The winners of the 2020 LincolnshireLive Business Awards

A college group, architects practice and a local car dealership are among the winners of the 2020 LincolnshireLive Business Awards.

The annual awards – run in association with Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce – were held virtually on 24th March 2021 after being postponed from last year due to the pandemic.

Natalie Fahy, senior editor of LincolnshireLive, said following the huge impact of Covid-19 it was a pleasure to celebrate the best businesses across the county.

She told guests watching on The Awards Room event platform: “The last year has presented a struggle for businesses large and small, unlike any other. I’m sure we all feel grateful to be here and to be able to come together and acknowledge the monumental battles for survival most of us have faced in a world full of uncertainty.

“These awards give companies of all sizes – from pioneering start-ups to the powerhouses which drive the region’s economy – a chance to be recognised and to be proud of the work they do. The categories represent businesses from all sectors and industries, from food and farming and innovation to education and exporting.

“And it’s not just businesses that are celebrated. The business awards also recognise individual talent – whether you are an entrepreneur who has launched a business and grown it successfully or a star employee who has stood out from all the others.

“The awards also remind us that Lincolnshire is a great place to live, work and do business. They toast success, celebrate achievement and highlight successful and innovative businesses doing great things here in our region.”

She dedicated the awards to University of Lincoln director of research and enterprise Andrew Stevenson, who died in December, who she said had been “well known, respected and familiar to many”.

She said: “Andrew was a huge supporter of the LincolnshireLive Business Awards, and he also contributed to many of the economic regeneration projects in Lincolnshire.”

And the winners are…..

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Ellgia – Tom Bullivant, Lincoln City FC

Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Wilkin Chapman LLP – Neil Corner, Siemens Energy

Employee of the Year, sponsored by InYourArea – Costa Kyriacou, from Ringrose Law

Food and Farming Excellence Award, sponsored by L J Fairburn & Son Ltd – Worldwide Fruit

International Business Award, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants – Castlet Ltd

Innovation Award, sponsored by University of Lincoln – HIT Energy Guard

Family Business Award, sponsored by Micronclean – Lincoln Security

Environmental and Sustainability Award, sponsored by Siemens Energy – HIT Energy Guard

Start-up Business of the Year sponsored by Bishop Grosseteste University – Wilson Architects

Business in the Face of Adversity Special Award sponsored by Lincolnshire Co-op – St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice

Small/Medium Business of the Year, sponsored by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce – Dack Motor Group

Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Langleys Solicitors – Lincoln College Group

Lifetime Achievement Award – Professor Mary Stuart CBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln

Business of the Year sponsored by Natwest – Worldwide Fruit