Business of the Year Awards return to celebrate the best of the South West

The South West’s very best businesses are to be showcased with the return of Business of the Year Awards.

Staged for the first time last year by TheBusinessDesk.com, the awards set a new benchmark in reflecting what makes the South West such a special place to do business.

The winners at the South West Business of the Year Awards

The 14 categories are designed to recognise and celebrate the whole range of businesses in the region, from start-ups to exporters and from innovators to those placing sustainability at their core.

Businesses going the extra mile to make a positive impact on their local community and those with exceptional reputations as good employers will also be championed.

Supported by headline partners accountancy group PwC, law firm Michelmores and Partners&, the awards boast a rigorous judging process, with all companies entering visited by members of the judging panel.

Shortlisted companies will then on be invited to pitch, with the winners revealed at a high-profile black-tie awards evening on 13 November at the Harbour Hotel in Bristol.

The awards are free, simple and quick to enter – click here to visit the Business of the Awards website. The deadline for entries is Friday 2 May.

Ben Pykett, South West market senior partner at PwC, said the firm was really excited to be sponsoring this year’s South West Business of the Year Awards.

“They do a brilliant job of celebrating some of the many exciting, high-growth businesses in the South West. Region,” he added.

“Growth is high on the PwC agenda and we’re proud to support the awards as they showcase the stories of the best and brightest the South West has to offer.”

Michelmores said it was proud to be sponsoring the South West Business of the Year Awards for the second year running, alongside esteemed partners like PwC and Partners&. “This event not only celebrates the exceptional talent and innovation within the region, but it also highlights the resilience and dedication of businesses across the South West,” the firm said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the achievements of those who drive our local economy forward, and we are excited to be part of this prestigious occasion, recognising the hard work and success of businesses who truly make a difference.”

Partners& said: “We’re delighted to be involved with The Business Desk Awards again this year.

“As we grow our presence in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and now in Bristol, we’re excited to get to know the many innovative people and brilliant businesses across the South West taking part in these fantastic awards.”

BBRC chief executive Ed Rowberry was named Ambassador at the South West Business of the Year Awards

Last year’s winners included Ed Rowberry, founder and chief executive of social investment group BBRC, who won The Ambassador Award.

BBRC, which has helped to deliver and leverage £60m investment addressing inequalities in its nine years, also landed the Community Impact Award.

The second individual award went to Simon Poole of Exmouth-based team building and leadership firm Splash Projects, who was named CEO of the Year.

Other winners on the night included YellowDog (Start Up); Zeal Hotels (Sustainability); Reid Bikes (International Trade); Wake The Tiger (Investment); Mayden (Innovation); Tyler Grange (Employer of the Year); Lanes Health (Family Business);  Frobishers Juices, (Small Business – up to 50 employees); The Tracklements Company (Medium Business – 51-250 employees); Albert Goodman, Large Business – 251-plus employees); and Tailfin (Fast Growth Business).

Find out more and download an entry form on the Business of the Year Awards website