The third annual event saw the district’s top companies walk away from the stage at Kettering Park Hotel & Spa with awards from ten categories.

Led by MC Damian Cox from Big Bopper Entertainment, the event was opened by Rob Webb from Kettering Street Pastors who were the charity receiving the proceeds of the evening.

Those at the event then heard from Kettering mayor Cllr Scott Edwards and event sponsor Kris Malde from the Kettering Ritz Complex.

There was also a special presentation to Damian Cox to recognise his hard work in leading the #savewicksteed fundraising campaign last year which raised in excess of £160,000 and Kettering Business Network leader Simon Cox to recognise his work within the business community and support in the Covid pandemic.

Simon Cox said: “It was great to see businesses recognised locally at the Kettering Awards 2021, especially after not being able to hold the event last year.

“It has certainly been a hard year for businesses locally with the uncertain and ever changing environment we’ve all been experiencing and Friday provided the opportunity to enjoy ourselves as a business community and recognise small businesses locally.”

The full list of winners, runners-up and finalists are below:

Start Up Business of the Year sponsored by AM Labels

Winner – The Refill Van

Runner-up – Dot & Stripe

Finalists – NewWave Events, Happy Tents Sleepovers & Events, Claws Couture, Just Desserts

Health & Fitness Business of the Year sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors

Winner – Ironstone Wellbeing Centre

Runner-up – Next Step Podiatry

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year sponsored by Hair by DG

Winner – Beauty Bar Desborough

Runner-up -Juncti8n Hair and Beauty

Finalists – Allure Hairdressing, The Hair Studio, No 19 Wellness and Beauty

Angela and Rupert with their coaching client and winner of Digital Business of the Year Beccy Hurrell of Beccy Hurrell Voice and Arts

Small Business of the Year sponsored by Business Times

Winner – Toy Box Kettering

Runner-up – Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts

Finalists – Green & Tidy, Wendy Lou’s Tearoom, Next Step Podiatry, Sarah Franklin Solicitors, jmm PR, Just Desserts, Allure Hairdressing, Best 4 U Mortgages, Refill Van, MamaBabyBliss, Premier Wood Flooring, Northampton Grocer, Callahan Creations, Sew Special Soft Furnishings.

Angela presents the Business of the Year Award to winners Bee Cool ACS

Business of the Year sponsored by Action Coach Oakham & Kettering