IW Chamber Business Awards announces inspiring shortlist of 42 Island businesses

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