A glittering awards ceremony celebrated the success of firms across the district and marked the conclusion of the Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight last night.

Hosted at the Princes Theatre, the third annual Tendring4Growth Business Awards – attended by finalists, sponsors’ representatives, and speakers from the Tendring4Growth fortnight – commended the accomplishments of Tendring firms.

The new award categories reflected themes of events held during the preceding Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight – run by Tendring District Council (TDC) – such as creativity and culture, women in business and high street heroes.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, expressed his admiration for the success stories highlighted at the event.

“In these challenging economic times, the resilience and strength of our local businesses, as showcased at the Tendring4Growth Business Awards, are truly remarkable,” Councillor Henderson said.

“The judging panel faced some tough decisions, and all nominees should take pride in their contributions to the Tendring economy – from providing innovative products and services, to creating jobs and supporting the community.

“My heartfelt congratulations go out to all the winners, our award sponsors, and the outstanding speakers who participated throughout the Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight.”

Entertainment at the event came from band Wully Bully.

The Business Fortnight, run by TDC’s Tendring4Growth Economic Development team, saw eight events take place across two weeks; bringing together firms from similar sectors and providing advice and support, on everything from tourism and culture, to making the most of digital marketing. Tendring4Growth aims to support local business to ensure they thrive – boosting jobs and innovation, raising aspirations and skills, in the district.

The Business Awards judging panel consisted of TDC Chairman Councillor Dan Casey and representatives of the sponsors of the awards: Colbea (headline sponsor), Backing Essex Business, Esign Visual Communications, Galloper Wind Farm, KAT Marketing, North Essex Economic Board (NEEB), Pickering, Princes Theatre, Rose Builders, and Surya Hotels.

To find out more about the support TDC offers to businesses and sign-up to a business e-bulletin – which will include details of how to nominate businesses for next year’s awards – visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/signup.

The full list of those recognised at the Tendring4Growth 2024 Business Awards are:

Community Impact

Sponsored by KAT Marketing

WINNER: UnSealed

RUNNER-UP: Bill Clinic

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Walton Pre-School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Rowan Hunter (Estuary Wine Bar, The Stour Store)

Creativity and Culture

Sponsored by Princes Theatre

WINNER: BENCHspace

RUNNER-UP: Funnelwick Limb

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Grand Theatre of Lemmings

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Black Cactus Studio

Delivering Social Value

Sponsored by Galloper Wind Farm

WINNER: Flexfityoga

RUNNER-UP: Tendring Wellbeing and Intervention Services

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Happy Home Services Essex

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Essex Menopause Coach

Digital Excellence

Sponsored by North Essex Economic Board (NEEB)

WINNER: Metallic Elephant

RUNNER-UP: JA Social Suite

Empowering Women

Sponsored by Surya Hotels

WINNER: Ky Marie Finch (Aunty Ky’s ICMG Pet Parlour)

RUNNER-UP: Dr April Young (Weeley Veterinary Centre)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Caroline Fright (Carbon Numbers)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Julie Court (Essex Menopause Coach)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Karen Cooke (BENCHspace)

High Street Heroes

Sponsored by Esign Visual Communications

WINNER: Winyl

RUNNER-UP: UnSealed

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Wholefood Store

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Little Boat Gifts

Hospitality and Visitor Attractions

Sponsored by Backing Essex Business

WINNER: Clacton Pier

RUNNER-UP: St Osyth Priory

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hamford View

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Brightlingsea Lido

Innovation in Sustainability

Sponsored by Pickering

WINNER: Dura Composites

RUNNER-UP: Joe Nutkins Dog Training

HIGHLY COMMENDED: dStudio Studio One Frames

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ketchup Clothes

Tradesperson of the Year

Sponsored by Rose Builders

WINNER: Steve Box Property Maintenance

RUNNER-UP: Angel Landscapes & Designs

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Eastgate Landscapes & Groundworks

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Discount Windows and Conservatories

Headline Sponsor’s Award

Sponsored by Colbea

WINNER: Never Say Die Public House

RUNNER-UP: River Colne Food Co.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Happy Homes Services Essex

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