Two Bicester businesses picked up awards at this year’s Cherwell Business Awards.

The Cherwell Business Awards’ 11th annual ceremony was an evening of celebration and recognition for the exceptional leaders, companies, and charitable organisations in the area.

Held at The Chesterton Hotel on Friday, September 8, the event was hosted by the charismatic Aaron Williams and brought together nearly 250 guests from across the district.

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The awards spotlighted 35 finalists across 13 Awards, celebrating a diverse cross-section of Cherwell’s business community.

Placi Espejo, chair of the Cherwell Business Awards, said: “We were delighted to be at The Chesterton Hotel this year and put on a real celebratory event for all who attended.

“Congratulations to all the finalists, winners and a huge thank you to all the sponsors and supporters of this year’s awards.”

Over the years, the Cherwell Business Awards has served as a springboard to future success for many, while simultaneously applauding the hard work and accomplishments of its winners.

Guests at the event were treated to a delightful drink’s reception and a sumptuous three-course dinner, all while being pleasantly surprised by singing waiters and a talented band that added a musical touch to the evening.

A highlight of the evening was a fundraising prize draw that featured prizes donated by sponsors and supporters.

This initiative raised over £2,000, with Bicester Village matching the amount, bringing the total to £4,000.

This means the winning charity – Nai’s House, will receive a £2,000 donation and the finalists – Forget Me Not Bicester and Dementia Active, each receive £1,000.

The 2023 Cherwell Business Awards winners list included Wendy Tindsley of Oxford Innovation, who won The Becky Moyce Tribute Award, Nai’s House in Bicester, which won the Bicester Village Charity and Community Award, and Bicester Wills, which won The Bicester Vision and Wednesday Business Club Small Business Award.

Katie Roberts and The Just Dance Company won The Ellacotts Business Person of the Year Award, while The Little Car Company brought home The High Spec Composites Engineering Excellence Award.

Nairne Barker from Abingdon and Witney College won The Karcher Young Business Person of the Year Award, Cherwell Collective won The Nicholsons Sustainable Business Award and FitnessGenes took home The Oxford Technology Park Innovation Award.

Darcica Logistics won The OJI Marketing New Business Award, Tugo Food Systems won The SE-Solicitors Large Business Award, Lock 29 brought home The Wild Property Consultancy Town Centre Award and Specsavers Kidlington won The Engineering Trust Apprentice Employer of the Year Award.

In addition to these categories, the Overall Cherwell Winner Award 2023, sponsored by Norbar Torque Tools, was awarded to Lock 29, a unique destination in Banbury that breathes new life into the canal-side area.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1