After more than a three-year hiatus, when West Berkshire’s businesses have faced some of their toughest times, the Best in Business Awards returned to Newbury Racecourse on March 31st and it was worth the wait.
Whilst I will always be proud of the multinational corporations who dominate our local economy, these awards principally recognised the smaller businesses and organisations who enrich our high streets and enhance our communities.
The night kicked off with a special award in honour of the late John Hampson, one of the awards first organisers and most committed champions. The worthy winners were Berkshire Youth and the Waterside Centre, chosen not just for their incredible work to support disadvantaged young people in Newbury but for the significance of the Waterside Centre itself. This has undergone a transformation in the last three years, from near dereliction to a state-of-the-art youth centre, and is an inspiring community focal point in the heart of Newbury.
Other charities were also recognised. Charity of the year went to the Newbury Soup Kitchen and the peerless Meryl Praill who has probably done more to understand and support the complex needs of homeless people than anyone else in West Berkshire. Her award was presented by Swift Logistics, a company that itself has done extraordinary charitable work, ferrying emergency supplies to Ukraine at the start of the war.
New venues like the award-winning Retreat at Elcot Park (which opened its doors less than a year ago) competed alongside innovators like the 137 Distillery and village gems like Chapel Row’s The Blade Bone, who emerged victorious in the best hospitality sector. The magical Hungerford Bookshop triumphed in the independent retailer category, and the “Harrods of Newbury” Camp Hopson as best Business Improvement District Champion. Environmental heroes like Thatcham Refillable were also among the winners.
There were prizes for customer service, for the best employer, for teamwork and much more. Old favourites, new faces, much-loved shops, sports clubs and professional services. There were too many fantastic companies shortlisted for me to name them all, but it was a celebration of the businesses and community organisations who make West Berkshire what it is today: creative, compassionate and successful.
A final mention must go to the Falkland Care Home who triumphed as best overall business: a venue I first got to know at the start of the pandemic when the challenges were immense, and now know well from the warm reception (and tough grilling!) I receive from residents and staff during my regular coffee morning visits.
It was a privilege to attend the awards, I congratulate all the winners and nominees and especially the Newbury Weekly News team for getting this event back on its feet and celebrating West Berkshire’s best!