Chelmsford's best businesses and top employees have been recognised for their valuable contribution to the town centre at an Oscars-style awards ceremony.

More than 200 nominations were received for the 12 categories in the third annual Town Centre Awards, and Monday evening saw the culmination of the event when 130 people gathered in Shire Hall to hear the winners' names announced by BBC Essex DJ Steve Scruton.

The awards were organised by Chelmsford town centre management and supported by the council's economic development team.

The Essex Chronicle's Think Chelmsford campaign, a partnership between retailers, the media, Chelmsford Borough Council, community groups, Chelmsford Cathedral and leisure bosses, received a highly commended award in the best customer communication category.

Cllr Philip Wilson, borough cabinet member for economic development, said: "Once again, the Town Centre Awards have proved to be a great success. Congratulations must go to all the companies involved, whether they sponsored prizes, were nominated for them, or were prize winners themselves. It is down to them that Chelmsford is the buzzing, successful, town that it is."

Town Centre manager Cathy MacBride said: "These awards celebrated the best of Chelmsford. The judges said the judging gets harder each year because the standards are so high, which is a great complement to the town centre."

Winners included:

Best Customer Service: High Chelmer customer service team.

Best Customer Communication: The Edge. Highly commended: Essex Chronicle, Think Chelmsford campaign.

Best Safety and Crime Reduction Initiative: Removal of planters in the High Street.

Best Employer: Jan Anderson, Eden. Highly commended: Remainders/The Works.

Best Event: Street Diversions. Highly commended: Moulsham Street Christmas light-up.

Best New Business: Finest Fillings.

Full list of winners in this week's Essex Chronicle newspaper.

Published Wednesday September 29, 2004

Brought to you by the Essex Chronicle