Results - The Uttlesford Business Awards

ENTERPRISE Uttlesford

Recognising the entrepreneurs and the people behind the businesses across our district, presented on Thursday 2 March 2023.

>> Innovation business - WINNER: Radio Data Networks

For a business that has adapted or diversified their revenue streams or accessed new markets through investment in innovative technology or products.

WINNER: Radio Data Networks, based in Little Hallingbury

This microbusiness design and manufacture high tech electronics here in Uttlesford. They deliver innovative solutions focused on making the planet greener and safer. Their innovations include sewer monitoring to reduce pollution; river gauging and flood prevention. This award is given for their innovative hybrid of smart sensors and satellite technology, adopted by Network Rail and Transport for Wales. It helps to improve safety and reduce delays caused by track flooding and the blinding trash screens in culverts.

>> Uttlesford rising star - WINNER: Tom Cannon (Cannon Architectural Design Ltd)

Looking for a Young Entrepreneur who is a beacon of inspiration to businesspeople irrespective of their age and industry.

WINNER: Tom Cannon (Cannon Architectural Design Ltd), based in Thaxted

Tom receives this award for his entrepreneurial skills to establish an architectural business 4.5 years ago. The business now employs 2 members of staff and generates around £10M per annum in contract values for the construction of projects throughout Uttlesford. He has created local jobs both directly through his business and trade jobs for the construction projects.

SPECIAL MENTION: Jessica Sian, based in Dunmow

Special recognition to Jessica for her approach to promoting local handmade businesses and establishing the Makers at the Maltings monthly markets. This is something she hopes to expand into different parts of the district. All these activities are done alongside growing her own illustration business which has created a sustainable revenue stream giving her success and a scalable future business.

>> Online business - WINNER: H Creative

This award recognises those who are championing their business using an online platform. Looking for a successful business whose primary engagement with their customer base is through a virtual space.

WINNER: H Creative, based in Saffron Walden

Harrison works with local businesses and big brands such as Microsoft and The Bodyshop. He offers online training with a focus on content marketing and engaging customers online. His passion is to build the confidence in his clients, to overcome shyness in front of the camera, to enable them to successfully sell their products and services to a wider audience.

SPECIAL MENTION: Lessonflix, based in Henham

This education streaming platform deserves a special recognition for the positive approach to helping students access online learning resources to improve their skills and knowledge.

>> Community impact - WINNER: The Gingerbread Grotto (The Art is in the Cake)

For a business that has made a positive contribution to their local community and demonstrated a firm commitment towards meeting their social responsibilities.

WINNER: The Gingerbread Grotto (The Art is in the Cake), based in Saffron Walden

This small bakery business has gone above and beyond to help out various charities, providing hundreds of donations and favours to the Uttlesford Foodbank and Saffron Walden County High School OAP Party. She also makes Birthday Cakes for the foodbank, donates goodies to Café Cornell and local schools and organisations, the list is endless! She also volunteers for the Gingerbread Project, working with a local school to help raise £500 each year for Children in Need. She puts time aside to help her community, a worthy winner!

SPECIAL MENTION: Enterprise East Group CIC, based in Saffron Walden

Special recognition goes to the Enterprise East Group for their continued support for the community in providing social and inclusion training across Uttlesford.

GO GREEN Uttlesford

Awarding innovative sustainability solutions within business, presented on Monday 6 March 2023.

>> Environmental impact - WINNER: T Reed & Son

More and more people are searching for eco-friendly, natural products that are locally sourced and produced in ways that don't affect the planet. We are looking for businesses that are exploring ways to adapt their business processes to help reduce their business' carbon footprint.

WINNER: T Reed & Son, based in Saffron Walden

This family run business have been working in Saffron Walden since 1880, selling antique and secondhand furniture. They were nominated by a customer, who stated they are "the best shop for recycling in the whole area". Why consume new when you can recycle ... and they have been doing it for nearly 150 years. This award recognises their contribution to saving items from going into landfill for many years, and their continued high level of customer service whilst providing their customers with an eco-friendly approach to shopping

SPECIAL MENTION: Bricks & Makers, based in Saffron Walden

A retailer selling majority locally made sustainable goods, if not local then British. Carefully and beautifully curated wrapped in sustainable packaging. The owner, Cat - has a passion for supporting those U. K based makers whose desire is to create practical and sustainable solutions in their designs and products

>> Reduction of single use plastic - WINNER: Gifted

Recognising innovative ways to help with the reduction/elimination of single use plastics within our district. Looking for businesses with a positive approach to making an impact on the way their customers shop.

WINNER: Gifted, based in Thaxted

This award is presented to Gifted who offer a refill station to their customers, enabling them to fill up with household cleaning and bath/body products saving thousands of plastic bottles from landfill each year. Their product range also includes many eco friendly products that have been carefully selected to offer their customers plenty of choice, whilst reducing the use of plastic

SPECIAL MENTION: The Refill Barn, based in Radwinter

Special recognition for this closed loop refill business has a great range of products, they are a local eco company, who are committed to the no waste cause. Their aim is "to help our customers significantly reduce their household waste by selling a range of both organic and non-organic pantry foods & eco-friendly household products... PACKAGE FREE!"

>> Energy saving - WINNER: The Railway Arms

Looking for simple business solutions within our district that help reduce the use and cost of energy bills. 

WINNER: The Railway Arms, based in Saffron Walden

This community-owned free house pub based in the beautiful market town of Saffron Walden has recently installed solar panels on their building to help reduce their energy consumption. They also, where possible provide locally produced beers, wines and soft drinks

SHOWCASE Uttlesford

Identifying businesses that encompass our heritage and culture, presented on Wednesday 8 March 2023.

>> Made in Uttlesford - WINNER: The Genial Sheep

Identifying businesses and entrepreneurs that make their products within Uttlesford. Keeping things local wherever possible, using locally sourced raw materials or products or manufacturing processes in the local area.

WINNER: The Genial Sheep, based in Wimbish

These two lady shepherds farm small holdings in the Saffron Walden area. The products they produce are unique rugs, throws, and cushions from locally bred and reared, native primitive and rare breed sheep. They hand felt the rugs using the fleece only, to make a natural product, with no dye or chemicals. These ladies also offer courses and experience days with their animals

SPECIAL MENTION: Mill House Millinery, based in Wimbish

Susan at Mill House Millinery creates hats and headpieces in her studio in Wimbish using locally sourced millinery wire from Great Dunmow and silk from Sudbury. Alongside creating these unique and beautiful pieces, she finds the time to run workshops within our district to help make the art of millinery more accessible

>> Taste of Uttlesford - WINNER: Meadow Oak Distillery Ltd

Looking for enterprises and individuals who deliver a product as tantalising in taste as their entrepreneurial story!

WINNER: Meadow Oak Distillery Ltd, based in Stebbing

Emma, the founder of Meadow Oak Distillery started her business, inspired by her surroundings. With a long history of farming in the family, and with a passion to use the nature rich landscape, she launched her first gin 'Heartwood of Oak Moor Meadow', a fabulous London Dry Gin that is herbaceous with fruity notes. With the botanicals sourced from the farm and the grain sourced locally in Essex, the company continues to develop, looking for ways to implement agroforestry farming practices working towards a carbon neutral future. This award recognises the vision and values of the company as well as the taste of Uttlesford they are creating

SPECIAL MENTION: The Railway Arms, based in Saffron Walden

This community-owned free house pub based in the beautiful market town of Saffron Walden has recently installed solar panels on their building to help reduce their energy consumption. They also, where possible provide locally produced beers, wines and soft drinks

>> Retailer of the Year - WINNER: Dead Time Beers

Recognising an innovative high street retailer that has shown they can adapt their business to the changes that they have faced and continue to face with positive solutions.

WINNER: Dead Time Beers, based in Saffron Walden

Jack the owner of Dead Time Beers wanted to create a space where everyone can explore craft beer. His team are always on hand to help make suggestions for things you might like and help you explore new flavours as the stock is ever changing. As many businesses like this move to an online space, we would like to recognise this retailer for creating something physical that can't be replicated via a website, helping to keep our High Streets alive. The atmosphere and friendly welcome you get at Dead Time is just that. It's a place you want to be, an experience you can't get online.

SPECIAL MENTION: The Chameleon Cafe, based in Great Dunmow

Special recognition for this pottery café that is more than just a café, they are at the heart of the community. The owners, Dee and Alan are true advocates for all things local, supporting and promoting local events, groups and shopping local.

>> Health & Beauty - WINNER: Kidzactive

Looking for businesses that are making a real difference when it comes to bettering our health, beauty and wellbeing. Offering new and unique experiences with an emphasis on creating a better lifestyle.

WINNER: Kidzactive, based in Saffron Walden

This award is presented to Kidzactive who promote the importance of keeping kids active and health,y in their before and after school clubs. They work with 10 local schools providing essential guidance to our next generation, with a focus on well being in a fun space. They provide free half term camps for children in low income families, making their services accessible to all.

SPECIAL MENTION: Norse Fitness and Rehab, based in Clavering

Special recognition goes to Dan and Liz Carter for offering a service above and beyond a normal gym. Their offerings encompass every aspect of health and well being - from nutritional advice, rehabilitation, and sports therapy. They also run community events in Clavering and the surrounding villages.