Representatives of leading businesses across Exeter and the surrounding areas gathered today to celebrate the launch of the 2015 Express & Echo Business Awards.
Sponsors, former finalists and winners were among the guests at a lunchtime networking event at Exeter Golf and Country Club's Wear Park venue.
Now in their fifth year, the awards are well known for showcasing companies and individuals who demonstrate entrepreneurial drive, innovation and dedication to providing a quality product or service.
Echo editor Jon-Paul Hedge said: "Since we launched the Express & Echo Business Awards in 2011, the innovation and dedication of our finalists and winners have never failed to amaze and inspire, and we're sure 2015 will not disappoint.
"As everyone in business knows, confidence is crucially important. And by providing a platform to celebrate the outstanding successes of companies and individuals in the Exeter area, we hope that thanks to the support of our friends and sponsors these awards will once again shine a light on the many reasons to feel positive about doing business in Exeter."
Since its launch, the event has attracted more than 490 entries, producing nearly 200 finalists and 48 winners.
More than 1,000 people have celebrated the achievements of local employers and individuals at the glittering awards ceremonies, which have become a highlight of the Exeter business community's social calendar.
This year sees the continuation of the partnership between the Express & Echo and Eclipse which will provide even more opportunities for outstanding local businesses to share their success stories via both print and digital media.
James Warner, from Eclipse, said: "We are extremely proud to be a part of this event, in our third year of partnering with the Express & Echo. It's a great opportunity to recognise the innovation and creativity of our businesses here in Exeter, and the impact that they have on a local, national and in some cases international scale.
"One of the reasons I personally wanted to be involved is I know just how important it is to attract and retain talent in the South West. To do that we have to have a vibrant and growing business community."
In total, there are 14 categories to enter, including a new award for Best Apprentice Employer, sponsored by Devon County Council.
Other awards which will be presented in a ceremony at Sandy Park on Friday, April 17, include: Corporate Social Responsibility; Employer of the Year; Best Creative Business; Innovation Award; Excellence in Customer Service; Family Business of the Year; Environmental Award; Entrepreneur and Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Best Tourism/Hospitality Business; Best City Centre Business, as well as the hotly contested Small Business and Business of the Year.
Mike Hesketh, owner of Exeter Dental Centre, told guests how the practice has benefited from winning the Best City Centre Business Award last year.
"My wife and I bought the Exeter Dental Centre in 2012 and invested a lot of money in a renovation and complete overhaul of the practice to bring it into the 21st century," he said. "Through word of mouth and social media we were getting about 50 new clients a month.
"My marketing manager put us forward for the award, which we were fortunate enough to win. The award ceremony was fantastic, and all the staff shared in the celebration.
"In the following two days we gained 30 new patients, so that new business was really key.
"We have continued to do more PR and marketing, primarily with the Express & Echo, and now we are up to 100 new clients a month, which is pretty industry leading."
For the third year in a row, the headline sponsor of the awards is Exeter-based internet service provider Eclipse.
Other category sponsors include Kitsons Solicitors, Pavey Group, Exeter City Council and Exeter College.
The closing date for entries is Monday, March 23.
For full details of the awards categories and how to enter, visit www.exeterbusinessawards.co.uk.
For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Charlotte Tregedeon on 07802 451897 or charlotte.tregedeon@dc-media.co.uk.
