The Cherwell Business Awards 2023, a prestigious annual event that honours the achievements and contributions of businesses in the Cherwell region, was held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at The Chesterton Hotel in Bicester. The event was attended by nearly 250 guests from various sectors and industries, who enjoyed a delightful drink’s reception, a sumptuous three-course dinner, and a captivating musical performance by singing waiters and a talented band.
The winners of the Cherwell Business Awards 2023
The awards featured 35 finalists across 13 categories, showcasing the diversity and excellence of Cherwell’s business community. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, consisting of industry experts and influential business leaders representing the esteemed sponsors. The selection process involved thorough evaluation of the applications, in-depth interviews with the organisations, and a collective judging meeting held on July 6, 2023.
The winners of the Cherwell Business Awards 2023 are as follows:
- The Becky Moyce Tribute Award: Wendy Tindsley, Oxford Innovation
- The Bicester Village – Charity and Community Award: Nai’s House CIO
- The Bicester Vision and Wednesday Business Club – Small Business Award: Bicester Wills
- The Ellacotts – Business Person of the Year Award: Katie Roberts – The Just Dance Company
- The High Spec Composites – Engineering Excellence Award: The Little Car Company
- The Kärcher – Young Business person of the Year Award: Nairne Barker – Abingdon and Witney College
- The Nicholsons – Sustainable Business Award: Cherwell Collective, CIC
- The Oxford Technology Park – Innovation Award: FitnessGenes
- The OJI Marketing – New Business Award: Darcica Logistics
- The SE-Solicitors – Large Business Award: Tugo Food Systems
- The Wild Property Consultancy – Town Centre Award: Lock 29
- The Engineering Trust – Apprentice Employer of the Year Award: Specsavers Kidlington
In addition to these categories, the Overall Cherwell Winner Award 2023, sponsored by Norbar Torque Tools, was awarded to Lock 29 —a unique destination in Banbury that breathes new life into the canal-side area. Offering diverse food and drink artisans, a casual pop-up cinema, community events, and an independent retail space, Lock 29 revitalises the community and provides an exceptional experience for all.
A fundraising prize draw for local charities
A highlight of the evening was a fundraising prize draw that featured prizes generously donated by sponsors and supporters. This initiative raised over £2,000, with Bicester Village matching the amount, bringing the total to £4,000. This means the winning charity – Nai’s House will receive £2,000 donation and the finalists – Forget Me Not Bicester and Dementia Active, each receiving £1,000.
Nai’s House is a charity that provides a safe and supportive environment for young adults with learning disabilities and autism. Forget Me Not Bicester is a charity that offers free support to people living with dementia and their carers. Dementia Active is a charity that helps people with dementia to stay active and engaged through various activities and services.
A message from the Chair of the Cherwell Business Awards
Placi Espejo, Chair of the Cherwell Business Awards, said: “We are delighted to be at The Chesterton Hotel this year and put on a real celebratory event for all who attended. We are very proud of our finalists and winners, who have shown remarkable achievements, innovation, and dedication to their customers, employees, and the local economy. We would like to thank our sponsors, supporters, judges, and guests for making this event possible and for supporting the Cherwell Business Awards.”
The Cherwell Business Awards is supported by Cherwell District Council as the Headline Sponsor since 2017. The council has pledged its support for the awards and encouraged the success of Cherwell’s local economy.
