STAFF at a cake firm enjoyed the sweet taste of success when they took the top prize at a business awards ceremony.

The Fabulous Bakin Boys, which makes muffins, flapjacks and other snacks for the sweet-toothed at its Witney factory, was named West Oxfordshire’s Business of the Year.

Contest organisers voted the inaugural awards, held at Eynsham Hall, a resounding success after businesses from all over the district took home prizes.

The eight category winners will be entered in the Oxfordshire Business Awards, sponsored by the Oxford Mail’s sister paper The Oxford Times.

The Fabulous Bakin Boys was founded by Gary Frank, 49, after he lost everything he owned in the stock market crash of Black Monday – October 19, 1987 – when he was working in New York as a share trader.

He said: “As a business, we have strong roots in Oxfordshire and are committed to continuing to grow our business in the area.”

He received a trophy designed by students at Abingdon & Witney College and crafted by Witney sculptor Stephen Fletcher.

Bridget Taylor, of award sponsors Bottle PR, said: “Few entering the room at Eynsham Hall would have thought it was the inaugural year. The quality of business in our area is outstanding and whether a winner or not, everyone who was in the room represented what is great about business in West Oxfordshire.”

Ms Taylor said more than 80 companies had entered.

The gala dinner was a carbon-neutral event. Witney company OxTreeGen calculated the carbon use, including travel, and offset it by planting trees.

Ms Taylor said more than 80 companies entered.

Hannah Payne, marketing manager of Blenheim Palace, which won two categories, said: “To win both the Tourism and Hospitality Award and the Green Business Award is an amazing achievement for Blenheim Palace.

“The awards will help our continuing efforts to raise the profile of tourism in the region and our work towards sustainable tourism.”

  • Business of the Year: Fabulous Bakin Boys, Witney
  • Green Business: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
  • Innovation: Fabulous Bakin Boys
  • Large Business: Oxford Products, Witney
  • Small Business: Vision Teknology, Witney
  • New Business: Bushcraft Company, Charlbury
  • Young Business Person: Alex McBarnet, Bushcraft Company
  • Charity award: Specialeffect, Charlbury
  • Tourism & Hospitality award: Blenheim Palace