OXFORDSHIRE Business Awards winners Richard Howe and Kelvin Thomas both had the same message as they were honoured by their peers: It’s all about team work.

They were cited as among the county’s finest business minds in front of more than 500 guests at the Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford, on Friday.

Didcot car parts firm Allmakes 4X4 scooped the Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire Business of the Year.

Managing director Mr Howe said: “I would like to thank my family and everyone in the Oxfordshire business community who has supported us.

“It has been very much a team effort and winning means a tremendous amount.”

The company was formed in 1977 and supplies Land Rover parts and accessories to more than 90 countries.

Profits have surged since a 2001 management buyout and it now employs 107 people.

It comes after the firm took home a Queens Award for Enterprise in April. The firm also won the NatWest Large Business Award at the business awards.

Oxford United FC chairman Mr Thomas, who took home the Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year title, also said teamwork was key.

The 38-year-old said: “It is a fantastic testament to the hard work of everyone in the club.

“This is not my award. It belongs to the football club and we should be proud of what we have achieved on and off the pitch.”

Charlbury’s SpecialEffect, which makes technology so disabled children can play computer games by moving their eyes, took The Oxford Times Charity and Community category.

Team member Alison Hilborne said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed to win. We have come a long way in a very short time and it will help us expand our projects.”

Founder Dr Mick Donegan added: “Our staff have had a tremendous impact and now we can help more people improve their quality of life.”

Educational software RM Education, also at Milton Park enjoyed a double celebration as it won the B-Line Customer Care award and co-founder Michael O’Regan got a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joanne Giles, customer experience executive at the firm, which employs 1,200 people, said: “We are a local firm which engages in many local activities, so it was an absolute pleasure and delight to win.”

Meanwhile, Upper-Heyford-based Integration Technology Limited won The Champion Recruitment Training and Staff Care Award.

Judging criteria included development of learning culture to include training plans within the organisation; evidence of policies and practices to encourage staff motivation; and how staff development has benefited the organisation, its staff and its customers.

Managing director Adrian Lockwood, who attended the ceremony along with nine members of staff, said: “I am truly delighted we won this important award, especially in a year of record entries and against such strong competition.

"It is a credit to the ethos and dedication of the whole team here at Heyford Park.” Awards chairman Paul Lowe said: “It has been another fantastic celebration of the breadth and depth of talent in the Oxfordshire business community.”

Roll of honour

  • Blenheim Palace Business of the Year: Allmakes 4X4, Milton Park.
  • Shaw Gibbs Business Person of the Year: Paul Lindley, Ella’s Kitchen, Henley.
  • Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year: Kelvin Thomas, Oxford United, Oxford.
  • The Locus/Oxfordshire County Council Sustainability Award: Bekstone, Burford.
  • The Oxford Times Charity and Community Award: SpecialEffect, Charlbury.
  • The Blue by Darbys New Business Award: Polythene UK, Witney.
  • The NatWest Large Business Award: RM Education, Milton Park.
  • The Oxford Brookes University and Business School Innovation Award: Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Witney.
  • The Bottle PR Social Media Award: Jack FM, Oxford.
  • The Four Pillars Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award: Aston Pottery, Aston.
  • The Heart Small Business Award: Sporn Construction, Stratton Audley.
  • The Ice Energy Renewable Business Award: Lime Technology, Milton Park.
  • The Champion Recruitment Training and Staff Care Award: Integration Technology, Upper Heyford.
  • The B-Line Customer Care Award: RM Education, Milton Park.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael O’Regan, RM Education.