The nominations have been published for the Isle of Wight’s most prestigious awards. The IW Chamber Business Awards 2024, sponsored by WightFibre, will be presented at Cowes Yacht Haven on Friday 10th May
The ceremony will be hosted by double Olympic gold medal winning sailor Shirley Robertson OBE, who has been an Island resident for more than 20 years, and is a highly experienced international TV presenter and event host.
This year 42 businesses feature in the shortlist, with 54 nominations in 16 categories. The shortlist was produced by a panel of independent judges, some of whom are on the Island, with most on the mainland or even internationally based.
“Another fantastic year”
This year’s shortlist once again represents the best in Island business, with nominees of all sizes and sectors, as the Chamber’s Chief Executive Steven Holbrook explains.
“The calibre of our nominees is fantastic. The feedback from the judges shows the high quality of the shortlist, covering a wide variety of industries, from well-established names to new businesses. It’s great to see new participants too, with some established names taking part for the first time. As always these awards are hugely competitive and hard fought. Massive congratulations to all of our nominees.
“We’re so excited to welcome Shirley Robertson as our host this year. Shirley is a truly inspirational sportswoman – and she knows a lot about winning! She’s also a brilliant presenter and no stranger to hosting prestigious awards nights across the globe. For this event, her travel time will be shorter than most!
“Every year we work hard to design a show that sparkles and celebrates the best of our business community. Every year we do something different and this year will once again be packed with success, fun and some surprises on the night.”
“I can’t wait to celebrate with you all”
In becoming the first ever British woman to win Olympic Gold Medals at consecutive Olympic Games, Shirley Robertson OBE was until recently, the most successful female Olympic sailor of all time.
Since that remarkable feat, Shirley has become one of the most recognisable faces in sailing, travelling the globe as a competitor and broadcaster for channels including the BBC and CNN. Shirley is a highly sought-after and experienced event host, presenting awards ceremonies at exclusive events around the globe.
Shirley says,
“I’ve lived on the Island for more than two decades and I’m still constantly impressed by the flair and ingenuity of the Island’s business community.
“I’m thrilled to be helping you all celebrate, and to shine a light on the many successful and inspirational businesses that call the Island their home. I’m so excited to be part of this highly prestigious evening. It’s going to be a great night and I can’t wait!”
WightFibre CEO John Irvine adds,
“WightFibre is delighted to support the Chamber in making the Chamber Business Awards THE highlight of the Island business calendar. This is the third year of our sponsorship and the Awards get bigger and better every year.”
The nominations in full are:
Start Up Business of the Year – sponsored by PC Consultants
- Cherry Godfrey
- Wight Coaches
- Wight Vets
Entrepreneurship Award – sponsored by Liz Earle
- Acorn Interiors
- Julia Tanner Art
- Wed & Prosper
Customer Service Award – sponsored by Red Funnel
- Grace’s Bakery
- Preziosa Dachshunds
- Southern Vectis
- W Hurst & Son
- Wed & Prosper
Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by WRS Systems
- Datum Electronics
- PC Consultants
- Wight Coaches
Community Award – sponsored by Moore (South) LLP
Mountbatten
Tidal Family Support
UKSA
Vectis Radio
Wessex Cancer Support
Environment and Sustainability Award – sponsored by IFPL
- Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd
- GKN Aerospace Cowes
- Nosy Agency
Training and Development Award – sponsored by JR Zone
- BeCalmed
- Top Mops
- Vestas Blades UK
Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Cherry Godfrey
- The Blacksmiths
- Island Holiday Company
- Luccombe Hall Hotel
Technology and Innovation Award – sponsored by Lifeline Alarms
- Abundance Movement
- Innovative Physics
- IOW Group
- XRD Nano
Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year – sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight
- Blackgang Chine
- JR Zone
- The Terrace Rooms & Wine
Creative Impact Award – sponsored by Medina Publishing
- Monkton Arts
- Quay Arts
- Visit Isle of Wight
Employer of the Year – sponsored by Diametric Technical Ltd
- Datum Electronics
- PC Consultants
- Vestas Blades UK
Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year – sponsored by GKN Aerospace Cowes
- IOW Group
- MedTec Design
Business Social Impact Award – sponsored by WightFibre
- Nettlecombe Farm
- RenoDrain
- Right At Home
- W Hurst & Son
Micro Business of the Year – sponsored by Gurit
- JR Zone
- MedTec Design
- Nosy Agency
Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Wightlink
- Acorn Interiors
- Island Holiday Company
- Richardsons Yacht Services
- Seaview Hotel
Also presented on the night…
- Member of the Year
- President’s Cup – Outstanding Contribution
- Business of the Year
Tickets are on-sale now for the event, with an initial pre-sale for nominated businesses. Find out more at www.iwchamber.co.uk
