The 14th annual Cherwell Business Awards ceremony took place on Friday, September 18 at The Chesterton Hotel, drawing more than 200 attendees from across the district.
The evening, compered by Aaron Williams, honoured accomplishments across the local business sector, with awards presented to companies, individuals and charitable organisations operating within the region.
Darren Rea, serving as youth chair and SEND lead at Gosford All Blacks RFC, addressed the significance of receiving recognition and the impact such accolades can have on professional development.
Gifts and donations collected throughout the night were designated for the finalists of the Charity and Community Award, with Bicester Village committing to match the total sum collected.
Recipients of these funds included Banbury United in the Community, which is set to receive half of the final amount, while ACE Training and StarterMotor will each obtain a quarter of the contributions.
The Becky Moyce Tribute Award opened proceedings, awarded in commemoration of Ben Jackson, a respected figure in the Oxfordshire business community who passed away earlier this year.
His daughter Jenni Jackson accepted the honour on his behalf.
Jackson was widely recognised for guiding fellow business owners, frequently describing himself as a guide for business owners.
Finalists competed across nine distinct categories, reflecting the breadth of enterprise present in Cherwell.
Greencore Homes claimed the Innovation Award and was subsequently named Overall Winner of the evening.
North South Wines secured both the Large Business Award and the Sustainable Business Award.
Hook Norton Brewery’s Robin Underwood received the Apprentice of the Year Award, while Carl Boswell of CS Boswell Independent Funeral Services was honoured as Business Person of the Year.
Banbury United in the Community took the Charity and Community Award, The Sense of Hearing won the New Business Award, Pea Green Physio Ltd was awarded the Small Business Award, and Bicester Friday Market received the Town Centre Award.
The formal programme was accompanied by a drinks reception, a two-course meal, participation in a Heads and Tails game and performances by live band The CoverBuoys.