The 2014 Isle Of Wight Chamber Of Commerce Business Awards For Excellence have been awarded. The ceremony was held at Cowes Yacht Haven and was hosted by BBC South Today’s Sally Taylor.
It was a great night for In2action, who won the Business Of The Year award, the Customer Service award and picked up a Highly Commended in the Tourism Leisure and Hospitality category. Managing Director George Ross said: “To be given these awards and to be respected by the Island’s business community is just unbelievable. These awards are for our staff team and our managers – the 14 people who work in our head office in Gurnard and also the 300 people who work all over the world and have all been trained on the Island. They make it happen.”
It was a double win for Peter Tomlinson, Managing Director of JR Zone and Betapak. JR Zone won the Small Business award and Betapak won the Professional and Business Services category. “An unbelievable night,” said Peter. “We’re over the moon. Unless you’re a business person I don’t think people understand how important this is. Tonight’s event is all about the celebration of excellence, success, drive and ambition. Brilliant for the Chamber, brilliant for the Island’s economy and brilliant for JR Zone and Betapak. Thank you!”
Liz Earle Beauty Company picked up the Retail and Service Industry Award. Tina Jennings, Director of People and Development said: “We are absolutely gobsmacked but very proud tonight of the 650 people at Liz Earle. As a company we are all about service and this is a true representation of our business. The Island is our home and where we started 20 years ago. Tonight was an amazing evening.”
Dale Howarth of Jigsaw Sales and Marketing was named Member Of The Year. “I’ve been hugging this award since I picked it up and I’m not putting it down! It’s unbelievable. I come to the event every year because this is a pivotal event for members. I never for a moment think of myself. When they called my name out I couldn’t believe it. I’m still in a state of shock. I love the Chamber. There’s such a good team there who do so much for Island businesses. I never for a minute expected to get an award for a minute.”
The Visitor Attraction Of The Year award went to English Heritage and Osborne. Rob Flower, General Manager, said: “It was a big surprise! We weren’t expecting it because the other nominees are attractions that we greatly admire and respect. It’s a great honour. It shows that we are recognised for the work that we do. It’s great to be in such esteemed company.”
Following the ceremony the entertainment was provided by DJ Pat Sharp who packed the dancefloor at Cowes Yacht Haven along with live music from The Mix.
Kevin Smith, the Chief Executive of the IW Chamber Of Commerce said: “Tonight has been a fabulous celebration of Island business in all its diverse glory, from composite manufacturers, high-tech to tourism. A celebration of all that is good about the Island economy.”
See the full list of winners here:
https://www.iwchamber.co.uk/chamber-awards
