SUCCESS in business was celebrated at an awards night.

The Colchester Business Awards saw independent retailers across the city praised for their entrepreneurial spirit and diversifying Colchester’s streets.

dignitaries, business owners and members of the public came together for an evening of glitz and glamour as a roster of awards were handed out to Colchester’s most distinctive venues in their respective fields.

Patch, a vegetarian and plant-led café on Trinity Street, cleaned up on the evening, picking up three awards.

The restaurant, which focuses on seasonal produce from small, independent producers, won awards for Innovation and Customer Focus, Independent Leisure Business of the Year and Best New Business. The awards come after its grand opening in September 2022.

Gazette: Patch, with category sponsor Flagstone Financial. Patch, with category sponsor Flagstone Financial. (Image: Our Colchester)

Colchester Arts Centre scooped two awards for Arts Venue of the Year and Creative, Cultural and Community Business of the Year. The venue is renowned for its live music, plays and comedy shows… as well as its swanky toilets!

The former church boasts an impressive beer selection and routinely brings great bands and comedy acts to the city.

Gazette: Colchester Arts Centre with category sponsor Ellisons Solicitors Colchester Arts Centre with category sponsor Ellisons Solicitors (Image: Our Colchester)

Hair Pimps won the Special Recognition Award. The family-run salon has tailored highly trained stylists and beauticians to cater for Colchester’s hair and business needs. The salon prides itself on being a jack of all trades in the hair industry.

Martin Leatherdale won the award for Business Leader of the Year, for his work with Lion Walk shopping centre, as well as the key links he has built with stake holders and independent businesses in the city.

Martin was also recognised for wish work with local artists to showcase the city’s history, as well as the recent unveiling of a Roman mosaic in Lion Walk.

Gazette: Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk, left, and a representative from category sponsor University of Essex Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk, left, and a representative from category sponsor University of Essex (Image: Our Colchester)

The Youth Enquiry Service won the charity award, for its confidential and non-judgemental service for young people between the ages of 11 and 25, within Colchester and Tendring, seeking to make a change for young people with difficulties in their lives.

Gazette: The Colchester Youth Enquiry Service The Colchester Youth Enquiry Service (Image: Our Colchester)

En Form E-Cargo won the Sustainability Award, for its work with local retailers and businesses across Colchester, from local independents to national chains. The company provides green, eco solutions for the delivery of goods across the city, leaving a minimal carbon footprint.

Gazette: En Form E Cargo Bike Lee Pugh, right, with category sponsor HSBC En Form E Cargo Bike Lee Pugh, right, with category sponsor HSBC (Image: Our Colchester)

Danielle Styles scooped two awards, for Independent Retailer of the Year and Business of the Year. Danielle Styles was established by Danielle during the 2020 lockdown.

With many years of retail management, she decided to start her own fashion brand, opening her first store in Maldon in June 2021, with her second shop in Colchester city centre.

Gazette: Danielle Styles, left, with category sponsor Streets Whittles Danielle Styles, left, with category sponsor Streets Whittles (Image: Our Colchester)

GoodyBurrett LLP won Independent Service Business of the Year. The legal firm, established over 200 years ago, has offices in Colchester and Dunmow, with a team of lawyers providing a full range of advice and services to individuals and business.

Gazette: GoodyBurrett with category sponsor Oakheart Property GoodyBurrett with category sponsor Oakheart Property (Image: Our Colchester)

Fenwick won the award for Large Retailer of the Year. The city centre staple brings the finest selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle to the city.

 The Colchester site is renowned for its bespoke services and instore events. The retail giant is the largest family-owned group of department stores in the United Kingdom.

Gazette: Fenwick with category sponsor InColchester Fenwick with category sponsor InColchester (Image: Our Colchester)

Three Wise Monkeys won the award for Large Leisure Business of the Year. The public house, split over four floors in the heart of Colchester, is a favourite amongst residents for its American-style BBQ food and impressive selection of beers and spirits, as well as its live events.

Gazette: Three Wise Monkeys with category sponsor Attwells Solicitors Three Wise Monkeys with category sponsor Attwells Solicitors (Image: Our Colchester)

Simple Beauty won the award for Personal Care and Beauty Service of the Year. Simple Beauty salon is a salon located on Short Wyre Street, known for its pamper sessions, manicures, lash extensions, spray tans and spa treatments.

Gazette: Simple Beauty with category sponsor Tap2Change representative, Tracy Rudling. Simple Beauty with category sponsor Tap2Change representative, Tracy Rudling. (Image: Our Colchester)

Speaking on the event's success, Sam Good, of Our Colchester, who organised the event, said: "The Business Awards has been the perfect opportunity to press pause and celebrate the incredible operations our independent and national businesses have to offer residents and visitors.

"With a sold-out Moot Hall, the energy was fantastic. We would like to congratulate all of our fantastic winners and our event sponsors including LKA Recruitment and Beresfords as our Associate Sponsor."