Three Rotherham businesses have walked away with top business accolades, as the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards returned to Magna Science Adventure Centre.
Over 550 representatives took part in the glittering event, which took place at Magna and was hosted by BBC Look North presenter Amy Garcia and featured entertainment provided by Barnsley-based composer Catherine Rannus and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kyle Tomlinson.
The winners on the night saw Enhanced Skin Health secure the title of Excellence in Customer Service, IT Desk (UK) were presented with the Commitment to People Development Award and the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust secured the Business Community Impact Award.
Sponsored by the RNN Group, Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber’s glittering Celebration of Business event showcased the extraordinary efforts made by businesses and individuals – from apprentices taking the first steps in their respective careers to businesses going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to staff development, business growth, sustainability, customer service and much more.
A total of ten Rotherham-based businesses were highly commended during the evening including the YWCA in the charity of the year category, who walked away with a cash prize to support its vital work. The overall title of Business of the Year was presented to Warwick Ward Machinery, which has established itself as one of Europe’s largest suppliers of new and used earthmoving and waste recycling equipment and employs more than 100 people across four sites in the UK.
This year also saw the very first President’s Salute to Business presented. The special accolade, which recognised the important contribution made by individuals and organisations, was presented to the NHS in recognition of its 75 years of service to the people of Barnsley and Rotherham. A special accolade was also awarded to Chamber past president Joada Allen in recognition of her efforts in supporting Barnsley and Rotherham’s business community during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as marking 10 years in business.
The awards also recognised the longstanding contributions of several businesses including Rotherham’s Morthyng Group, which celebrated its 35th anniversary, and Jeremy Neal Funeral Directors for 25 years’ service.
Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber’s Celebration of Business will return in 2024.