WANSBECK WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT GLITTERING AWARDS      

An Ashington-based company, which delivers the food and drink of more than 100 local suppliers to North East homes, has been named Wansbeck Business of the Year.

Food Local Food has been in business for less than two years, but has already established a reputation for high quality and value for money.

Its founder Alison Taylor says she set up the company, with support from Go Wansbeck, partly through her frustration with the quality of produce available from supermarkets and largely because of her passion for locally produced food. 

Via Food Local Food’s eye-catching website, shoppers can buy from the whole range of mouth-watering produce – including the finest vegetables, tastiest meat and drinkable beer provided by 120 local suppliers - and have it delivered to their doorstep. 

Rio Tinto Alcan in Lynemouth is the official sponsor of the awards.  John McCabe, corporate affairs director, said: I’d like to thank all the organisations that took the time to enter.  The number and quality of entries was exceptionally high and it is clear that Wansbeck is a burgeoning and vibrant hub for new business and enterprise.

“Rio Tinto Alcan is actively involved in supporting initiatives like Go Wansbeck, which are critical in assisting the regeneration of the district by stimulating enterprise and entrepreneurship in the area. Our congratulations go to Alison Taylor and Food Local Food.  The venture is a true business success story, not only creating jobs locally but also supporting the local economy and other businesses in the borough.  On behalf of everyone at Rio Tinto Alcan, I wish Alison every success for the future.”

More than 300 people attended the third RioTinto Alcan Wansbeck Business Awards.  The event, hosted by North East actor, comedian and musician Brendan Healy, was held at Merchant Court in North Seaton – one of Ashington’s newest business parks.

Go Wansbeck chairman Brian Smith OBE told the audience it had been an outstanding year for business in Wansbeck, highlighted by the area being named the most enterprising place in the North East in the prestigious Enterprising Britain competition.

Mr Smith urged the rest of the region to take note of what is happening in Wansbeck.  He said: “There are so many people in this region who have not seen what we are doing here.  I would like to invite them, agencies and intermediaries who support them to come and see.”

As well as being named Business of the Year, Food Local Food also received the Technology Award. 

New Business of the Year, sponsored by Go Wansbeck, was the All-in-One Company.  It is the brainchild of mother-of-two Kate Dawson from Ashington who creates custom-made sleep suits – for both adults and children.  She receives orders from all over the world. 

Ken Hastie, Manager of the Wansbeck Business Forum and organiser of the event, said: “We continue to be extremely impressed by Wansbeck’s business men and women whose energy, determination and creativity were evident in the quality of entries we received.”

The judges were so impressed by the standard of entries that they created a new category – the Wansbeck Spirit of Enterprise Award – which was presented to three companies: Mini Pony Hire, Mr Booncy and Nevins Nibbles.

Other awards:

Retailer Award: Twins UK

Tourism Award: Coble Cottage

Business Incubation Award: Party Smiles

Young Entrepreneur: Party Smiles

Social Enterprise Award: Watbus

Employer of the Year: The Swan at Choppington

Educational Project: Ringway First School (Primary); Bedlington High School (Secondary)