FLAGSHIP businesses and influential leaders in North Somerset were celebrated in a recent awards ceremony.

Weston Mercury: Andrew Scott celebrating with business leadersAndrew Scott celebrating with business leaders (Image: Archant)

More than 103 entrepreneurs and companies from the region were nominated for the North Somerset Business Awards.

Weston Mercury: Weston's Castelan Group being presented Customer Excellence Award.Weston's Castelan Group being presented Customer Excellence Award. (Image: Archant)

Among the 12 winners were Alliance Homes, North Somerset Council and Weston College. The Grand Pier walked away with the Business Of The Year award.

Weston Mercury: Jenni Field of Alliance Homes and Dr Paul Phillips of Weston College winning Training Initiative AwardJenni Field of Alliance Homes and Dr Paul Phillips of Weston College winning Training Initiative Award (Image: Archant)

Pier co-owner Michelle Michael said: “We were delighted to be recognised by winning Business Of The Year, especially since our business is three years old this month.

Weston Mercury: Gemma Hughes of Dowlas, developer for Weston Gateway Business Park, winning young business person of the year, and Geoff Cole MD of Burton SweetGemma Hughes of Dowlas, developer for Weston Gateway Business Park, winning young business person of the year, and Geoff Cole MD of Burton Sweet (Image: Archant)

“Winning an award such as this always creates a great buzz amongst our team and demonstrates why it is so important to keep standards and customer service high. We look forward to retaining it next year.”

The world-renowned explorer Sir Ranulph Feines hosted the ceremony and handed out the awards.

Awards founder Andrew Scott said: “This was a truly special occasion.

“The best of business was showcased on the night and we were proud to host so many influential leaders across business, government and education.”

The annual awards were held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House last week.

The full list of winners:

Sustainability in business – Alliance Homes Group

Marketing Campaign of the Year – North Somerset Council

Business in the Community – Curzon Community Cinema

Training Initiative Award – Weston College

Employer of the Year – Weston College

Innovation of the Year – Staff Guardian

Customer Excellence Award – Castelan Group

Sian Lloyd-Jones Business Award – Lite Tile

Small Business of the Year – Pursuit Training Ltd

Young Business Person of the Year – Gemma Hughes, Dowlas

Entrepreneur of the Year – Hayden Rushton, Britannia Windows

Business of the Year – The Grand Pier