WINNERS & RUNNERS UP 

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The 3^rd Annual Fairford & Lechlade Business Club Awards Ceremony and Dinner was held on Friday 30 April at the Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel.

Around 120 local business people attended this popular and prestigious event.

The guest speaker was Judith Hann, former presenter of “Tomorrow’s World” and now recognised for her famous herb garden and cookery school.

Roy Bowyer from Moore, Allen & Innocent conducted the Auction, which included lots such as a tour of HRH Prince Charles’ Garden at Highgrove for 2 people and a weekend stay in a lodge at the Lakes by yoo.

The winners were:

1. Outstanding Business Student of the Year

The finalists for the Outstanding Business Student of the Year Award have been selected from Year 11 Business Studies students at Farmor’s School in Fairford.  These students had to produce a business plan for a theoretical business they would start as part of their course.  Five finalists were short-listed and all had great ideas as well as an understanding of what makes a good business.

Finalists:

Charlotte Harrison:             Pizza Business

Chris Hicks:                          Gym

Francesca Mordant:            Mobile Sports Merchandising

Jack Griffin:                           Skatepark

Rebecca Risby :                  Beauty Salon

Winner of the Outstanding Business Student of the Year Award (sponsored by RAFCTE):

Francesca Mordant for her Mobile Sports Merchandising company business plan.

The judges believed that Francesca’s business was a unique concept and had realistic financial targets both in terms of costs and overheads as well as future profit.

1. New Business of the Year

The New Business of the Year Award is designed to highlight those businesses that have been trading for less than two years and have shown the tenacity to get a business off the ground, particularly so in the current economic climate.

Runners Up:

PRH Design

Plan-A Planning and Development Ltd

Winner of the New Business of the Year Award (sponsored by the Lakes by yoo):

PC Tech Friend

The judges selected PC Tech Friend as they admired the much needed service being provided to businesses and that PC Tech Friend has ambitions for growth and employing more local people.  They were also impressed by the testimonial from a customer which praised the level of service and support PC Tech Friend provided them with - 24 hours a day!

1. Business Person of the Year

The Business Person of the Year Award is designed to recognise someone that is a bit of a local personality as well as a business person, giving that little bit extra both to their business and the community, usually above and beyond the call of duty!

Runners Up:

Suzie Paton - Milton Enterprises                        

Jennie Rainsford - Media Eden

Winner of the Business Person of the Year (sponsored by Bang & Olufsen):

Tim Small - Lechlade Trout Fisheries

Tim, the current Chair of the Business Club, had no part in the judging and, hopefully, we managed to keep this a surprise from him!  It was a unanimous decision from the judges and, with several entries all putting Tim forward for the award, he is obviously well liked and respected by local businesses and the community.  He runs a successful business that has adapted to market conditions over the years, but also his work on Government committees and with the Business Club shows his dedication to business as well as making him a busy man!

1. Business of the Year

The Business of the Year Award is the premier award and recognises a well rounded, professional and successful business in the local area.

Runners Up:

Shortlisted: The Christmas Shop                       

Shortlisted: Jaflong Restaurant          

Winner of the FLBC Business of the Year (sponsored by Cotswold Woollen Weavers):

Whelford Construction

Whelford Construction are worthy winners having established their business in the area in 2007.  Employing local people as well as supporting new entrants to the work place using the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, Whelford Construction have seen growth, both in terms of profit and the range of services they offer.  Priding themselves on being the ‘local building company’, the judges were impressed by their continued use and support of traditional building methods and skills.     

1. Howard Dowler Award

This is an award given by the Chair of the Business Club to the person or business, who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.

Winner of the Howard Dowler Award:

Chris Roberts