The Colchester Business Awards 2023
The Colchester Business Awards are just around the corner and all nominations have been reviewed and shortlisted! Take a look below to discover each category and this years shortlist for each.
Best New Business
This award is there to celebrate the best of our newest businesses. We are looking for a business that has brought a new dynamic to the make-up of Colchester City Centre and have an exciting future ahead of them.
Shortlisted Businesses
- Danielle Styles
- Safari Lounge
- Roots and Grooves
- Patch
- Colchester Children's Counselling
🏆 Patch 🏆
Winner of Best New Business
Patch is a new vegetarian plant-led café in the heart of Colchester, opened in September 2022, with an emphasis where possible on locally-grown, seasonal produce from small independent producers and from our very own patch! Located in HAT Projects on Trinity Street, we would like to welcome you to a friendly, laid-back environment where food and ingredients speak for themselves.
Best for Innovation and Customer Focus
An award designed to celebrate businesses in Colchester that bring new ideas to the business community. Businesses will be judged on the uniqueness of their offering or solution, the dynamic nature of their business delivery model, and how their practices challenge the norm in it's space/sector.
Shortlisted Businesses
🏆 Patch 🏆
Winner of Innovation and Customer Focus
Patch is a new vegetarian plant-led café in the heart of Colchester, opened in September 2022, with an emphasis where possible on locally-grown, seasonal produce from small independent producers and from our very own patch! Located in HAT Projects on Trinity Street, we would like to welcome you to a friendly, laid-back environment where food and ingredients speak for themselves.
Creative, Cultural, and Community Business of the Year
This award is to celebrate businesses and organisations within the creative, cultural and community sectors, who have used the power and value of culture and creativity to enhance “Colchester Life” . Colchester is recognised as having a great artistic and community offering. This award wants to highlight businesses and organisations within these sectors and beyond who emphasise community and hold values in the creative and cultural sphere.
The award will be granted to an organisation who can demonstrate how they combine their creativity or innovation with an efficient business model that supports the local community.
🏆 Colchester Arts Centre 🏆
Winner of Creative, Cultural, and Community Business of the Year
Live music, plays, comedy shows & other performances in a former church, with a beer selection. Our passion to present new work bring great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original and yes, the surreal.
Special Recognition Award
See below the shortlisted individuals for the Special Recognition Award, and the nominations that got them shortlisted! Each and everyone of these businesses deserves a big thank you for everything they provide to the Colchester Community.
The owner genuinely cares about her clients. She just wants people to feel comfortable in their skin, and provides a personalised service without just trying to sell treatments like other clinics tend to. She is kind, caring and professional. I asked her for help when a treatment went wrong (I got the treatment elsewhere and received no aftercare). She took the time out of her day to assess me free of charge, reassure me and physically drove me to a hospital. I didn't even know her at this point. It was so kind and above and beyond what I would have expected. She regularly checks in on clients to see how their recovery is doing and is on incredibly knowledgeable and professional.
The guys at hair pimps are always working non stop. On the day that their salon isn't open (Monday) they are at a nursing home providing haircuts for the elderly. They have a very welcoming and inclusive space where anyone is welcome. They are neurodivergent friendly, and have become popular among parents for children with Autism. Charles and Josh just get it. Their talent is unmatched and they make it their mission to get to know you, make sure you feel comfortable and give you an amazing hair cut. They provide a great sense of community along the street and provide a welcoming and friendly service for all. Their focus on inclusivity and community makes them much more than just a hairdressers.
The Manor Health and Wellness Centre has a team of 20 therapists and teachers all who have worked so incredibly hard throughout the past three years since we opened in September 2019. We came together to offer space, a safe haven for the Colchester community to recieve the very best in holistic healthcare all under one roof. Throughout the pandemic we had to open and close frequently but we all stuck together and supported each other and provided as many of our services online so that our clients and students could still receive support. We have since grown from strength to strength and as a team pride ourselves in providing the best possible client experience. The business is centered around the local community being able to easily access affordable complimentary healthcare and we feel that everyone of us here at The Manor provides this.
This business not only is humble, but supports other independent businesses in many ways. They recently have spoken out on the BBC about how the cost of living and covid have both affected small businesses and aimed to encourage people to go local, and go to small businesses. They make everything in store by hand and strive to suit everyone’s needs. They are honest and respectable and can justify their products, each member of staff 9/10 know every product they sell inside and out. A super homely feeling family business that is inclusive of everyone and represents why colchester need more small independent businesses.
Aleksandra (Ola) is the General Manager for Wagamama restaurant in Colchester. During the 5 years we have been open , Ola has strived to be a great leader, developing her people, some of whom have gone on to manage their own branches. Looking after her staff by offering support to those in need, wether it is a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or helpline numbers for mental health. She even carried my bag for me when we had to travel to Manchester as I couldn't lift anything after an operation. Ola has opened our restaurant as a safe space for the LGBTQ community. Last year Wagamama was a meeting place during Pride, and she provided breakfast. She has organised multiple events for charities, including Age Concern and notably a Christmas party for Ukrainian refugees where everyone had a meal and received a gift. We also do food drops to businesses around town to brighten their day. Last year our Branch won Restaurant of the year within our company, and Ola was quick to share this accolade, not one to accept all the praise. A true leader.
🏆 Hair Pimps 🏆
Winner of Special Recognition Award
Hair Pimps is a family-run salon that has tailored, highly trained Stylists and Beauticians to cater for all your hair and beauty needs. We are not limited to certain styles and pride ourselves on being a jack of all trades in our industry!
We want to connect with our guest on more levels than just Hair and Beauty, Our Barber Joshua has over 12 years of experience and trained by the London School of Barbering to keep him on the tip-top of his game! We also have Charles our Colourist who has 10 years of experience and has won awards for his colouring skills, so a passion for hair flows through our blood!
Business Leader of the Year
This award will be presented to a leader who can demonstrate that their effective leadership has been and continues to be instrumental in the development of their business/enterprise or supported the local business community.
Shortlisted Individuals
- Laura Addison (Lush)
- Charlie Whiting (Lush)
- Marc Palfrey (Castle Inn)
- Dave Robertson (Culver Square)
- Martin Leatherdale (Lion Walk)
🏆 Martin Leatherdale 🏆
Winner of Business Leader of the Year
The nomination for Martin: "The centre has improved not only on surface level on what the customer sees but also the imersive experience they have whilst shopping at lion walk. There are various events the centre hosts which engage the town as a whole. This is from his relationships he has built up with key stake holders within the town down to individual independent business owners. Martins resilient ways of working has been a true testament to the tenants within lionwalk. Unveiling historic mosaics to working with local artists to showcase the history of the city with the install of the art work in the yard. The way the centre has been pushed forward makes others want to collaborate with Martin at lion walk."
Charity Award
This category recognises the contribution made by charities that provide such valuable services within the Colchester. The award will be granted to the charities that has made the most significant difference to its target beneficiaries.
Shortlisted Businesses
🏆 Youth Enquiry Service 🏆
Winner of Charity Award
Y.E.S provides a confidential, non-judgemental and informal service for young people between the ages of 11 and 25 within Colchester and Tendring, who are facing difficulties in their lives.
Y.E.S can provide help and support with many problems that you may be experiencing – and if we can’t help you ourselves then we will find someone who can, and will support you in getting that help.
Sustainability Award
The winner of this award should be able to demonstrate how they have reduced the impact of their business on the environment in two or more of the following areas:
- Green product innovation
- Emission of greenhouse gases
- Energy consumption
- Water consumption
- Production of waste and improving recycling rates
- Sustainable supply chain and procurement
- Transport impact of their goods and services
- Staff development and training on environmental impact
Shortlisted Businesses
- This is fever
- Best Days Vintage
- Schuh
- Creased Kids
- En Form E-Cargo
🏆 En Form E-Cargo 🏆
Winner of Sustainability Award
Whatever you need collected and delivered to your door quickly by green, clean, eco-friendly eCargo Bike.
We work with retailers and businesses across Colchester from local independents to national chains, supporting our local economy and getting you what you need quickly and with a tiny carbon footprint.
We promise to have your local delivery with you quickly - all our deliveries can be next day, even same day, or even booked a few days in advance, and always delivered at a time that suits you.
Independent Retailer of the Year
This award is for independent retail businesses selling products or goods to consumers or businesses (B2B or B2C). This must be a physical shop premises within the BID zone. Judges will be looking for a business that has great products and has achieved growth, exceptional customer experience and commendable core values.
Shortlisted Businesses
- Bill & Berts
- Best Days Vintage
- Danielle Styles
- It's all at Number 11
- Nanna's Yarn Barn
- Two Brews Colchester
- Wildflower
🏆 Danielle Styles 🏆
Winner of Independent Retailer of the Year
Danielle Styles was established in lockdown in 2020 by Danielle herself, with many years of retail experience, working in River Island at management level, Danielle decided to take a leap of faith and start her own fashion brand. She opened her first store in Maldon, Essex in June 2021 and is now delighted to have her 2nd within a city centre here in Colchester.
Independent Leisure Business of the Year
This award is for independent leisure businesses (e.g. restaurants, theatres, cinemas) selling services, products or goods to consumers or businesses (B2B or B2C). This must be a physical premises within the BID area. Judges will be looking for a business that has great services and has achieved growth, exceptional customer experience and commendable core values.
Shortlisted Businesses
🏆 Patch 🏆
Winner of Independent Leisure Business of the Year
Patch is a new vegetarian plant-led café in the heart of Colchester, opened in September 2022, with an emphasis where possible on locally-grown, seasonal produce from small independent producers and from our very own patch! Located in HAT Projects on Trinity Street, we would like to welcome you to a friendly, laid-back environment where food and ingredients speak for themselves.
Independent Service Business of the Year
This award is for independent service businesses (e.g. estate agents, legal firms, accountants) selling services, products or goods to consumers or businesses (B2B or B2C). This must be a physical premises within the BID area. Judges will be looking for a business that has great services and has achieved growth, exceptional customer experience and commendable core values.
Shortlisted Businesses
- A-Plan Insurance
- Attwells Solicitors
- Boydens Estate Agents
- Ellisons Solicitors
- This is Fever
- Goody Burret LLP
- Signals
🏆 GoodyBurrett LLP 🏆
Winner of Independent Service Business of the Year
We are a law firm committed to providing outstanding modern service to our clients and have offices in Colchester and Dunmow. We have teams of expert lawyers providing a full range of advice and services to individuals and businesses. The firm has been established for over 200 years and we are trusted by our clients to provide a quality and personal service.
Large Retailer of the Year
This award is for large retail businesses selling products or goods to consumers or businesses (B2B or B2C). This must be a physical premises within the BID area. Judges will be looking for a business that has great services and has achieved growth, exceptional customer experience and commendable core values.
Shortlisted Businesses
🏆 Fenwick 🏆
Winner of Large Retailer of the Year
Fenwick Colchester will bring you the finest selection of luxury from around the world across fashion, beauty and lifestyle, curated into a sophisticated shopping space and bestowed with in-store events, treatment rooms, bespoke services and popular restaurants. Loyal to our brilliant and British heritage, Fenwick is proudly the largest family-owned group of department stores in the United Kingdom.
Fenwick Colchester is located at the top of the High Street inside a beautiful glass fronted building!
Large Leisure Business of the Year
This award is for large leisure businesses (e.g. restaurants, theatres, cinemas) selling services, products or goods to consumers or businesses (B2B or B2C). This must be a physical premises within the BID area. Judges will be looking for a business that has great services and has achieved growth, exceptional customer experience and commendable core values.
Shortlisted Businesses
- Colchester Castle
- Five Guys
- Pavilion Lounge and Restaurant
- Romano Lounge
- Three Wise Monkeys
- Turtle Bay
- Wagamama
🏆 Three Wise Monkeys 🏆
Winner of Large Leisure Business of the Year
Three Wise Monkeys is a modern style Public House split over 4 floors in the heart of Colchester. The ground floor is a large Tap House serving a huge range of quality beers from both keg and cask. We also have a great selection of spirits, unique cocktails, wines and coffee. The first floor houses a spacious public bar and kitchen.
Food is served throughout the day with a passionate focus on slow-cooked, smoked American-style barbecue food and gourmet burgers. The second floor is a live music and club night/dancing venue that doubles as a large private function room. The basement Gin Bar has a boiler room/speakeasy vibe that is open every Friday and Saturday night.
Personal Care / Beauty Services of the Year
This award is for businesses in the health, wellness & beauty sector. For example, beauty salons, spas, health & wellness businesses.
Judges are looking for a business which has fantastic customer service, great processes, commendable core values and has shown consistent growth.
Shortlisted Businesses
- Brown & White
- Glow Hair and Beauty
- Hair Pimps
- Hair Revolutions
- Mango Hair Designs
- Simple Beauty
- Venus Beauty Room
🏆 Simple Beauty 🏆
Winner of Personal Care/Beauty Service of the Year
Simple Beauty is a beautiful beauty salon located on Short Wyre Street, Colchester. Simply Beauty offer a collection of pamper sessions such as hand and toe Gel or polish treatments, lash extensions, Fake Bake spray tan, Massages and spa treatments such as waxing.
Simply Beauty is easy to find and wheelchair friendly. As soon as you enter through the door you will be transported to a relaxing spa environment, filled with natural light and scented candles. They also have a separate room for specific treatments.
Arts Venue of the Year
Colchester is home to a great array of Arts venues throughout the city centre, from award winning galleries to independent theatres and music venues.
This award has been created to celebrate the Arts and Cultural Venues in Colchester that have been nominated across the categories.
Shortlisted Businesses
🏆 Colchester Arts Centre 🏆
Winner of Arts Venue of the Year
Live music, plays, comedy shows & other performances in a former church, with a beer selection. Our passion to present new work bring great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original and yes, the surreal.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!
The Business of the Year Award will be chosen from the shortlisted businesses in each award category. It will be the best of the best, the business which stands out from the rest. To win, a business will need to show a very strong overall performance during the last year.
Shortlisted Businesses
- Patch
- Colchester Arts Centre
- Hair Pimps
- Martin Leatherdale (Lion Walk)
- Youth Enquiry Service
- En-Form E-Cargo
- Danielle Styles
- GoodyBurrett LLP
- Fenwick
- Three Wise Monkeys
- Simple Beauty
🏆 Danielle Styles 🏆
Winner of Business of the Year
Danielle Styles was established in lockdown in 2020 by Danielle herself, with many years of retail experience, working in River Island at management level, Danielle decided to take a leap of faith and start her own fashion brand. She opened her first store in Maldon, Essex in June 2021 and is now delighted to have her 2nd within a city centre here in Colchester.
And a massive thank you to our Business Award event sponsor, LKA Recruitment, as well as our associate event sponsor Beresford's.
