Winners of The Whitewed Directory Awards 2019 Announced

The winners of The Whitewed Directory Awards 2019 were announced at a glamorous Awards ceremony held at the Double Tree by Hilton Swindon on Thursday 6 February 2020.

The judges, Sara Tye of redhead PR; Ian Larrard, Director of Business West in Swindon & Wiltshire; and Emma Richards,

Director of Sales of DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon, three highly-respected business leaders, were hugely impressed by the number and quality of entries, which showed both smart business aptitude and an entrepreneurial spirit.

It was amazing to see such drive, passion and variety from The Whitewed Directory members, and the judges had the unenviable task of choosing a winner in each category.

The three categories in which members nominated themselves and were judged by our judging panel, were as follows: Business of the Year 2019, Start-up Business of the Year 2019, Most Inspiring Business Person of the Year 2019.

The Peers Award 2019 winner is voted for by the Whitewed Directory members.

Perhaps they worked with them on many occasions and admire their work, maybe they overcome adversity and they admire their strength, perhaps they cheer on their fellow members and work together really well.

Finally, The Director  Award 2019. The Whitewed Directory team selected members that have been outstanding all year.  Maybe they have gained outstanding achievements, been a real Whitewed advocate and embraced everything that Whitewed has to offer, and have made a real difference to those around them.

The winners are: Business of the Year: George Goes Out, based in Devizes– presented by Sara Tye of redhead PR Start-up Business of the Year: MK Hair & Beauty, based in Pewsey – presented by Natalie Lovett,
Director of The Whitewed Directory Most Inspiring Business Person of the Year: Fluffy Puffin, based in Calne – Presented by Ian Larrard.

Director of Business West Swindon & Wiltshire Peers Award: Wendy House Flowers, based in Lyneham – Presented by Natalie Lovett.

Director’s Award: Holly Robinson Jewellery, based in Swindon AND Willoughby & Wolf, based in Marlborough – both presented by Natalie Lovett. “I am so thrilled for our six Whitewed Award winners, they beat off stiff competition as the standard of entries was so very high. To win is a great accolade. Congratulations too, to those companies who made the shortlist. This was a great achievement due to the extremely high standard of all entries,” said Natalie Lovett, Director of The Whitewed Directory.

Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, and Station Manager of Swindon 105.5, Shirley Ludford was the guest speaker at the Awards ceremony. Shirley received the Wiltshire’s High Sheriff’s Award in 2014 – the same year Swindon 105.5 received a Queen’s Award (MBE), and only last month she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South West Business and Community Awards!

“Shirley shared her inspiring work-life experiences and her advice in business which focused on grabbing hold of each opportunity with both hands, maintaining great relationships, having confidence in your abilities and not being too scared to try. Her key messages were invaluable to us all as they are the foundations for achieving great success in business” said Natalie.

“Whitewed was a tiny seed of an idea that I had 10 years ago, and in its 6th year, I’m proud of all that we, together, have become. We have taken the local wedding industry by storm – shown couples and competitors how it’s done best and given engaged couples the confidence to book only the best in the business – and these awards are a celebration of the very best of the best.”

“All of the entrants demonstrated real business acumen, a knowledge within their specific sector and crucially, a determination to succeed. The judges were so impressed with the high-quality entries, it was really tough for them to choose the winners,” said Lovett.

“All of us would like to say a big thank you to everyone who entered and offer our congratulations to the winners. Here’s to the 2020’s Awards being even bigger!”
Our thanks extend to our awards sponsors: DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon, Skywalkers, Niche Events and The Little Photo Company, without whom the event would not have been the success it was.