Bondholders celebrated at Chamber Business Awards

Bondholders swept this year’s East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards, with creative business, Katapult, crowned Derbyshire Business of the Year.

The Awards were held on Friday 11th November at Reach Events in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars and recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.

Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and
board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner

Overall winner, Katapult designs themed attractions and experiences for some of the biggest brands in the world, and has worked with leisure industry leaders including Lego, Merlin Entertainments, Ferrari and Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. The company also won the Excellence in International Trade award at the Business Awards.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The past few years have been challenging for our business community, and yet we continue to see so many shining examples of business success across our region.

“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Derbyshire. We know it is a fantastic place to do business and these organisations – many of which have worked together to maximise their impact within their sectors and communities – are doing a wonderful job.

“Later this month, the Chamber will launch a Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond in Parliament that illustrates how our region is a Centre of Trading Excellence. Our Business Awards are full of companies that are living proof of this.”

Other winners on the night included:

Business Improvement Through Technology (sponsored by Purpose Media) – Scenariio

Community Impact (sponsored by University of Derby) – The Enthusiasm Trust

Outstanding Growth (sponsored by Amazon) Reformed IT

Excellence in Collaboration (sponsored by EMA Training) – Cosy Direct and Derby Kids Camp

Environmental Impact (sponsored by Futures Housing Group) – Cosy Direct

Commitment to People Development (sponsored by Eight Days a Week
Print Solutions) – Bam Boom Cloud

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Access Training) Cameron Browne, Devtank

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Ryley Wealth Management) Jillian Thomas, Future Life Wealth Management

Education and Business Partnership (sponsored by Concertus) UTC Derby Pride Park

Excellence in Customer Service (sponsored by Aston Lark) – BEAR

Excellence in International Trade (sponsored by RH Automotive) – Katapult

Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Barclays) – EMA Training

Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Rolls-Royce) – Devtank

East Midlands Chamber president Lindsey Williams said: “Behind every nominee and winner whose name will go up in lights are people and organisations that are truly delivering for the region. Their achievements generate employment, wealth and opportunity not just for those directly connected, but for the wider community.

“So I’m proud to see the Chamber yet again take the opportunity to bring us together and celebrate our top talent – for their success but also for what they bring to the East Midlands as a whole.”

Bondholder charity, Treetops Hospice, will benefit from a raffle held on the night, as one of three local charities named by the Chamber President.

For more information on the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, visit here.