COMPANIES and individuals from across the Isle of Wight have been celebrated at the Isle of Wight Radio Best in Business Awards 2020.

The awards, sponsored by Red Squirrel Property Shop, saw more than 2,500 nominations cast, with several hundred businesses on the Isle of Wight in the running for awards.

The top award, Best Business of the Year, with Red Squirrel Property Shop, was won by Brightbulb Design.

Matthew Jeffery, CEO of Brightbulb, said: “I am so proud of our team who work tirelessly for our clients.

Isle of Wight Radio managing director, Claire John, said: “Businesses across such a wide range of sectors have been recognised by their customers and staff."

More than 200 people attended the event at Lower Hyde, Shanklin, which was hosted by Paul Topping and Georgie Carter, and also marked the start of Isle of Wight Radio’s 30th birthday celebrations.

A total of 17 awards were presented - the first of which was the New Business of the Year Award, with Go Internet, which went to Newport games cafe Board.

The Isle of Wight Produce of the Year award, with Isle of Wight Fuels, went to Briddlesford Farm, while the Tradesperson of the Year award, with Sydenhams, went to Goodall Roofing.

The Best Place to Work sponsored by WP Recruitment and HR Limited went to Isle of Wight estate agents, Hose Rhodes Dickson, and the Independent Retailer of the Year award, with Hong Kong Express, went to Island Photo Centre.

The best in Island customer service was celebrated with the Customer Excellence of the Year Award, with Harrison Black Chartered Accountants, which was won by The Jewellery Cabin.

Throughout the evening, the awards presentation was streamed live on Facebook to thousands of viewers.

The Family Business of the Year Award with Hillbans Pest Control went to Med Tec Design Services, and the Employee of the Year Award, with HTP Apprenticeship College, went to the Seaview Hotel’s Jackie Scott-Jackson.

The title of Restaurant of the Year, with Mermaid Gin, went to The Cottage, while Tapnell Farm’s Tapland winter experience was crowned the Top Event of 2019, sponsored by Stagegear Rentals.

The Best Place to Stay award, with Wight Fire and Security, was given to The Royal Hotel, while the Isle of Wight Steam Railway scooped the Best in Tourism Award, supported by Visit Isle of Wight.

Three categories were opened to the public vote. After thousands of nominations across the categories, Hairdresser/Salon of the Year, with Elite Hair Design, was given to Donna Jones Hairdressing, Pub of the Year with Firstmech Mechanical Service was given to Ye Olde Village Inn, Bembridge, and Best Breakfast, with Top Mops Homecare, was given to Kevars of Ryde.

The Lifetime Advertiser Award went to John Keyworth at Islandwide Carpets.