6:40am Thursday 1st April 2010
By Andrew Smith
BUSINESSES and entrepreneurs from a wide range of backgrounds have made up the shortlist for the Bicester Business Awards.
More than 30 companies and individuals have made the cut in ten categories at the awards, which were relaunched this year.
Organisers are delighted with the response, with more than 80 entries overall – and they are now eagerly looking forward to the final later this next month.
Bob Langton, chairman of the organising committee, said: “We have been delighted with the high quality of entries from a wide spectrum of companies and individuals from within the Bicester and district business community. The judges will visit the shortlisted businesses, and the winners will announced on the night.”
Keith Watson, chairman of the judging panel, added: “The entries show just what a diverse business world we have in Bicester.
“Many firms in the past have been hiding their light under a bushel. I hope this prestigious event will showcase some highly successful business success stories within our community.”
A gala dinner for the finalists and guests will be held at the Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa on Friday, April 23.
The guest speaker will be Kelvin Thomas, chairman of Oxford United. The master of ceremonies will be Shaun Jardine, chairman of the Banbury Breakfast Club and Oxford Business Lunch Club.
Tickets are now on sale at £35 each, available through the Bicester Chamber of Commerce. Anyone interested in attending should e-mail carole@samwood.uk.com or dionne@samwood.uk.com FINALISTS l The Chiltern Railways Small Business of the Year: Oxford Conversis, Trinity Restaurant, Clark Howes Group.
l The Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa Customer Service Award: Andy’s Barber Shop, Cherwell Innovation Centre, Trinity Restaurant.
l The Business Hub at OCVC Training and Development Award: Clark Howes Group, Integration Technology, Busy Bees.
l The Bicester Vision Community Initiative Award: Webmart, Cooper School, Animal Finders.
l The Environmental Award sponsored by Cherwell District Council, Bicester Town Council and Oxfordshire County Council: Brita Manufacturing UK, Integration Technology, B2B Graphics, Zeta Controls.
l The Bicester Village Young Entrepreneur Award: Daniel Smith, Fozia Parveen, Rowan Shacklock-Hendry.
l The Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Bicester Chamber of Commerce and Wednesday Business Club: Kym Jones (Applied Landscapes), Steve Maltby (Paragon Fleet Solutions), Adrian Lockwood (Integration Technology). l The Business Link Start Up Company: The Lunchbox, Pea Green Physio, B2B Graphics. l The Sainsbury’s and Stockdale Employee of the Year: Tim Webb (K Scaffolding), Cleo Carter (Anne Veck Salon), Jade Williamson (Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa).
l The Oxford-shire Econonomic Partnership Business of the Year: Integration Technology, Paragon Fleet Solutions, HIT Training.
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