Awards are a Roaring Success for local Businesses
Chamber Business Awards 2010
The West Midland Safari Park played host to last nights (Thursday 10 June) Chamber Business Awards 2010. Businesses from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire had a ‘wild’ night as they celebrated their successes and achievements from the last year.
As guests arrived in their formal evening wear for a drinks reception, they were greeted by the sounds of local in-demand virtuoso musician Pete Hartley and his electric violin. Pete has over 30 years experience as a performer, teacher, session player and recording artist playing the violin and mandolin.
After soaking up the atmosphere in the newly and beautifully renovated Spring Grove House, guests then ‘snaked’ their way down to the African themed Tree Tops Pavillion to the sounds of Drumlove – a traditional African drumming group. Drumlove are a Worcester based drumming ensemble who have gained national acclaim from performing and teaching their music around the country. Guests were lead through a ‘Walk of Fame’ honouring previous winners of the Chamber Awards over the last 9 years.
This years host, BBC Hereford & Worcester Radio’s award winning Breakfast Show presenter Howard Bentham, welcomed the attendees to the Awards and congratulated them all for their achievements during the past year, with particular emphasis on the fact that it’s been a tough year for everyone in business.
A delicious three course dinner was then served to the delightful sounds of Voices Unlimited Contemporary Choir, one of Worcester’s finest vocal groups. The Choir was established in 2008 and its members range in age from early 20s to 70 plus with both amateur and semi-professional vocalists.
After dinner it was down to the main business of the night, announcing the winners of the awards! The winners of the 11 categories eagerly collected their awards from the sponsors and were all delighted that their hard work had paid off in the form of this truly prestigious honour. During the awards ceremony there was a raffle and an auction with all proceeds going to the Prince’s Trust, this years chosen charity. The Prince’s Trust is the UK’s leading youth charity, providing 14-30 year olds with the opportunities and sustained support they need to move on in their lives. This year, The Trust in the West Midlands will support over 3500 young people, of which 350 will be from Herefordshire and Worcestershire. In order to achieve this they need to raise £2.5 million. The Awards provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the wealth of outstanding and innovative companies that exist across the two counties. All businesses, regardless of size and sector are encouraged to enter.
The Chamber would like to thank all companies that entered and offer their congratulations to the finalists and, crucially, the winners. Each year the standard of entries gets higher, making the decision of the winners even harder! Also The Chamber would like to thank the sponsors, who without which, this event would not be possible. Well done to all involved. All entries from member companies how been entered into the national competition with the chance to win a £50,000 cash prize. Good luck to everyone and hopefully we’ll see some of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire winners up on stage for the national event!