THORNTON Manor was the setting for a glittering ceremony honouring the versatility, innovation and enterprise of Wirral businesses.

More than 500 people attended the Wirral Business Awards at the historic venue on Friday night.

The event, now in its 10th year and organised by Wirral Chamber of Commerce, was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips and Birkenhead-born actress and comedienne Pauline Daniels. 

Thirteen awards were handed out.

Among the winners was Ian Dolman, managing director of Faiveley Transport UK, who was named Wirral’s new business person of the year.

He said: "As well as being a personal accolade, this award is recognition for everyone at Faiveley Transport UK, and for the work which we carry out at our Birkenhead location."

"There is something truly special about Wirral's business community, in the way it comes together is testimony to the quality, character and success of the business awards."

The award categories and winners were:

  • Outstanding business of the year: Typhoo Tea
  • Business person of the year: Ian Dolman from Faiveley Transport
  • Business of the year - 50+ Employees: Evoke Creative Ltd
  • Business of the year - 11-49 + employees Russell Taylor Group
  • Business of the year - Under 11 employees: Woods Squared Limited
  • Investment of the year: The Contact Company
  • International Trade award: Sun Valley
  • Newcomer of the year: Pipework & Mechanical Projects Ltd
  • Rising Star: Emma Lamont – Bibby HydroMap Limited
  • Customer service award: Joanne Finnerty Recruitment Ltd
  • Sustainability award: Capital Reinforcing
  • People development award: NW Systems Group Limited
  • Financial and professional services award: MD Insurance Services Ltd

Congratulating the winners, Wirral Chamber's chief executive Paula Basnett, said: "The successful winners reflect the diverse range of businesses that make Wirral a location of excellence and one which welcomes and supports business success.

"All of our applicants, and in particular the eventual winners, demonstrated the passion, determination, energy and skill that goes into running a top performing company.

"These characteristics deserve recognition and through the Wirral Business Awards we have been able to celebrate innovation and enterprise of businesses from a wide range of sectors.

"It is an absolute pleasure for the Wirral Chamber of Commerce to organise this event so we can showcase the versatility of Wirral's businesses from financial services to manufacturing to social care.

“Wirral is full of talented business people and companies offering goods and services which are used and sold to a global marketplace.”

“Despite operating in uncertain times, Wirral’s businesses continue to succeed, driving growth, creating jobs and delivering investment for Wirral and for our region."