Night of emotions at Torbay Weekly's first Naturally Inspiring Business Awards

There were cheers and tears as leading business and community figures came together for the first Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards.

The Torbay Suite at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay was jam-packed for the special event, the first time people had really got together in the Bay since the Covid Lockdown days and regulations.

Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker welcomed guests and thanked judges and sponsors – Torbay Council, TDA, South Devon College, the English Riviera BID Company, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Torbay Business Forum and Inter-Line Building Supplies – for their support.

Jim also thanked all those who entered the awards and remarked on how good it was to see so many faces actually face-to-face.

Some award-winners broke down in tears as they were presented with their awards by the category sponsors and host BBC presenter David Fitzgerald.

Some of the loudest cheers and most emotional moments came as Jim Parker handed out special community awards to Tracey Cabache on behalf of the Torbay Community Helpline (outstanding service to the community during the pandemic); Mark Hawkins, CEO of Rowcroft Hospice (outstanding service to the community); and Mark Wright, whose late father and ‘Mr Majestic Holidays’ Jim Wright was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to Torbay.

Beverley Holidays were named Overall Business of the Year after winning their Tourism Business of the Year category.

Other category winners: Sound Communities CIC (Social Enterprise), Torbay Street Pastors (Safer Bay award), Riviera Insurance(Inspiring Employer), Conroy Couch (Small Business), Pier Point Torquay (Resilience), TLH Leisure Resort (Innovation) and WeDoebikes (best new business).

VIP guest Exeter City Council chief executive and Growth Director Karime Hassan gave an inspirational speech on the value of working together.