From over 140 entries a shortlisted was chosen by a panel of judges and invited to attend the showstopper awards ceremony on Friday 18th March.
The evening was hosted by broadcaster Judi Spiers, with Tim Godfrey, Chairman of Torbay Business Forum and partner at Bishop Fleming, as the event’s guest speaker. Tim remarked that Torbay and South Devon is a ‘great place to live and work’ with ‘fantastic businesses’.
This was a sentiment that echoed throughout the evening as winners and runners-up were announced and cheered. Jim Parker, editor at the Herald Express, complimented the shortlisted businesses and shared that judging was difficult this year.
Representing the TDA as headline sponsor, Alan Denby, Director of Economic Strategy and Performance, stated our willingness to see the local economy go from strength to strength. The awards are an important part of recognising the flourishing business community in South Devon.
The winners
- Corporate, social and environmental responsibility – The Daisy Garland, Totnes
- Best new business – Dymacore, Ogwell
- Excellence in customer service – Waterside Bistro, Totnes
- Employee of the year – Clive Meredith of Wollen Michelmore Solicitors
- Business growth award – Educated Recruitment, Newton Abbot
- Leisure/tourism business of the year – BrixFest
- Young entrepreneur of the year – Peter Morris of Lockabox
- Independent business of the year – Stonehaven Care Group
- Apprentice employer of the year – South Devon College
- Sales/marketing campaign of the year – Paignton Zoo
- Most innovative company – Carpenter Oak, East Cornworthy
- Lifetime achievement award – Wiltshires of Babbacombe and Interline
- Business of the year – Lockabox, Kingsbridge
See all the photos from the event as it happened by looking through the #TQBiz16 hashtag.
As headline sponsors of the awards for the last few years, the TDA is inspired by the wealth of talent and ambition shown by local businesses and we’re looking forward to seeing businesses go from strength to strength.
Congratulations to all involved.
South Devon Business Excellence Awards are run by Herald Express. TDA was headline sponsor for the 2016 awards.