THE finest businesses in Mid Essex were celebrated last night at the 7th annual Business Awards.

The glitzy ceremony, hosted by the Chelmsford Weekly News and its parent company Newsquest Essex, was sponsored by a host of top Essex firms.

The great and good of local business were among the 250-plus audience who enjoyed a great night at the swanky Fennes estate in Bocking, Braintree.

Newsquest Essex managing director Michael Harper opened the ceremony with a speech, before the awards were handed out.

Gary Pearson, editor of the Weekly News, presented Danny Nevill, 22, with the Young Entrepreneur Of The Year accolade.

He said: "Danny was making up to £180 a day selling sweets at school aged 13! He was clearly a young man who was going places in the business world.

"In all it was a wonderful evening of celebration of all that is good within our business community.

"So many worthy winners and that's not forgetting those finalists who so narrowly missed out."

Chloe Walsh, display advertising and business awards manager, who organised the night with event sales manager Hollie Ratcliffe, was delighted with the evening too.

She said: "These awards are always very special, but I think this was the best Mid Essex event yet.

“Congratulations to all the winners. The standards among the 60 finalists and the 150 entrants was very, very high."

THE BIG WINNERS ON THE NIGHT: 

New Company:

Winner: Right2improve, renewable energy

Highly commended: Wren consultancy CIC, training consultants

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Small Business:

Winner: Crafty Arts, Online retailer and shop owner

Medium Business:

Winner: De-Ice, winter gritting and snow clearance

Large Business:

Winner: Evoke Nightclub

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Environmental Awareness:

Winner: Dunmow Waste Management

Highly Commended: Abacus Accountancy

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Small Business of the Year:

Winner: Equivalency testing for career development

Highly Commended: Internet Mobile Communications

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Business to Business award:

Winner: Sarah Bee Marketing, affordable no-nonense PR and marketing

Highly commended: CJ Bardwell Ltd, contruction and engineering

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APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR: RUBIE GODRIDGE, Chelmsford Cremotarium

 

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: DANNY NEVILL, Universal Web Design

 

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR: ELAINE COZENS, Avanti Insurance Ltd

 

BUSINESS MAN OF THE YEAR: MARC LOPEZ, De-Ice

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