Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards 2025 launched - and entries are open

It’s time to celebrate all that is good about Business in the Bay - and the people who make it work.

The stage is set for the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards 2025.

Entries are now open  for this year’s awards with a date of Wednesday June 11 already set for the glittering finals night at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.

The awards have grown in size and stature since being launched just after Covid threatened the very future of some businesses in the Bay three years ago.

They are now one of the highlights of the business calendar in the Bay.

It was the resilience, grit and sheer determination of the Bay’s business fraternity that got us through those dark pandemic-hit days and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when we were allowed to free ourselves of the Covid shackles to celebrate together for the first time in 2022. The tears keep coming but now they are tears of joy as we recognise success.

The number of entries have grown steadily over the years and last year almost 300 people packed into the RIC for the dinner-jacket finals night when category winners were crowned and Torbay named its overall Business of the Year.

Torbay Council has once again agreed to be the headline sponsors of the event with sponsors confirmed for all the categories.

Torbay Weekly Editor Jim Parker said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Torbay Council and all of our category sponsors. Without their support we would not be able to run these awards.

“I, personally, and the Torbay Weekly are proud to be able to organise the event.  They were uplifting when we all needed just that in Covid days and they have proved to be just as uplifting and rewarding today.

“They come as the Bay finds itself in a good place.  The Torbay Story has well and truly put the Bay on the map. The government and the private sector have recognised what we have to offer as a place.

“That is why millions and millions of pounds are being invested in the resort for game-changing regeneration projects across our three towns.

“Yes, Torbay has some challenges and we must resolve those issues. But its future is bright and business has had a huge part to play in that.

“All we need now are entries and a full house at the RIC in June. Over to you, please.”

TIMELINE AND HOW TO ENTER TORBAY WEEKLY BUSINESS AWARDS 2025

Enter: go to torbaybusinessawards.co.uk where you will find out how to enter the awards, the categories and their criteria.

Entries are open from today (February 14) and will close at midnight on Friday April 25.

A judging panel will sit to choose the shortlisted finalists of each category

The finalists will be announced online and in paper on Thursday May 15

They will go forward to the finals night at the Riviera International Centre on Wednesday June 11

This year's sponsors:

• TORBAY COUNCIL (headline sponsors and Overall Winner)

• WOLLENS (Best New Business)

• NEWTON ABBOT RACE COURSE (Best Marketing Initiative)

• STAGECOACH (Greener Futures award)

• ENGLISH RIVIERA BID COMPANY (Tourism Company of Year)

• PRINCESS THEATRE (Rising Star Award)

• SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE (Inspiring Employer of Year)

• POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER- Alison Hernandez (Commissioner's Business Community Champion) 

• TORBAY BUSINESS FORUM (Small Business of Year)

• MAJESTIC HOLIDAYS (The James Wright Award for Inspirational Leadership, or ‘Jimmy Award’)

• SALLY ALLEN Innovation