MORE than 70 companies gathered together to celebrate the great and the good of Teesdale’s business community last night (Thursday, February 12).

The Teesdale Business Awards recognise achievement in all aspects of business development and social enterprise, with awards presented in 12 categories.

Now in its fourth year, the sold out event took place at the The Witham in Barnard Castle and was organised by Radio Teesdale and Enterprise House.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, gave the key note speech at the beginning and of the ceremony and awards were presented by sponsors.

Event organiser Peter Dixon, of Radio Teesdale, said the standard of the nominees had been exceptional, adding: “The awards are a real celebration of business and individual excellence in Teesdale.

“In presenting the twelve categories we looked for business success, employer and employee best practice as well as recognising the great work done within the voluntary sector of Teesdale.”

Fryer Tucks Fish and Chips, of Barnard Castle, certainly had cause to celebrate after it was awarded top gongs in two categories, environmental achievement and best business.

Teesdale Renewables also had a successful night, triumphing in the growth business of the year and employer of the year categories.

Adam Bainbridge, of the Eggleston-based company, was also named young entrepreneur of the year, while Elizabeth McLean, of The Trouser Agency, was named apprentice of the year.

The other winners were: Wellybix, best new business; Addison Chartered Surveyors, most innovative business; Thermal Compliance, best business trading outside of Teesdale; Teesdale Dress Agency Community Interest Company, best social enterprise; Middleton Care, best community engagement project; and Doe Park Caravan Site, outstanding customer service.

The runners up were: Chocolate Fayre and The Moody Baker, best business; Bramble Pie and Scrummy Mummies, best new business; Fryer Tucks Fish and Chips and High Impact Development, growth business of the year; Oswell’s and Reality Studios, most innovative business; Emma Hignett Voiceovers and Scrummy Mummies, best business trading outside of Teesdale; Durham Dales Enterprise CIC and Teesdale YMCA, best social enterprise; Music@theheartofteesdale and Teesdale YMCA, best community engagement project; Hamsterley Forest, the County Durham Forest, Pennine Biomass, North Pennines Area of Outstand Natural Beauty Partnership’s Nectarworks Project, environmental achievement; Oliver Twists and R3b00t, outstanding customer service; No 15 Coffee House and Deli and Summit Finance (UK), employer of the year; Jennifer Cartwright, Reality Studios and R3b00t, young entrepreneur of the year; and Ben Robinson, Spitfire Cycles, Daisy Fells and Oliver Twists, apprentice of the year.