The Cherwell Business Awards (CBAs) are back with a bang, as the 2024 edition officially kicks off, igniting excitement and anticipation across the Cherwell business landscape. The launch event, held at Norbar Torque Tools on Thursday 14 March 2024, marked the beginning of what promises to be another remarkable year of celebrating the outstanding achievements of local businesses, charities, community groups and professionals in the Cherwell District.

Now in its twelfth year, the 2024 Cherwell Business Awards aims to build upon its legacy of recognising and honouring excellence in the Cherwell business community. With a rich history of showcasing innovation, entrepreneurship, and dedication, the Awards continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for businesses striving for success.

Distinguished speakers at the launch event included Donna Ford from Cherwell District Council, this year’s Headline Sponsor, and Simon Keeping, CEO of Kärcher, representing the esteemed sponsor of the Young Business Person of the Year category. Their insights and experiences underscored the importance of participation in this prestigious event and why they would encourage businesses to nominate and enter this year’s Awards.

The 2024 Cherwell Business Awards feature an array of categories, each designed to showcase the diverse talents and contributions of local businesses, including:

  1.  The Bicester Village – Charity and Community Award
  2. The Bicester Vision and Wednesday Business Club – Small Business Award
  3. The Ellacotts – Business Person of the Year Award
  4. The High Spec Composites – Engineering Excellence Award
  5. The Kärcher – Young Business Person of the Year Award
  6. The Oxford Technology Park – Innovation Award
  7. The OJI Marketing – New Business Award
  8. The SE-Solicitors – Large Business Award
  9. The Wild Property Consultancy – Town Centre Award
  10. Sustainable Business Award

Plus, the coveted Norbar Overall Cherwell Winner, will be selected from the finalists of all ten categories.

Placi Espejo, Chair of the Cherwell Business Awards, expressed enthusiasm for the year ahead, stating, “The Cherwell Business Awards are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our local business community. As we launch the 2024 edition, we look forward to uncovering and celebrating the remarkable success stories that continue to drive our region’s prosperity.”

Cllr, Donna Ford, Portfolio Holder – Regeneration, Cherwell District Council, said: “A recent survey of over 700 Cherwell businesses shows what a great place the district is to operate in. Long-standing initiatives such as the Cherwell Business Awards exist to lead business excellence and to ensure that all businesses can engage with the community. I urge you to spread word of the awards, to nominate and to gain recognition of all the fantastic activity in Cherwell!”

Nominations for the 2024 Cherwell Business Awards are now open, with a deadline of Wednesday 1 May 2024. The application deadline is Wednesday 29 May 2024. Throughout June and July, all applications will undergo rigorous assessment and judging, with the finalists set to be announced in July 2024. The winners will be unveiled at the prestigious Awards Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony, which will take place at the Chesterton Hotel on Friday 13 September 2024.

For more information on the Cherwell Business Awards and how to nominate and apply, visit: www.cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk/