Shortlist announced for Torbay Business Awards 2024

Here they are. The businesses and individuals who have done themselves, their companies and Torbay proud.

Take a bow the shortlisted finalists for the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards for 2024.

A judging panel, comprising representatives from this year's category sponsors, spent the morning in the boardroom of the Torquay offices of Wollens solicitors sifting through dozens of entries to draw up the list of finalists for this year's awards.
The names will now all go through to the finals night at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay on Thursday, June 13 where the category winners will be announced and the 'Champion of Champions' business will be selected.

Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker said: “Firstly a big thank-you to Chris Hart and Wollens for the use of their impressive offices.

“Huge thanks to our sponsors and judging panel and last, but very much not least, to everybody who entered this year.

“These awards aim to celebrate and recognise all the success and talent that is out there in our business community. And the 2024 entries prove there is plenty of that and more besides.

“We all know it is still tough running a business with the aftermath of Covid and so many other challenges to have to deal with. But once again Torbay's businesses have risen to those challenges with grit, determination and a never-say-die attitude.

“Peter Wright is the MD of Stagecoach SW, who are one of our new sponsors this year and he remarked on the great entries that had been submitted. He's not wrong Here is to June 13 and finals night. Please come and celebrate with us.”

The shortlisted category finalists (with category sponsors in brackets) are:

• Inspiring Employer of Year (South Devon College) - Ocean Torbay, Beverley Holidays, Mercure Hotel Paignton, Brixham Trawler Agents, Pierpoint.
• Best New Business (Wollens Solicitors) - Katie Mills Funeral Homes, The Creative Universe, Freedom Boat Club, Mercure Hotel Paignton.
• Commissioner's Business Community Champion (Office of Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner) - Great Parks Community, Torbay United, East Street Pub Company, Torbay Community Builders.
• Small Business of the Year (Torbay Business Forum) - Jazz Hands, PMR Architecture, Freedom Boat Club, SuperHub.
• Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Inter-Line Building Supplies) - Matt Sluman, Poppy Jones.
• Tourism Business of Year (English Riviera BID Company) - Berry Head Hotel, Cary Arms, Beverley Holidays, Splashdown Quaywest.
• Greener Futures Award (Stagecoach SW) - Bay Photonics, Jazz Hands, QLM Technology.
• Rising Star (Princess Theatre, Torquay) - Matt Sluman, Charlie James, Ellen Seddon.
• Innovation Award (Sally Allen Business Consultant) - Paignton Picture House, Angie Manning, Spirent Communications, QLM Technology.
• James Wright Award for Inspirational Leadership (Mark Wright, Majestic Holidays) - Maureen McAllister, Polly Ferguson
• Overall Business of the Year (Torbay Council) - to be announced on the night.

If you would like to book a table or buy tickets for the night please go to torbaybusinessawards.co.uk