Business pioneers honoured at awards
MOVERS and shakers from the worlds of commerce, science and social enterprise packed the tables for this year’s sell-out glitzy dinner bash as the winners of this year’s Halton Business Awards were announced.
More than 400 company bosses and staff descended on the DCBL Stadium in Widnes for the event, now in its 12th year and hosted by former BBC North West Tonight journalist Dave Guest.
Also welcomed to this year’s ceremony was Halton Chamber patron James Timpson, Timpson Group chief executive, who appeared by video to talk about the importance of awards in promoting the best in business.
Mr Timpson added he was looking forward to joining everyone in person at next year’s event.
Cutting-edge fluid container designers ALLpaQ Packaging Limited had a night of glory as the firm scooped the top award of Halton Business of the Year 2022, also triumphing in the Rising Star category and earning a shortlisted place in the running for the title of Manufacturer of the Year and Large Family Business of the Year.
The company’s managing director Phill Allen completed the company’s night of delight by winning the Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored by Sci-Tech Daresbury.
Other winners included Knitwire, which was named Large Family Business of the Year, and Your Baby Scan, which collected the Customer Commitment award, sponsored by Redrow.
Video game co-development studio d3t Ltd was named Employer of the Year, and was presented with the award by Halton Borough Council leader Cllr Mike Wharton, while and category sponsors Inovyn presented the Clean, Green Business award to
Phil Crompton, Genlab managing director.
Chris Berg from A|2|O’ Technologies was highly commended in the same category.
Rachael Owen, Halton Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see local organisations, such as Hattons Model Railways, Ace Blinds Ltd, Signum Solutions, Halton Housing and Sci-Tech Daresbury supporting these much-coveted awards.
“It’s them that make it possible, and of course the fabulous applicants.
“Once again, the Marquee Suite is packed with amazing businesses, all of whom have successfully navigated the huge challenges of the past couple
Limited of years, proving that Halton is a great place to do business.’ Seventeen awards were presented in total including two awards for social enterprises and socially trading organisations (STO) in recognition of the important role they have played during and since the pandemic.
Previous award winners Ace Blinds Limited returned as sponsor for the New Business of the Year award, having won it in 2018.
Amber McLoughlin, Ace Blinds Limited joint owner, said: “We know, first hand, how important these awards are and what a difference they can make, that’s why we asked to sponsor the New Business of the Year when the opportunity presented itself.
“Ace Blinds Limited have also been shortlisted in the “Rising Star” category, which just goes to show how far we’ve come.
“I’m delighted to see all our hard work recognised in this way.” The contribution of individuals was also rewarded through the Young Achievers and Apprenticeship award, sponsored by Hattons Model Railway which went to Oliva Royle from Halton Housing.
Halton Housing also sponsored the Commitment to the Community award which went to SOG Group’s Eat@TheHeath.
A Halton Chamber spokeswoman said 2022 recognised the increasing importance of digital technology with the introduction of a Digital Tech Business of the Year award, which went to HaulageHub Systems based at Sci-Tech Daresbury.
This award was sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which recently launched a digital tech cluster to support the productivity, growth and success of digital businesses across the NorthWest.
Val Allen, Halton Chamber chairwoman, said: “These awards celebrate the innovation and sheer brilliance that organisations across the Halton region demonstrate every day.
“Once again, we have received more applications than ever which demonstrates the resilience and expertise of our local business community having come through what has been such a challenging period.
“It’s great to see everyone celebrating once again and I’m delighted for all the finalists, they’ve done really well to make it on to the shortlist.”
The full list of categories, winners and finalists is as follows:
● New Business of the Year, sponsored by Ace Blinds. Winner – The Castle, Halton. Highly commended – Gabrielle’s Little Bakery. Runners-up – Envo EHS