Town gathers to celebrate the best of business

The not-for profit event organised by a team of volunteers was held at the Royal Pump Rooms, where more than 180 local business people attended to find out who had won each of the 10 categories.

Hosted by MC Dave Sharpe, the ceremony featured a champagne reception, a speech by Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White, a three-course meal, and the awards presentations followed by live music into the night from local band Funk Education.

Throughout the evening, there were also fundraising activities for the event’s chosen charity, the Air Ambulance Service.

The award winners were:

Leamington Sparkle – The Newbold Comyn Arms

Health & Beauty Business – Blue Owl Therapy

Warm Welcome Awards – The Moorings at Myton

Independent Business – Lockwoods

Small Business – The Bikeyard

Large Business – O’Brien Contractors Ltd

National Business – Waterstones

Rising Star (Young Business Person) – Tayla O’Sullivan from Sweet Tayloula

Business Person of the Year – Richard Cheetham from The Bikeyard

Leamington Legend – Angie Archer from Cord

Organising committee chair Karen Massey said: “We could not have asked for a better response to the evening, everyone without exception, commented on such a fabulous event.

“This town is famous for its community events, like the food festival and Peace Festival and this year the comeback of Leamington Carnival, which was a huge success.

“Such events highlights what a great town Leamington is, we just want to reiterate this and celebrate it, with the people and businesses that have helped earn that reputation.

“Leamington deserves it’s own business awards. Long may it continue!”

Mr White, who backed the awards, said: “I was delighted to attend the first annual Leamington Business Awards held at the Royal Pump Rooms on Friday evening.

“The event was a fitting tribute to our huge range of businesses that serve our residents and our visitors so well. Whether you were nominated for an award, or were a winner, I would like to congratulate you on your success.

“I would also like to extend these congratulations to all our local businesses that work so hard.

“Finally, I would like to thank Karen Massey and her team of volunteers for organising what I am sure will be considered by all those present to be a night to remember.”

The event raised £3,600 for the Air Ambulance. Jo Payne, from the charity, said: “This was a great event to promote the charity to the local businesses in Leamington and raised enough money to 
pay for two lifesaving missions. ”

Jonathan Smith, founder of Leamington Business Forum, and a member of the organising committee, added: ‘‘The Leamington Business Forum was delighted to be fully involved with the Leamington Business Awards and grateful to the forum members who so generously sponsored and supported the event, playing a key role in making it happen.”