More than 300 people attended the inaugural Tendring Blue Ribbon awards ceremony to celebrate excellence and success within the district’s business community.

The event, held at at the Princes Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea, was organised and sponsored by Tendring District Council, Jamesons Chartered Accountants and Barclays Bank, with Dream 100 as associate sponsor, and is now intended to become an annual fixture in the calendar.

Christine Brown from Jamesons said the aim from the outset had been to celebrate the best of Tendring.

“I feel that our area sometimes gets a bad press but there is so much that is very positive going on across the whole District,” she said.

“There are so many amazing business people in the area doing fantastic work and a lot of them were in the Princes Theatre at the awards ceremony – but I know there are so many more out there.”

Sadie Moore from Barclays said the event had been bigger and better than she could have hoped for, and she was already looking forward to next year.

“It was simply amazing and I was overwhelmed at the turnout and the tremendous backing we had for this inaugural Tendring Blue Ribbon,” she said.

“It was great to see businesses supporting each other and I want to thank every single person who played a part in making the event such a massive success.”

Giles Watling, Tendring Distric Council’s cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said all the winners were deserving of their accolades.

“Tendring really is open for business and that was very much in evidence at this event which was all about recognising the high achievers in their various fields. We have so many inspiring entrepreneurs, employers and employees in our District, it was good to get them up on stage and celebrate their success,” he added.

“The council is very keen to support business growth and hopefully these awards will help encourage our businesses to keep up their excellent work. Well done to all those nominated.”

A total of 12 awards were presented, including a special Judges’ Award in recognition of an outstanding nominee demonstrating all-round excellent. The recipient was law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood, which was also honoured for its involvement in the community.

Paula Fowler, managing partner at the first, said: “To win not just one but two awards is a tremendous achievement for all Clacton staff, past and present, and is testament to the dedication and effort expended.”

She added: “There has been a great deal of growth of the Tendring area over the last few years and it is fantastic to be able to be a part of these awards which signify and celebrate that. We have always been committed to this community and we are excited to be a part of the future of the flourishing Tendring area.”

Other categories recognised outstanding businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors and excellence in areas including customer service, entrepreneurship, business growth and employment good practice and well as a Start-up category for businesses up to two years ago and a Rising Star award for individuals under 25.

Entertainment at the ceremony was provided by singer Maria Lara.

The judging panel was chaired by George Kieffer, chairman of the Haven Gateway Partnership and Visit Essex, and also included Bashir Arif, Emma Leach and local MPs Douglas Carswell and Bernard Jenkin. The full line-up of winners and runners-up was:

Rising Star of the Year (sponsored by Ultraviolet) – Winner: Kelsie Low Photographty; Runners-up: Amber Bruce and The Hair Fairy.

Tradesperson of the Year (sponsored by Orton & Wenlock) – Winner: Kevin Green; Runners-up: Ben Griggs and Mitchell Nicolaou.

Start-Up Business of the Year (sponsored by esign) – Winner: The Local Marketing Team; Runners-up: Laceys Bridal Boutique and The Manor.

Fast Track Growth Award (sponsored by Tower Security) – Winner: Lifehouse Spa and Hotel; Runners-up: Confederation of Roofing Contractors and Metallic Elephant.

Business in the Community Award (sponsored by Harwich Haven Authority) – Winner: Fisher Jones Greenwood; Runners-up: Lisa Alligan and Vanessa’s Florist.

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Thompson, Smith and Puxon) – Winner: Grant Masters; Runners-up: Matthew Fisk and Holly Connell.

Customer Excellence Award (sponsored by Searles Financial Planning) – Winner: Harwich and Dovercourt Independent Funeral Service; Also nominated: Brian Birt Carpets, Chestnut Grove Kindergarten, Concord Property, Morph Designs and Willow Tree Day Nursery.

Retailer of the Year (sponsored by the Lennox Group) – Winner: Spirit; Runners-up: Pierson Interiors and PTS Golf.

Long Serving Staff Member Award (sponsored by Comus Europe) – Winner: Kevin Boarer of Hayes Garage; Runners-up: Carly Mitchell of GCS Alarms and Steve Karsten of Caravan World.

Award for Hospitality and Leisure (sponsored by Surya) – Winner was The Blue Sari; Also nominated: The Bicycle Bar and Restaurant, The Manor and Rainbow Café.

Employer of the Year (sponsored by HR Elite) – Winner: Direct Solutions; Runners-up: Aldanat Care and Fisher Jones Greenwood.

Judges Award (sponsored by Tendring District Council) – Winner: Fisher Jones Greenwood.