THE 16 winners of Bradford on Avon’s second business awards competition have been revealed.

The town’s business community came together last Thursday to celebrate the BoA Business Awards at St Margaret’s Hall. The award ceremony and dinner was a sell-out with 120 tickets sold.

The 2017 awards follow the success of the inaugural BoA Business Awards in 2016, designed to celebrate the diversity of the town and the surrounding villages’ business landscape.

This year there were 113 nominees in 16 categories and over 4,500 people voted, nearly double the figure for the number of votes in the 2016 awards.

Andrew Eberlin, chair of BoA Business and award organiser said: “We’re thrilled the town is getting behind our award scheme and is supporting the variety of predominantly independent businesses in Bradford on Avon.

“Competition this year was fierce; in several categories businesses won by just a few votes!”

The Professional Services award was presented by the evenings VIP guest Michelle Donelan, the MP for Chippenham.

Jackie Allan, owner of Lamb’s Yard retailer Piha and also a BoA Business Award organiser, said: “In future years, we might have to look at another venue the awards have been such a success.

“It was fantastic to see St Margaret’s Hall full of the town’s movers and shakers and those that often work tirelessly behind the scenes without getting noticed.”

Some businesses scored multiple successes with The Doghouse taking home three awards and the Weaving Shed and Widbrook Grange each winning two awards.

The winners in each category were:

Best Wedding Service: Widbrook Grange

Best Creative Industries: Groovy Moovers

Best Shop: Doghouse

Best Venue Hire: Cumberwell Park

Best Start-up: Doghouse

Best Cafe: The Weaving Shed

Best IT/Software: Systemagic Ltd

Best Customer Service: Doghouse

Best Health, Well-being & Education: Cumberwell Park

Best Professional Services: Bath & West Fire & Safety

Best Pub: The Dandy Lion

Best Food & Drink Producer: Kettlesmith Brewing

Best Accommodation: Widbrook Grange

Best Restaurant: The Weaving Shed

Best Travel Agent: Travel Options 4 U

Best Estate Agent: Jeremy Jenkins