Big Bang restaurant, Oxford

Oxford Brookes University and Business School Innovation Award: Bunnyfoot, Harwell

The Oxford Times Charity and Community Award: Oxford City Football Club

Heart FM Creative Award: The Torpedo Group, Cassington

Four Pillars Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Business Link New Business Award: Borro.com, Summertown, Oxford

Blue by Darbys Small Business Award: Oxford Technologies, Abingdon

Natwest Large Business Award: The Tibbetts Group

Ice Energy Green Property and Construction Award: Cottsway Housing Association, Witney

Champion Recruitment Customer and Staff Care Award: Maylarch Environmental, Eynsham

Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year Award: David Watt, Corporate Innovations

Bottle PR Business Person of the Year Award: Steve Liquorish, CMS Industries

Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood

Oxford Innovation Business of the Year: Blenheim Palace.