2020 Winners
Please see below the list of our 2020 Winners!
Business of the Year
RocketMakers Ltd
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Recent winner of queens award for enterprise and a major grant from innovate UK should ensure they hit their target of 50% growth. They clearly demonstrated their passion to engage in the community and helping young people into coding.”
Sponsor was Propel Finance
Female Entrepreneur of The Year
Sophia Ali (Amma Life)
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Sophia spotted an opportunity in the UK market and has achieved growth of 43% and 71% in the last two years whilst remaining profitable. Investing in new products and a 5 star trust pilot rating means the winning formula looks set to continue for Sophia.”
Sponsor was Fiona Scott Media Consultancy
New Start-Up of The Year
Bespoke Hub
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “To Achieve nearly £100k turnover in the first year with 3 employees, growing client base in UK and aboard. It is a great platform to grow, they stood out.”
Sponsor was Excalibur Communications
Young Entrepreneur of The Year
Ben Lawton (Ottr Works)
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Ben Comes over as a talented and driven young entrepreneur, achieving £100K turnover in the first full 12 months, making personal sacrifices along the way.”
Sponsor was Jackie Chappell
The SME of The Year
SMD Ltd (Structural Metal Decks Ltd)
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Resilient over time (1985) in a variable industry. Balanced, intervariable contribution.”
Sponsor was Hills Waste Solutions
The Employer of The Year
JOINT WINNERS: Excalibur Communications & Rocketmakers Ltd
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “It was too difficult to decide between these two worthy winners. They have both demonstrated their huge commitment to their staff and creating a positive working environment.
Sponsor was Thomas International
The Networker of The Year
Lee Randall – Pybus (Devon Partnership)
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “To connect 200 businesses in 4 months in Devon and plans to keep going was so impressive to us all.”
Sponsor was Devmac
The Apprentice of The Year
Leanne Finch (Sixways Surgery)
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Real proactive approach having a significant impact on her employer and customers. She not only learnt systems but created step by step guides and then trained others.”
Sponsor was Speedy Services
The Charity of The Year
Harbour Housing
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Successful and sustainable homeless charity which is not only changing the lives of many homeless people but is engaged in the community in projects like litter picking & bus stop regenerations.”
Sponsor was The Business Exchange
Outstanding Contribution to The Community
Clean our Patch
Testimonial
Judges’ Comments: “to organise 20 volunteers’ groups with 30 ambassadors to pick up over 65 tonnes of litter is an incredible impact, great example of local people coming together to have a huge impact on a local issue.”
Sponsor was Purpol Marketing
Lifetime of Achievement
JOINT WINNERS: Shirley Ludford & Steve Whiteway
Testimonial
.Judges Comments: “Impossible to split two people who have dedicated their lives to their local communities but in different ways.”
Sponsor was Aspen Waite
The Leisure & Tourism Award
BookingLive
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Highly innovative software business, open to anyone and has had 70% year on year growth with over 700 clients in 45 countries. Now preferred supplier for Microsoft it is letting people organise events, tours, classes and workshops to facilitate leisure & tourism industry.”
Sponsor was Media Hut
Male Entrepreneur
Aaron Cash (Finish Electrical)
Testimonial
Judges Comments: “Aaron demonstrated 53% turnover and 31% profit growth in the last three years and is involved in various community projects including DIY SOS. Launching sister company next means we expect that growth to growth.”
Sponsored by Smarter Media
