Awards night celebrates the best in business in Portsmouth and beyond
The News’ Business Excellence Awards returned to the prestigious Portsmouth venue for their 15th year tonight.
And it was one of the biggest years yet as 16 honours were handed out to everyone - from apprentices to large companies - doing the business in this part of the world.
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Hide AdEditor Mark Waldron opened the night and he spoke of his pride.
He said: ‘Each year these awards make me realise what great companies we have operating across the area.
‘These companies – from the smallest start-up to the largest organisation – show the strength of the business community in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.’
This year saw hundreds of entries submitted.
The categories were judged by top names and experts – Maureen Frost from Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Sue Ball from Verisona Law, Maggie Hill from BAE Systems, Mr Waldron and a representative from each sponsor.
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Hide AdTaking the biggest award of the night was Portsmouth business telecoms and IT provider Aerial Business Communications. The company, which has operated from its Rodney Road base for 30 years, impressed the judges with its expansion plans, its growth in the face of challenging times for its market, its impressive list of contracts and its drive for innovative products.
The Portsmouth company won best Medium Business of the Year, and was named Overall Business of the Year.
It was also recognised for its staff development, low staff turnover and its customer service.
The most prestigious and emotional award of the night was given to David Oliver, from Verisona Law.
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Hide AdHe was given the lifetime achievement award after being nominated secretly by his colleagues.
Mr Oliver, from Portsmouth, has a rich and diverse background and has spent his life striving to be the best in business.
He is a lifelong Portsmouth FC supporter and has a long list of accolades and prestigious titles, including being the former President of Portsmouth Round Table, the former Deputy Coroner of Portsmouth and a Deputy District Judge, sitting locally until late 2014.
Despite this, he still had time to show his support for many good causes, as well as making a name for himself in business by forming Oliver & Co solicitors in Southsea, which merged to become Sherwin Oliver and then later merged with Blake Lapthorn.
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Hide AdHe was head of insolvency at Blake Lapthorn for a number of years and a consultant at Verisona Law, based at Lakeside Northarbour, where he provided insolvency advice to the team that rescued Portsmouth Football Club.
The evening saw scores of other awards handed out, with a party to celebrate afterwards.
Event organiser Liz Parker thanked everybody for making the night so special.
‘It has been a great night,’ she said.
‘But it was only made possible by the wonderful businesses we have in and around Portsmouth.
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Hide Ad‘Everybody who was shortlisted, and indeed honoured, should be truly proud of themselves.’
ROLL OF HONOUR
Headline Sponsor BAE Systems
Large Business
sponsored by Coffin Mew
Winner: Just Develop It
Medium Business
Sponsored by Santander
Winner:Aerial Business Communications
Highly-commended: NA Curtain Walling
Small Business
Sponsored by University of Portsmouth Business School
Winner: Precision Creative and Media
Highly-commended: Carrington West
Start-Up Business
Sponsored by Basepoint Business Centres
Winner: ThinkMarble
Highly-commended: Turbulent Design
Business Personality/Achiever
Sponsored by Menzies LLP
Winner:Dominic Hones, from Solent Forts
Highly-commended: Ian Dickson, from Unlocksuccess
Best Retailer
Sponsored by Snows BMW
Winner: Creatiques Bridal Boutique
Best Team
Winner: Marriott Hotel Portsmouth
Highly-commended: Solent Mobility Centre
Best Employer
Sponsored by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Winner: Dynamite Recruitment
Highly-commended: Precision Creative and Media
Community Contribution
Winner: Silver Lining Convergence
Highly-commended: Brewers The Lettings Agency
International Development
Sponsored by Smith & Williamson
Winner: Aqua Cooling
Customer Service Award
Sponsored by JSPC Computer Services
Winner: English Rose Collection
Apprentice
Sponsored by Giant Leap Video & Photography
Winner: Luke Topps, from Menzies LLP
Highly-commended: Toby East, from English Rose Collection
Hospitality Leisure & Tourism
Sponsored by Portsmouth Cultural Trust
Winner: Marriott Hotel Portsmouth
Innovation
Sponsored by University of Portsmouth Innovation Space
Winner: Aqua Cooling
Overall Business
Sponsored by Verisona Law
Winner: Aerial Business Communications
Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by BAE Systems
Winner: David Oliver, from Verisona Law