Mediaboss Marketing

Inspiring businesses from around Exeter were rewarded at a glittering 2017 Express & Echo Business Awards ceremony. From innovative start-ups to long-established landmarks of the city's economy, a wide range of enterprises received awards in categories ranging from Apprentice Employer of the Year to the City Centre Award.

Around 300 people packed Sandy Park for the awards ceremony on Friday night. The black tie event was hosted by Bill Martin, Trinity Mirror's group editor for Devon and Cornwall, and television journalist Alexis Bowater.

Before the ceremony got under way, the audience heard from Brian Lodge, of headline partner South West Communications, who spoke about how 21st century connectivity allowed businesses to operate from any part of the country, and Patrick Phelvin, the editor of DevonLive, Trinity Mirror's new news website for the county which is based in the centre of Exeter.

They were welcomed onto the stage by the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service drummers.

The guest speaker for the evening was Mary Quicke, who described how in her 20s she had fallen in love with farming and helped to grow a dairy farm into an artisanal cheese business which distributes around the world.

After a three-course winner the awards were presented and the winners who were presented with a stainless steel award produced in Exeter by last year's business of the year, Van Guard - were as follows:

Clear Property Limited - an estate agency which has arranged community sports events, supported healthy eating in city primary schools and donated funds to the Exeter branch of Age UK.

Tyler Grange a landscaping and ecology company which aims to produce a lifestyle business so everyone enjoys their work. It puts staff first, offering competitive salaries, training and flexible working.

Custodian Solutions the company was developed by its three founders to fight counterfeit medicines which are estimated to kill up to 100,000 people around the world every year.

Bitpod - Established in 2012, Bitpod specialises in online video. The company has developed an in-house studio, animation, video SEO and video training.

Awcock Ward Partnership - The civil engineering partnership last year achieved Investors in People status and was found by assessors to be a "bright, clean and welcoming" place to work.

Exeter Rugby Club - Match-days at the Chiefs are always special, but the Exeter Rugby Club hospitality team prides itself on making it that bit better. The VIP service gives an amazing day out, plus a wealth of memories, thanks to the hard-working team at Sandy Park.

DanSci Dance Studio Ava Thomas has an innovative and encouraging outlook and sessions include "back to ballet" classes, children's classes and one-to-one sessions.

Bunyip Craft - The independent shop specialises in beautiful, useful craft supplies and workshops for all capabilities and runs craft workshops and children's parties.

Amtek Plastics - Established in 2004, the company's year on year profit growth has seen it become one of the UK's leading manufacturers. It has a team of highly qualified specialists who can help clients take a product from design through to production.

Life Dental & Wellbeing - A small business, with just eight employees, 40 per cent of Life Dental's workforce is made up of apprentices. The apprentices in place are integral to the team and progressing well.

The Salutation Inn - Located in Topsham, the Salutation Inn is a restaurant with hotel accommodation and caf which sources fine produce locally and imbues its staff with a passion for good food.

Sandy Park the home of the Exeter Chiefs has become a regionally-important conferencing facility with outstanding customer service. There are plans afoot to add what will be the largest hotel in Exeter.

Exeter Media Sales Director Michelle Pugh said: "The awards were really special this year, there was a huge amount of passion and pride in the room, and companies large and small with some incredible tales to tell.

"I'd like to thank all our partners and sponsors for supporting the scheme and helping us celebrate the best of business once again."

Sandy Park wins a prize of marketing across the Trinity Mirror network of newspapers and websites worth 10,000.

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Inspiring companies rewarded at 2017 Express & Echo Business Awards - Devon Live