They're simply the best! Businesses celebrate at The News awards bash
The very best in the region's business was celebrated at The News Business Excellence Awards.
Around 550 businessmen and women crowded into the Guildhall for the eighth annual event last night.
Hosted by BBC South Today presenter Sally Taylor, the awards saw scores of firms scoop trophies and earn praise for being the best in their field.
Launching the evening, The News editor Mark Waldron said: 'This time last year, I was stood in the same place, stunned by the turnout.
'I was taken aback by the fact there were so many businesses from so many sectors willing to rise to the occasion, turn out, and give themselves and each other a round of applause.
'This year, after what has been a gruelling 2009 for many, little seems to have changed.'
The number one prize of the evening - Business of the Year - was scooped by David Luckett, chair of booming family firm Lucketts Travel.
The Fareham coach company has expanded enormously in the past year, and backstage he told The News: 'It pleases me greatly. But I'll say this: it's well deserved, because these guys and ladies have done a fantastic job, and it's all built on customer service and team work. If my father could've been here tonight he'd be absolutely delighted.'
But one individual stood head-and-shoulders above the rest with the final award of the night - the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.
This year, veteran businesswoman Jacky Stevens was the winner in recognition of a lifetime spent running support and advice schemes for firms.
Shaking and clearly stunned, she said. 'I think what The News does in supporting businesses is fantastic.
'It's absolutely unbelievable so many people put themselves forward for these awards. It seems such a prestigious competition and it says a lot about Portsmouth and the surrounding area.'
A charity prize draw to win a weekend for two raised 2,505 for the Rowan's Hospice by the close of the evening.
And rounding off the night, as revellers began to drift out into the night, host Sally Taylor said: 'They're the cream of the crop.
'There are so many good businesses in Portsmouth and south Hampshire, and it's brilliant to come here and actually celebrate that.
'It's been a challenging year for everyone but hopefully the good times will come back - and clearly, from looking at tonight, they will.'
Also see: Business Excellence Award winners 2009
Picture gallery of the Business Excellence Awards 2009
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