Celebrating Leamington’s business success

Hundreds of guests packed the Royal Pump Room for the black-tie event which celebrated the hard work and success of the town’s business community.

The big winner of the night was dance company Motionhouse, which won the Judges’ Choice Leamington Business of the Year and whose executive director, Louise Richards, was named as Leamington’s Business Person of the Year.

Louise, who founded Motionhouse in Leamington 27 years ago with artistic director Kevin Finnan MBE, said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been given these awards.

“As a touring company, we take our work across the globe, helping to secure Leamington’s place on the arts map of the UK.

“But it is our work here in the local community that has always been at the heart of what we do.”

The not-for-profit event which featured a three-course meal and live entertainment, was also raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a local charity providing emotional and financial support to children and families facing terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

A cheque for £3,000 was handed over on the night to Molly Ollerenshaw’s mum Rachel, while Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White, who also gave a speech at the awards, received a cheque for £1,000 for his Love Leamington charity fund.

Karen Massey, who headed up the organising committee, said: “We are over the moon with how the awards went. Everyone’s expectations were high this year, after such a success last year.

“The standard of entries were remarkable, and as the awards are gathering momentum, then so are the amount of businesses that are entering. The judges really had their work cut out this year.

“I think the high point was twofold really, seeing so many local businesses of all sizes, being brought together to celebrate their success and achievements in this great town that we live in, together with being able to acknowledge and contribute towards an amazing charity, Molly Olly’s.”

Karen said the event would not have been possible without the efforts of a great number of people.

“To be honest there are so many people that we would like to thank, so forgive me if I don’t list them all, but definitely the event sponsor BPS (Building and Plumbing Supplies) and all the award sponsors, as without their generosity there would not be an event,” she said.

“Also, the four judges, Sarah Tremellin, Vicky Shepherd, David Hanson and Chris White, who all gave up their valuable time during the voting process.

“My colleagues Melanie Steane, Lisa Cooley, Ross Mounsey, Dave Sharpe and of course my husband Paul, who make up the committee with me. Their help has been invaluable, but also, all the businesses that took the time to enter, as it is those businesses that the awards are about.”

And it looks likely that the event will take place again next year.

Karen said: “The awards take a massive amount of our time, and with us all having our own businesses to run, it is becoming increasingly hard to manage. However, after seeing what we have managed to create, how could we not continue?”