MANY of Tendring’s best businesses were showcased at a new awards ceremony, which is set to become an annual event.

More than 300 representatives from firms across the district attended the Tendring Blue Ribbon at Clacton’s Princes Theatre with 12 awards up for grabs.

The awards were organised and sponsored by Jamesons Chartered Accountants, Barclays Bank and Tendring Council.

Christine Brown from Jamesons said the awards aim to celebrate the best of Tendring.

“I feel that our area sometimes gets a bad press but there is so much that is very positive going on across the whole district,” she said.

“There are so many amazing business people in the area doing fantastic work and a lot of them were in the Princes Theatre at the awards ceremony – but I know there are so many more out there.”

Tendring Council regeneration boss Giles Watling said the event confirmed Tendring was open for business and has many high achievers.

“We have so many inspiring entrepreneurs, employers and employees in our district, it was good to get them up on stage and celebrate their success.”

“The council is very keen to support business growth and hopefully these awards will help encourage our businesses to keep up their excellent work,” he said.

Sadie Moore, from Barclays, said the event had been bigger and better than she could have hoped for and is already looking forward to next year.

“It was simply amazing and I was overwhelmed at the turnout and the tremendous backing we had for this inaugural Tendring Blue Ribbon,” she said.

The panel of judges included Haven Gateway Partnership chairman George Kieffer and MPs Douglas Carswell and Bernard Jenkin.

Mr Carswell said: “We’ve so much in Tendring to celebrate. We had a great variety of nominees and it was a real challenge to choose a winner. I very much look to seeing the awards going from strength to strength in the years to come.”

The winners were: Rising Star of the Year- Kelsie Low Photography.

Tradesperson of the Year- Kevin Green.

Start Up Business of the Year- The Local Marketing Team.

Fast Track Growth- Lifehouse Spa and Hotel.

Business in the Community- Fisher Jones Greenwood.

Entrepreneur of the Year- Grant Masters.

Customer Excellence- Harwich and Dovercourt Independent Funeral Service.

Retailer of the Year- Spirit.

Long Serving Staffmember- Kevin Boarer of Hayes Garage.

Hospitality and Leisure- The Blue Sari.

Employer of the Year- Direct Solutions.

Judges Award for most outstanding nomination- Fisher Jones Greenwood.