Hartlepool honours best businesses
Hartlepool honours best businessesThe town's most successful enterprises have once again been recognised at the Hartlepool Annual Business Awards 2009.
The awards dinner took place on Thursday 14th May at a packed Borough Hall, where leading curtain walling specialist Deepdale Solutions scooped a trio of awards, including the top accolade, Business of the Year.
Attendance levels reached over 370 with business owners, council representatives and key business figures all turning out for the prestigious event. Master of Ceremonies for the night was Awards Co-ordinator John Megson with guest speaker Colonel Bob Stewart presenting prizes to the well-deserving winners.
Col Stewart, aka 'Bosnia Bob', captivated the audience with his eye-opening and no-holds-barred account of the Bosnia conflict and the challenges he faced as he led British troops on the front line. He linked his experiences with the challenges that business leaders face in today's climate and marvelled at the progress and development made within the town of Hartlepool.
Hartlepool MP Iain Wright gave a passionate address to the audience, highlighting the importance of showcasing the town's business successes particularly during a recession. He praised the talents of Hartlepool's enterprises and how they reflect the town's commitment to moving forward and boosting prosperity.
Entertainment was provided throughout the evening by performing magicians and a caricaturist who toured the arrangement of guest tables.
£11,000 worth of prizes was on offer in total, with a prize worth £1000 going to each category winner and an accolade worth £2000 presented to the overall winner, Hartlepool Business of the Year.
Stars of the show were Deepdale Solutions Ltd, who won both their categories, Manufacturer of the Year and the Community & Environment Award, and went on to win the distinguished Business of the Year Award. Having also won the top award in May 2007, Deepdale has built upon its success with continued job creation, expansion of premises and construction of its own wind turbines to preserve energy.
Other victors included Retailer of the Year, Premier Lakeballs Ltd and Tourism & Leisure winner, Krimo's Restaurants.
Guests on the night were encouraged to place charitable donations within supplied envelopes which were then used in a raffle to hand out an array of prizes kindly contributed by local sponsors. The proceeds raised will be forwarded to this year's designated charities, The Alzheimer's Trust and The Furniture Restoration Group. An electrifying auction was also held to win a corporate box for the day at Hartlepool United FC, which raised a magnificent £400.
John Megson commented: "As always, the Awards Dinner was a fabulous evening and once again reflected the flair and diversity of the town's business people.
"However it was perhaps even more encouraging this year to see the successes of Hartlepool's businesses and how they have stared recession in the face to achieve something positive. The winners, runners up and all applicants have done Hartlepool proud."
The Organising Committee will now start the work on the 2010 Business Awards scheduled to take place in May of next year.
