"Last night our business community was alive with a vibrant mix of smiling faces all proud of their contribution to our city." - Andy Starr, Chair of PubWatch and Director for Our Colchester BID

This year, the sold out event brought together over 220 guests, representing more than 70 businesses and winners were recognised across eleven categories.

Since the 2024 awards season began, over 1100 nominations were submitted, and over 20,000 votes were cast in support of our local businesses big and small. These record-breaking numbers are a demonstration of a city centre with faithful supporters, and this event gave nominees a chance to feel that love. There were tears, laughter and even a stage fall - did the breaking news of their win bring them to their knees?

Patch followed on from last year’s success and snapped up three awards, and Mercury Theatre followed closely behind as a double-winner.

Best New Business, perhaps the most hotly anticipated award, garnered plenty of attention. Jo Lucking from Twisted Treats shares what it means to her:

"Myself and my team at Twisted Treats are absolutely honoured to have been voted Best New Business in Colchester. It’s wonderful to be a part of such an amazing community of small businesses, and to see everyone being celebrated for all their hard work - we make up the heart of the city.A massive thank you to all our loyal customers for their continued support, and if you haven’t heard of us, pop in and try out some delicious treats in our beautiful shop on St Botolphs street!" - Jo Lucking, Twisted Treats

The Complete List of Winners

Creative, Cultural and Community Business of the Year | Sponsored by John Fowlers

Shortlist: Colchester Museum, Colchester Makerspace, Community 360, Level Best, Signals, Firstsite, Textile Collective and Patch

Winners:

🥇Gold: Colchester Museum

🥈Silver: Firstsite

🥉Bronze: Level Best AND Patch

Arts Venue of the Year | Sponsored by Local IQ

Shortlist: Mercury Theatre, Three Wise Monkeys, Headgate Theatre, Colchester Arts Centre and CODA

🏆 Winner: Colchester Arts Centre

🏆 Large Retailer of the Year | Sponsored by Oakheart 🏆

Shortlist: The Perfume Shop, Lush, Fenwick, H&M, Holland & Barrett, New Look, Primark and Emson Haig

🏆 Winner: Fenwick

🏆 Indie Leisure Business of the Year | Sponsored by InColchester 🏆

Shortlist: After Office Hours, Other Monkey Brewing, Patch, Moto Pizza, Victoria Yum, CODA, Twisters Bar and The Silk Road

🏆 Winner: Patch

Green Recognition Award | Sponsored by Colchester Prep & High School

Shortlist: Salvation Army, Starbucks, Fenwick, Lush, Patch, Toast, Textile Collective, Costa Coffee, Tesco and McDonalds

Winners:

🏅Gold: Patch

🥈Silver: Textile Collective

🥈Silver: Toast

Indie Retailer of the Year | Sponsored by Attwells

Shortlist: Claydons, Wax Spiritual, Frippery Sisters, Best Days Vintage, It’s All at Number 11, Danielle Styles, Annabelle 87 and Bill & Berts

Winner: Danielle Styles

Large Leisure Business of the Year | Sponsored by Oakheart

Shortlist: George Hotel, Three Wise Monkeys, Mercury Theatre, Wagamama, Walkabout, Curzon Cinema, Turtle Bay and Centurion

🏆 Winner: Mercury Theatre

Indie Service Business of the Year | Sponsored by Colbea

Shortlist: John Fowlers Solicitors, Owen Aves Opticians, GoodyBurrett LLP, Birkett Long Solicitors, Gemstone Mortgages, Boydens Estate Agents, Blue Sky Printing and Signals

🏆Winner: GoodyBurrett LLP

Personal Care and Beauty Service of the Year | Sponsored by the Colchester Gift Card

Shortlist: Mango Hair Design, Simple Beauty, Egan Clinic, Hair Pimps, Salon Central, Icarus Hairdressing, Faces Hairdressing, Samuel Barber and E M Skin Clinic and Beauty

🏆Winner: Simple Beauty

Best New Business | Sponsored by Street Whittles

Shortist: Vulcano Etna, Roots & Grooves, Twisted Treats, Wax Spiritual, Textile Collective, Claydons, Frippery Sisters and Fowler Smith Mortgages and Protection

🏆Winner: Twisted Treats

Business of the Year | Sponsored by Thompson, Smith & Puxon

Shortlist: Twisted Treats, Danielle Styles, Mercury Theatre, Simple Beauty and Colchester Arts Centre

🏆Winner: Mercury Theatre