Leading IT distributor Westcoast Limited were crowned the ultimate ‘Thames Valley Business of the Year’ at the 2018 Chamber awards. Recognising the talents, innovation and entrepreneurship of companies from across the region, the strong business community were out in force at the inaugural event to help celebrate the success of local companies. Showcasing why the Thames Valley is known as the UK’s true turbo economy representatives from companies large and small enjoyed a truly magnificent evening.
Alex Tatham, Westcoast’s Managing Director commented: “Westcoast could not be more delighted to be the inaugural Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year. I think this reflects our fast growth, commitment to the local region and unrelenting excellence, and look forward to being a strong candidate representing the Thames Valley at the British Chamber of Commerce’s National Awards in November. Thank you to all the judges for the recognition and the vote of confidence in our amazing business.”
With 11 major categories winners on the night included:
- Best use of Social Media – Resource Productions (Slough, Berkshire)
- Best use of Technology Award – Isansys Lifecare (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
- Commitment to People Development – Vail Williams LLP (Reading, Berkshire)
- Education and Business Partnership Award – New College Swindon (Swindon, Wiltshire)
- Excellence in Customer Service Award – Cordell Health Ltd (Wokingham, Berkshire)
- Export Business of the Year – CSL Digital (Marlow, Bucks)
- Health & Well-Being Award – Reflex Spinal Health (Reading, Berkshire)
- High Growth Business of the Year – Ryemead Commercial Cleaning Ltd (Marlow, Bucks)
- Small Business of the Year – International Taste Solutions (Newbury, West Berkshire)
- Thames Valley Newcomer of the Year ‘Inward Investment’ Award – G-SMATT Europe Media Ltd (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
- Thames Valley Business of the Year – Westcoast (Reading, Berkshire)
Jason Mitchell, Partner at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, commented: “Delighted to sponsor the ‘Best use of technology’ award. We were impressed by the breadth of entries from traditional businesses using technology in new and interesting ways. The ones that caught our eye were those with technology at the heart of their business. Although tempted by the various entries using AI, which we see as an important area for innovation, the winner was a creation of a technology to literally change lives. Fantastic event, well put together by the Chamber.”
Jeffrey Smith, Managing Director at Eacotts International Limited further added: “We sponsored the Awards not only to celebrate the work and results that have already been achieved but also to inspire activity by all to innovate, commercialise and grow their businesses.”
“We’re massively impressed with the work being done by employers to build integrated health and pro-active wellness programs right across the Thames Valley,” said Jeremy Chadwick, VSP Vision Care Vice President and Managing Director, Europe who added: “It was both an honour and a challenge to sponsor and help select this year’s Health & Well-Being award winner.”
Expertly guided by five-time Olympian, World, European and Commonwealth Champion and holder of eight world records, Mark Foster, charmed the audience with his onstage presence, wit and humour.
@BPCollinsLaw ‘By aiming for the stars, I landed on the moon.’ Inspirational words from @MarkFosterSwim at #TVCCAwards
Whilst @isansys tweeted: ‘@MarkFosterSwim presenting at #TVCCAwards talking about Olympics, dancing, the spice girls and being passionate about what he loves – sport… great night and the awards haven’t even been given out yet!’
The Silver Service Singers, fully entertained the 250-strong audience with their fun-filled antics, ensuring everyone was on their feet dancing, with many taking to Twitter to show their enthusiasm and delight.
@Amdaris_JE added: ‘Sponsoring Education and Business Partnership award at #TVCCAWARDS tonight @HiltonHotels Reading, incredibly proud and enjoying the entertainment including the great Mark Foster #buildingadigitalfuture’
@CordellHealth: ‘Having a fantastic evening at the #tvccawards very proud winners of the excellence in customer service award! Well done to a fabulous team!’
@AikSaath: ‘Well done @ResourceProds – wonderful to see you get some recognition for the innovative work you’ve been doing this year – especially bringing different sectors and diverse groups together. #TVCCAwards’
Winners will automatically enter the national and highly regarded British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) awards. Now in their 15th year they celebrate the role of ‘business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities’.
