Business leaders, companies and charities in the Cherwell district have been honoured at the tenth annual Cherwell Business Awards, which took place at the iconic Bicester Motion on Friday 16th September.

The evening, hosted by Lisa Simmons of BBC Radio Oxford, began with a minute’s silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth ll and welcomed over 200 guests from across the district who came together to celebrate the best and brightest of the business community within Cherwell, recognising the hard work, success and entrepreneurship of those operating across the region.

The opening ceremony was followed by the presentation of the inaugural Becky Moyce Tribute Award. Becky Moyce, sadly passed away in 2021. She was the CBAs resident photographer for many years. A advocate for all local businesses and the wider community. For Becky to live on in the CBAs, the Becky Moyce Tribute Award has been born to recognise individuals in the Cherwell district who go above and beyond for the good of others and the business community.

The inaugural winner of the Becky Moyce Tribute Award went to Neil Wild, Director of Wild Property Consultancy, who has nearly 30 years’ experience in the commercial property industry, Neil is chair of Banbury Chamber and is well known locally for his town centre coordination, an appointment from Cherwell District Council, helping support and develop a range of vibrant town enterprises for the sustainable growth of the town. He is an active participant in stakeholder events linked to the implementation of the District’s Development Plan, the Banbury Masterplan and proposals for particular development sites.   

With 11 award categories, and 30 finalists, the awards celebrated a broad cross section of the business community. Over the years the Cherwell Business Awards has created many winners and this can often be a springboard to future success, as well a celebration of the hard work and accomplishments of those winners.

During the evening guests enjoyed a drinks reception and 3-course dinner. A fundraising raffle was also held, using prizes that had been generously donated by sponsors and supporters, which raised over £2,000 for the winner of the 2022 Charity & Community Award – Cherwell Theatre Company.

All 30 finalists were commended before each of the category sponsors announced the winner and presented their elegant, engraved glass trophies and framed certificates.

The winners of the 2022 Cherwell Business Awards are:

The Overall Cherwell Winner Award 2022, sponsored by Norbar Torque Tools and selected from the finalists was awarded to PhysicsX Ltd – an incredibly talented team of scientists and engineers, headed by Robin Tuluie and based at Bicester Heritage. Their clients are from a broad spectrum from racing, automotive, renewables to medical and manufacturing. They are commissioned by these companies to solve the most difficult engineering challenges, including the development of computational and machine learning methodology to simulate an artificial heart. This work and the award is in support of Calon Cardio’s effort to develop the UK’s first permanent artificial heart, enabling patients to live a normal life.  

Placi Espejo, one of the four directors of the Cherwell Business Awards, said:

We are delighted to be back holding the award ceremony as a physical event again this year, particularly as it will be held within the district at the unique and iconic Bicester Motion. Congratulations to all the finalists, winners and a huge thank you to all the sponsors and supporters of this year’s awards.”

The awards team will now start preparing for 2023, and if you would like to be involved in next year’s event, then please contact Placi Espejo or Marie Parkinson by email: admin@cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk.