The district’s premier business event returned for its third year

EAST Cambridgeshire’s best in business gathered in the stunning surroundings of Ely Cathedral on Friday evening for the 2011 Ely Standard Business Awards.

Back for their third year, the awards saw representatives from top businesses across the district, business leaders and civil dignitaries come together to celebrate the last 12 months.

Among the winners on the night were haulage managers, drugs companies and transport firms, with dozens more individuals and businesses also honoured for their achievements.

Debbie Davies, editor of the Ely Standard, said: “It was encouraging to see the amount of businesses that took the time to enter our awards this year.

“Not only are the awards an opportunity for companies to enhance their profile locally to a much wider audience within East Cambridgeshire, but it is also an opportunity for a company to raise its internal profile by sending out a very positive message to the workforce.

“2011 has not been without its challenges, but all the business representatives at the awards provided testimony to the collective business strength that exists in East Cambridgeshire.”

For a full roundup of the awards and exclusive pictures, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Ely Standard.

Winners and finalists:

Employer of the Year, sponsored by East Cambridgeshire District Council.

Winner: Quotient Bioresearch

Finalists: Neaves and Neat Employment Services, Blue Donkey Ltd

Medium Business of the Year, sponsored by Archer and Archer Solicitors

Winner: Grey’s of Ely

Finalists: Scampers Pet Care Advisors

Forces Recruitment Franchise Services

Blue Donkey Ltd

Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Advanced Aircraft Training Ltd

Winner: The Copier Warehouse

Finalists: Ancient Magik

The Retreat Soham

Maxavita

Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Cheffins

Winner: Graham Brown, Forces Recruitment Franchise Services

Finalists: Luthur Rahman, Spice Lounge

Debra Jordan, The Copier Warehouse

Sandra Schumacher, Chic Face & Body Clinic

New Business of the Year, sponsored by Eazipay

Winner: Emerald Frog Marketing

Finalists: The Retreat Soham

Despatch4U.co.uk

Women in Business, sponsored by the Ely Standard

Winner: Alison Jefferey, Malco Freight

Finalists: Jo Evans, Emerald Frog Marketing

Sureya Landini, Blue Donkey Ltd

Customer Service Award, sponsored by Quotient Bioresearch

Winner: Neaves and Neat Employment Services

Finalists: Energie Fitness for Women in Ely

Spice Lounge

Chic Face & Body Clinic

Judges Award

Winner: The Retreat Soham

Business of the Year, sponsored by Price Bailey Chartered Accountants

Winner: Quotient Bioresearch