The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Best in business are celebrated at awards
Smiles of delight as the winners of the PT Business Awards 2016 show off their trophies
The best in business across the region was celebrated in fine style at the Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards 2016. About 250 company leaders and their guests attended a glittering presentation ceremony that was held at Peterborough Arena.
The awards were hosted by local radio presenter Melvyn Prior with an enthralling after-dinner speech given by Ben Mee, the inspiration behind the best selling bookand Hollywood blockbuster We Bought a Zoo.
Afterwards, Peterborough Telegraph editor Mark Edwards said: “This was the 21st Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards and the standard of entries is as high as it’s ever been.
“I’d like to personally thank our sponsors, without their support the awards would not be possible and our panel of judges who put many hours of their time into the judging process.
“The awards show that Peterborough’s economy is full of exceptional businesses at all levels, many leading their fields.
“It’s our privilege to provide the awards to showcase some truly outstanding people and organisations whoaredriving the local economy forward.”
Chairman of the judges, The awards winners are: Corporate Social Responsibility: The BGL Group. Small Business of the Year: i3Media. Customer Service: Vow Bridal. Staff Engagement: Dalrod. Environmental Achievement: Rawlinsons. Large Business of the Year: Larkfleet Group of Companies. Social Enterprise: Little Miracles. Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Azeem Yaqoob, of i3Media. Business Person of the Year: Andrew Killingworth, managing director of Yours Clothing. Lifetime Achievement: Stuart Pudney, of Princebuild. Chris Collier said: “As always the evening was a great success celebrating the many great businesses that there are in Peterborough.
“The judges were impressed by the diversity of the entries and many good companies failed to makethefinal shortlist.
“As judges we would encourage unsuccessful entrants to submit applications in 2017.”
Mr Collier said there were many highlights of the evening.
He said: “We thought the speaker Ben Me eh ad an inspiring story, and it was pleasing to recognise Andrew Killingsworth, a self-made business man as Business Person of the Year.
“Another highlight was awarding a Lifetime Achievement Award to Stuart Pudney.”
Greg Hanrahan, managing director of business services at Peterborough Regional College, which was the awards’ headline sponsor, said: “The Business Awards really were fantastic.
“It’s a testament to the strength of businesses in Peterborough and it was greatly inspiring to hear some of the stories from individuals involved. As a college, we are proud to be involved”
Karl Hick, chief executive of the L ark fleet Group of Companies, which won the Large Business of the Year award, said: “The award helps to demonstrate to potential customers of any of our group companies that we are a busi- ness focused on delivering quality and value with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
“And the win was great news for the team – to get this sort of recognition gives everyone a ‘lift’ and helps us all to recognise that everyone has a significant role to play in meeting the high standards we set ourselves.
“For these benefits, and more, any local companywith a ‘good story to tell’ should consider entering the awards next year.
“There is a range of categories and although the judging is rigorous, which is what makes the awards worth winning, the entry process is easy, allowing small firms to compete on a level playing field with large ones.”