DOZENS of West Oxfordshire companies are celebrating after reaching the final of the 2019 West Oxfordshire Business Awards (WOBAs).

Businesses from across the district came together on Wednesday for the Celebration of Business Event at Burford Garden Company, where the shortlist was announced.

More than 30 finalists were named across 11 categories ahead of a glamorous gala dinner at Heythrop Park in Chipping Norton on Friday, March 29.

A range of businesses made the cut, from a company that has created a water dispenser for instant hot water to an environmental initiative tackling plastic waste.

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About 200 people attended last week's event, giving finalists a chance to put themselves in the shop window.

Mark Harris of Solid Structures, a finalist in the small business category, said: “We enjoyed the process of entering and welcoming the judges to our new Chipping Norton office.

"To be announced as a finalist in front of 200 people tonight has provided us with a platform to shout about our business in West Oxfordshire.”

Jo Sensecall, of the WOBA organising team, added: “The Celebration of Business event gave all the entrants the opportunity to network as well as celebrate their hard earned success.

"Everyone who entered this year’s WOBAs should be proud to be a part of our thriving West Oxfordshire business community."

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The event was an opportunity to showcase the 2019 trophy for West Oxfordshire Business of the Year, designed by 18-year-old Rebecca Osborne, an art and design student from Abingdon & Witney College.

Her creation was turned into a wooden trophy by the team at Witney-based social enterprise Synolos.

The business of the year award is selected by judges from the winners of each category, which include prizes for retail, innovation and best employer.

Charity is also among the categories and this is a large part of the WOBAs, which began in 2011.

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At the dinner, fundraising will take place for Volunteer Link-Up, 2018's winners of the charity prize, which links residents with opportunities to help local residents and charitable organisations needing their services.

One of this year's three finalists is Witney-based Guideposts Trust, which supports people with a variety of additional needs.

The charity's Tim Hooper said: "The WOBAs provide another great opportunity to showcase and promote the work we do locally and increase awareness in and around Oxfordshire highlighting our amazing day and evening services and the difference we make.”

WOBA 2019 Finalists:

  • Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Award sponsored by Seldram Cleaning & Washroom Supplies

* Chapters Hair Design, The Plough Inn at Finstock, Hunters Cake Café,

  • Retail Award sponsored by NFU Mutual

* Oxford Welding Supplies, MyStore Self Storage, Loft

  • Charity Award sponsored by Everyman Legal

* Lawrence Home Nursing, 2120 (Witney) Squadron Air Training Corps, Guideposts Trust

  • Business and Community Award sponsored by Meech

* Oxford Products, Witney Music Festival, Burford School

  • Innovation Award sponsored by Owen Mumford

* Oxtex, Cryptocycle, HT2 Labs

  • Employer of the Year Award sponsored by The MGroup

* Solid Structures, Oxford Products, Advance Housing

  • New Business Award sponsored by Blenheim Palace

* SWJ Consulting, Verve & Virtue, MyStore Self Storage

  • Micro Business Award sponsored by Witney Business & Innovation Centre

* iRepairTech, Stoneletters, Oxford Welding Supplies

  • Small Business Award sponsored by Veritrec

* Solid Structures, BIBO Water, CQR Consulting

  • Large Business Award sponsored by Sandler Training

* Oxford Products, Little Dots Daycare, 3D Aluminium

  • Business Person of the Year Award sponsored by Wise Investment

* Martin Bull (Inclusive Care & Education), Brendan Kay (Parkers), Greg Inge, (CQR Consultancy)