24 New Forest businesses celebrated their success at the twelfth annual New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards at Careys Manor Hotel on Wednesday 29 November 2017. Eight businesses won awards, presented by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, President of the New Forest Business Partnership.

Back (L-R): David Tree (All The Cool Stuff); Nikki Baiden (Cyclexperience); Zak Kempson (Cyclexperience); Lord Montagu; Paul Bailey (Col-Tec Solutions); Rupert Wagstaff (Lymington Yacht Haven)
Front (L-R): Sue Lilley (Shorefield Holidays); Nikki Ryce (Cyclexperience); Josie Bickle(Forest Whole Foods); Ellen Stokes (Be Exhibitions)

Matthew Lawson, Chairman of the New Forest Business Partnership, welcomed guests to the awards and gave an encouraging and positive review of the future for the New Forest economy: “Each of us has a role to play in the economic growth of the New Forest – to make our New Forest the best place to work, to live and to visit. We must fight tirelessly against complacency – we must have the courage to think big and then, together, in partnership, we can achieve!”

The prestigious New Forest Business of the Year award was won by Cyclexperience Limited, who also won both the Contribution to the New Forest Visitor Economy and Outstanding Contribution to the National Park categories.

Nikki from Cyclexperience said “Ross and I are delighted that Cyclexperience has been recognised for the contribution and commitment to both the National Park and visitor economy. We will be celebrating Cyclexperience’s 25th anniversary very shortly but this feels like the beginning of the next 25! It is fantastic to be part of such a vibrant business community within the New Forest and to have the support from the New Forest Business Partnership, New Forest National Park and Go New Forest”.

Cllr Barry Rickman, Leader of New Forest District Council, said “Supporting our local businesses is a key priority for the council and all the winners tonight demonstrate what a vibrant and innovative local economy we have”.

The winners for 2017/18 are as follows:

The ExxonMobil Award for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Pictured (L-R): Lord Montagu; Mike Bailey; Paul Bailey; Peter Wilson (Col-Tec Solutions); Kate Giancola (ExxonMobil)

Winner
Col-Tec Solutions

Finalists
TriCruising Ltd
Zip Us In

The Totton College Award for Training & Development

Pictured (L-R): Lord Montagu; Sue Lilley; Lotty Arton (Shorefield Holidays); Dr Maxine Room CBE(Totton College)

Winner
Shorefield Holidays

Finalists
A One Insurance Group
DA Training and Consultancy

The New Forest National Park Authority Award for Outstanding
Contribution to the National Park

Pictured (L-R): Jon Thurnell-Read (Cyclexperience); Cllr Mel Kendal (New Forest National Park Authority); Zak Kempson; Nikki Ryce (Cyclexperience); Lord Montagu;

Winner
Cyclexperience

Finalists
New Forest Hotels
The New Forest Tartan Company

The New Forest District Council Award for Outstanding Customer Care

Pictured (L-R): Becki Jackson (Lymington Yacht Haven); Lord Montagu; Sarah Baker; Peter Jennings (Lymington Yacht Haven); Cllr Barry Rickmand (New Forest District Council); Peter Wagstaff (Lymington Yacht Haven)

Winner
Lymington Yacht Haven

Finalists
Holbury Hardware Stores
Scorpion Vision Ltd

The New Forest Enterprise Centre Award for Best New Business

Pictured (L-R): Lord Montagu; Kingsley Bickle; Josie Bickle (Forest Whole Foods); John Chase (New Forest Enterprise Centre)

Winner
Forest Whole Foods

Finalists
Foresight Data Consultancy Limited
PiNN Agency Limited

The Eric Robinson Award for Young Person in Business

Pictured (L-R): Lord Montagu; Ellen Stokes (Be Exhibitions); David Lawrence (Eric Robinson)

Winner
Ellen Stokes (Be Exhibitions)

Finalists
Ben Dolbear (Bright Seeds)
Laura Karian (A One Insurance Group)

The Hampshire County Council Award for Contribution to the New Forest Community

Pictured (L-R): Lord Montagu; David Tree (All The Cool Stuff); Cllr Keith Mans (Hampshire County Council)

Winner
All The Cool Stuff

Finalists
Everton Post Office & Stores
Woodlander Hoburne Bashley

The Go New Forest Award for Contribution to the New Forest Visitor Economy

Pictured (L-R): Zak Kempson; Jon Thurnell-Read (Cyclexperience); Anthony Climpson (Go New Forest); Nikki Ryce (Cyclexperience); Lord Montagu;

Winner
Cyclexperience

Finalists
Lighthouse Marketing – “The Lymington Seafood Festival”
The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

The New Forest Business Partnership Business of the Year
Winner
Cyclexperience

 

Thanks to NFBP member Dave Dodge photography for capturing the images on the night. You can find more about Dave and his work at www.davedodgephotography.co.uk

A list of all previous Brilliance in Business Award winners can be found here