Hundreds of business leaders and staff came together for the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2019, as winners from its 14 categories were announced.

The black-tie dinner – held at the John Henry Brookes Building at Oxford Brookes University on Friday night – was attended by about 500 guests, representing businesses from a variety of sectors.

It was hosted by TV personality Rory Bremner, who won lots of laughs with his impressions of well-known politicians including US President Donald Trump and would-be Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Oxford Mail:

Since its launch in 1994, the ‘OXBA’ has recognised the achievements of thousands of businesses from right across Oxfordshire, including accolades for new businesses, small businesses and the county’s larger businesses.

READ AGAIN: Finalists shortlisted for the 2019 Oxfordshire Business Awards

Finalists for this year’s awards were announced at the beginning of May, following a record number of award applications.

The 25th OXBA was sponsored by 14 of the county’s leading businesses, with a wide range of accolades, including awards celebrating innovation, plus a charity and community award.

Oxford Mail:

The winner of a 14th category – the Hawkins Business of the Year Award – was chosen from all the winners and finalists across the 13 award categories, and went to property and construction consultants Ridge & Partners LLP.

Partner Graham Blackburn said: "We are very proud indeed to join such an illustrious list of winners."

For the second year running guests used an app to vote for The Oxford Times Charity and Community Award, with youth intervention charity One-Eighty winning the most votes.

Development manager Rebekah Sammut said: "This recognition will help raise our profile - all our staff work very hard - this is amazing."

Oxford Mail:

Chairman of the awards Paul Lowe said: “What an unbelievable night - it's brought everyone together.

"We would like to congratulate all of the winners at this year’s OXBA.

“For 25 years, the OXBA have championed businesses and those individuals who have made a positive impact in Oxfordshire and this year’s awards have been no exception.

“Winning an OXBA brings genuine recognition and acknowledgement among peers, so all of tonight’s winners should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”

Oxford Mail:

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership – sponsor of the New Business Award, taken home on the night by Sensyne Health, said the OXBA reflected the county’s thriving business community.  

Sensyne Health's Lord Drayson, who won special recognition on the night for his contribution to business in the county, said it had been a 'fantastic evening'.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Tipple added: “The OXBA create an opportunity to celebrate business across the county and it has an impact not just on our economy but also on the opportunities companies create for thousands of people on a daily basis.

Oxford Mail:

“Congratulations to all winners and finalists in what has been a memorable evening.”

This year’s winners and finalists were as follows:

The Oxford Times Charity and Community Award

WINNER: One-Eighty

Witney Music Festival

Transition by Design

The Hays Employer of The Year Award

WINNER: Nielsen

Oodle Car Finance

Abingdon & Witney College

The Oxford Science Park Innovation Award

WINNER: Oxford Biomedica

Fuel3D

Exscientia

The Oxfordshire LEP New Business Award

WINNER: Sensyne Health

Common Ground

SWJ Consulting

The Knights Small Business Award

WINNER: Imaginera

High Spec Composites

TOAD

The NatWest Large Business Award

WINNER: Nicholsons

Ridge & Partners LLP

Planet IT

The Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of The Year Award

WINNER: Sarah Jaycock, High Spec Composites

Daniel Weston, Mathews Comfort

Toby Crawford, Imaginera

The CIS Technology Excellence Award

WINNER: Cognitant 

Royal Cars

Brethertons LLP

The Heart Best Visitor Experience Award

WINNER: Cotswold Wildlife Park

TOAD

Hook Norton Brewery

The Brita Green Award

WINNER: Restore

Oxford Wood Recycling

Montala

The Syndicut Marketing Excellence Award

WINNER: Fuel3D

Sesui

Aston & James

The Bicester Village Retail Award

WINNER: William Powell

Coles Books

Loft

The Shaw Gibbs Business Person of The Year Award

WINNER: Paul Morrow, British Bakels

Daniel Geoghegan, Bicester Heritage

Paul Drayson, Sensyne Health

The Hawkins Business of the Year Award

WINNER: Ridge & Partners LLP