Real firm successes at Advertiser’s Newark Business Awards 2023
The very best of business was celebrated at the Advertiser’s Newark Business Awards on Friday night.
On what proved to be a special night for many in the Lady Eastwood Pavilion at Newark Showground, the rich and the diverse companies, social enterprises, educators, charities and individuals that make up our didtrict were honoured.
Compered by BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Melvyn Prior, and raising money for Mencap, the celebration, attended by well over 300 people, included a three-course dinner and had a party atmospere.
Many exceeded their wildest expectations, but none more so than a jubilant Catherine Carter who claim no less than four accolades on the night through her two businesses – Catherine Carter Aesthetics and Beauty and Newark Beauty Rooms.
First up to accept their award were Best Social Enterprise, the Children’s Bereavement Centre.
Rachel Wilson, Katie Gibson, Louise Comfort and Julie Jones, from the centre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award for all of the staff and all of the volunteers over the 20 years we have been around.
“In that time we have supported thousands of families and given new hope to very many children.
“We’re just honoured to receive this award and to have been picked from what was such a strong field.”
Highly recommended were Gifts From Fairies’ Emma Shipstone and Lynne Mosley.
The winner in the Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by PVS Media, was Sweetpea Flowers by Design.
Melanie Slack, owner of Sweetpea Flowers by Design, said: “It’s incredibly special to receive this award. Just to be recommended was special.
“There are so many fantastic independent businesses in Newark. It is such a vibrant plus in our town.
“I am really proud to be here recieving this.”
Highly commended in that category was Flossie and Boo’s Carly Carpenter and Hananh Woodrow.
The winner of Best Start-up, sponsored by Newark and Sherwood District Council, was Shaw Spark Electrical and Property Services.
Owner Thomas Shaw said: “This means the absolute world.
“It shows to me that I am on the right path and so nice to welcomed as a new and a small business. The business started in hard times but we’ve made it through and this recognition makes everything, all the hard work, worthwhile.
“Shaw Spark prides itself on providing exactly what the customer wants and to the highest and most impressive level possible.”
Highly commended was Not My Monkey.
The winners in the Customer Care category, sponsored by Chattertons Solicitors, were Warner Innovations.
Owner Billy Warner said: “I feel really humbled. It is great to be recognised at this pivotal time for business.
“We pride ourselves on great customer care and this award is reward for being dedicated to what we do every day.”
Highly recommended was Tim Vickers of Newark Computers.
The award for Business Innovation, sponsored by The Barcode Warehouse, went to Not My Monkey. The award was collected by Kevin Guthrie, Les Jones, Jayne Clark, Lesley Crookes and Chrissie Johnston.
Kevin Guthrie said: “Celebrating? I’ve got to open up at 8am!
“I am ecstatic and proud.
“We have some amazing businesses here in Newark. We are one of many.
“To win Business Innovation is something very special and I’m proud of the whole team involved with Not My Monkey.”
Highly recommended were Dads Advocates CIC with the trophy collected by Nathan Wilson, John Fairesst and baby Harry Bansal.
Environmental Champion, sponsored by Nottinghamshire County Council, and judged by Michael Hardy, Business Doctor, was Acer Landscapes Design and Construction Ltd.
Owners Andrew and Kathryn Watkins said: “We’re surprised! We were up against some very recognised companies in that category.
“To be up there amongst them was an achievement in itself. To win shows us that we have arrived in Newark in this sector. Winning the award will be a great selling point for our business.”
Highly commended were Radiant Renewables. The trophy was collected by Jason Murphy and Vicki Welch.
Team of the Year, sponsored by the YMCA Newark and Sherwood, went to Beaumond House.
Chief executive Louise Sinclair, who collected the award alongside Cathy Lowe, Jackie Baseley, and Sue Clarke, said: “I am speechless.
“We’ve been through the hard times of covid, recession, bank crises and we’re still here providing for our community and those that need when times are the hardest for them. Our drive and determination to work tirelessly for those that need us is what has earned us this recognition and I accept on behalf of the whole team and all of the volunteers and supporters.”
Highly commended was Newark College with the gong collected by Penny Taylor, Julie Sullivan, Paul Gregory, Mark Snell and Craig Boothright.
Employer of the year, judged by Newark College, was won by Wirtgen Ltd.
Managing director Paul Holmes said: “It is nothing short of fantastic and the culmination of a lot of hard work over the years and would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the whole team.”
Highly commended was Catherine Carter Aesthetics and Beauty.
Businessperson of the Year, judged by David O’Brien of The Consulting Rooms, went to Daniel Briggs, of Motorfinity, which was a popular announcement on the night.
Daniel said: “I’m really grateful. This isn’t an award for me though. It is an award for the whole of Motorfinity. Without the backing of the team I wouldn’t be able to stand up there and recieve this award.”
Highly commended was Catherine Carter for Catherine Carter Aesthetics and Beauty.
Business of the Year winner was Catherine Carter’s Newark Beauty Rooms, collected by Catherine and some of her team – Louise Nicholson, Joanne Stapley and Lauren Hunter.
Catherine said: “I can’t believe it. I’m ecstatic!
“It gives us the recognition for what we do.
“It can be hard running a business at times, as everyone here tonight will know, so to recieve something like this is a reward that is very special.”
Highly commended was Leed Associates.
The judges’ prestige award recipient was Catherine Carter Aesthetics and Beauty, crowning an incredible night for Catherine who said: “I never expected all of this. To do so well in so many categories is beyond any expectations I could have had. When it’s tough, I will think back on this experience and it will keep me going.
“It may have my name on the door, but this business is about the team behind it. I couldn’t have done it without them and we made it happen between us.”
