'Truly outstanding winners' shine through at St Helens Borough Business Awards

In collaboration with St Helens Borough Council and sponsored by Paramount Digital, the event celebrated the very best of St Helens businesses, while providing a perfect opportunity to network and be entertained.

Supported by Glass Futures and Torus, 300 guests were welcomed to the event by host Pete Emmett, before an inspiring guest speech from local boxer, Martin Murray.

Johnny Vegas was in attendance to congratulate the winners at the business awards (Pic: Bernard Platt)

A community-focused event, the awards also raised money for two local charities, The Steve Prescott Foundation and Halton and St Helens VCA, with donations divided between them.

After a difficult 18 months, the awards ceremony was designed to celebrate the work of local people who have succeeded or contributed positively to the community despite the restrictions of the pandemic.

With a wide and diverse range of businesses nominated for the awards, the winners are as follows:

- Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Langtree Property Partners - Genesis Training Group Ltd

- Social Business of the Year, sponsored by Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action – OLCOTWISH CIC

- Business Hero: Community Commitment Award, sponsored by Knauf Insulation – The Hope Centre

- Education and Business Partnership of the Year, sponsored by Lucam Consultancy Ltd – Rainford High School

- Employer of the Year, sponsored by Wind in the Willows Childcare – Enspec Power Ltd

- Business Diversification Award, sponsored by Miller Developments – The Branded Items Group Ltd

- Business Start Up of the Year, sponsored by Network Space - JetsetRC

- Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by kenable Ltd – Allie Baglow, Allisons Financial Planning Ltd

- Green Business of the Year, sponsored by PLP – E-Verve Energy Ltd

- Diversity & Inclusion Award, sponsored by Galliford Try – Ever-Evolving Ltd

- Export Business of the Year, sponsored by Brendon International Ltd – Sandon Global Engraving Technology Ltd

- Student of the Year, sponsored by Genesis Training Group Ltd – Dylan Coward, MD Creatives

- Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Starbank Panel Products Ltd – Courtney Hodgkinson, TD Construction Testing Ltd

The Business Awards sought to celebrate the incredible achievements of business owners throughout the pandemic

Tracy Mawson, Chief Executive at St Helens Chamber, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the volume and calibre of entries to the St Helens Borough Business Awards. After such a tumultuous period for businesses across the Borough, it was heartening to see so much talent on display during this year's judging process. The judges really did have a difficult job on their hands, but I believe we have found some truly outstanding winners.

“For me the Awards demonstrates the depth and breadth of the business community here in the Borough and that diversity is our strength.”

The event took place at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday, October 15

Councillor David Baines, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, added: “The last 18-months have been extremely tough for businesses, and it’s great to be able to celebrate and recognise some of the many examples of resilience, innovation, and achievements in the local economy despite the pandemic and all the challenges it has brought.

“Seeing the calibre of finalists, their stories, their people and progress gives me the utmost certainty that we can look forward with confidence as a borough.

“The quality of entries this year has been second to none and we are proud to host such a prestigious event that throws a spotlight on business from all sectors.”