West Oxon Business Awards
The 2013 finalists of the West Oxfordshire Business Awards (WOBA) have been revealed during a vibrant event at the Caterham F1 Team’s HQ on 29th January. The 33 finalists were selected across 11 award categories and winners will be announced at an exclusive Gala Dinner at Heythrop Park on 8th March 2013.This year’s finalists represent a wide range of sectors that make up the dynamic WOBA community.
Finalists include: Chipping Norton Builders, an innovative new business that is proving successful despite the current economic climate; Bridewell Organic Gardens, a charity with a walled garden and vineyard site in Wilcote established to help adults with mental health illnesses; and Maylarch Environmental Limited, a bespoke demolition service that deals with asbestos removal and surveying. The company has been shortlisted for the new JSP Skills Training Award demonstrating exceptional commitment to employee development.
“We have seen the strongest response since the WOBAs were established proving that West Oxfordshire is a hot spot for smart business and cutting edge innovation,” comments Jo Sensecall, spokesperson for the WOBA organising committee. “The judges were highly impressed by the quality of the entries. I’d like to congratulate all our finalists and encourage them to share the news of the success among existing and prospective customers.”
In addition to attending the hotly anticipated finalists announcement, this year’s WOBA entrants experienced an exclusive tour of the Caterham F1 Team’s Leafield Technical Centre. The lucky attendees gained a fascinating insight into the high tech and fiercely competitive world of Formula 1, while benefitting from a prime opportunity to network with local business people and entrepreneurs.
“We were delighted to welcome all of those who entered the West Oxfordshire Business Awards to our home at the Leafield Technical Centre,” comments Tom Webb, Head of Communications, Caterham F1 Team. “It was an honour for us to host the WOBA community and we are sure that all who attended had a very enjoyable evening.”
All of the winners will be considered for the prestigious Coutts 2013 West Oxfordshire Business of the Year award, the trophy for which has been designed by Art and Design students from Abingdon and Witney College.
Maggie Bradley, Director, Wealth Management at Coutts in Oxford, commented: "Coutts is delighted again to sponsor the West Oxfordshire Business Awards this year. We have a long history of advising exceptional people and their businesses in the local area – and the awards are a fitting opportunity to recognise the cream of the West Oxfordshire business community and the contribution they make to our economy. The judging process highlighted the high calibre of the entrants in this year’s competition – we look forward to celebrating their success at the awards ceremony."
The winners of all categories will be revealed at the forthcoming Gala Dinner, at which WOBA plans to raise money for its nominated charity Adventure Plus, winner of the 2012 Charity and Community Award.
“I look forward to welcoming all finalists to our popular Gala Dinner,” continues Jo Sensecall. “It provides a great occasion for the local business community here in West Oxfordshire to celebrate the achievements of the district’s many successful businesses.”
The West Oxfordshire Business Awards continue to grow year on year, with 2013 proving the most successful to date. The annual awards provide an ideal forum for West Oxfordshire’s dynamic and entrepreneurial business community to showcase its achievements and build fruitful business relationships.