The best in Isle of Wight Business was celebrated on Friday night at the annual Isle of Wight Chamber Of Commerce Business Awards For Excellence. The prestigious event at Cowes Yacht Haven was hosted by ITV’s Simon Parkin and co-presented by the Chamber’s President Geoff Underwood.
Newport based technology company RFEL picked up a hat-trick of awards, taking the Manufacturing and New Technology, International Business and Business Of The Year trophies.
RFEL’s CEO Dr Alex Kuhrt said:
“It’s amazing. We’ve got about a third of the company here tonight. Nobody expected this. It means a lot to us because it really shows how much the Isle of Wight appreciates a hi-tech company, not just tourism, but also recognising that there’s another side to employment on the Island.”
It was a great night for Isle of Wight Pearl, who took two awards, for Customer Service and Retail Industry. Manager Lizzie Wade said “It’s phenomenal. We’re ecstatic and I’m so proud of everyone. It means an immense amount and we’re going to celebrate tonight.”
It was a double win for Lifeline Security Systems too. Mark Lee told us “We’re really proud to win the Professional Business Services Award. What took our breath away was winning the Chamber’s Member Of The Year. It’s amazing. It’s a great chance to celebrate with our team and some of our colleagues who are here too.”
There were awards for Liz Earle Beauty Company, Vectis Ventures, Tapnell Farm Accomodation and Hobbs Jewellers. The Chamber’s President’s Cup went to John Owen.
Russel Broughton, owner of Adgestone Vineyard collected his award for Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality.
“I can’t believe it. I can’t tell you how much this means. Sarah, myself, my dad, my sister, my farmer and the whole team have worked so hard and it’s absolutely fantastic to win this award.”
It was a great night too for Wight Trash’s John Cattle, who won the Social Investment category.
“This is the first award, and hopefully not the last. I’m really stoked! I teach about 200 kids a week and it’s great to be able to share this award with them.”
Advanced Performance Coatings was named winner of the New Business Award. Owner Jon Benton summed it all up: “It’s overwhelming. A fantastic night with a great atmosphere.”
There was live music from Like The Beatles and our host Simon Parkin descrbed the evening as “a brilliant night and a pleasure to be involved.”
Click here to see the list of winners in full here
Watch video highlights here:
