Axminster is a thriving and vibrant place to work – that was the message shared at the first Axminster Business Awards held this afternoon (Tuesday).

The event was staged by marketing and events company Marketing West and hosted at the Community Waffle House.

Welcoming guests to the lunchtime ceremony, the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, said: "This is all about Axminster – such a vibrant community in this tiny town of 7,000 which has so many fabulous business people providing a fantastic place for all of us to live.

"Axminster is known as the 'home of community spirit' and all these businesses provide a place for us to be.

"We are so lucky to live in this town which has so many people working for its good as well as their own. May they thrive and may this town thrive. I am really proud to be a small part of it."

In presenting the awards, many of the sponsors also spoke about Axminster's thriving independent businesses and the resurgence of the local high street following the pandemic.

A total of 129 entries were received for the first Axminster Business Awards.

Coming out on top as joint winners of Overall Business of the Year was the popular Community Waffle House and Axminster Property. Having worked closely together on the refurbishment of the town's flagship Trinity House building, it was apt that the two businesses were able to celebrate together.

The Community Waffle House also won the Community Support Award, jointly with Axminster Care Service, and Axminster Property took home the Axminster Regeneration Award and Independent Business of the Year, jointly with local funeral director W.G Potter.

Restaurant Ric's Kitchen also took home two awards for Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Axminster Nub News and presented by editor Francesca Evans – as well as Excellence in Customer Service.

Axminster gym Oliver Joseph was also a double winner, taking home the Health, Beauty & Fitness Award and Best Place to Work, while the Archway Bookshop – having recently moved to a new location in Trinity House – received the Digital Innovation Award and Retail Business of the Year, jointly with Axminster Printing.

Green Eco Business of the Year went to Total Renewable Solutions and Start Up Business of the Year was won by South West Removals.

Tourism Business of the Year was won jointly by Axe Valley Wildlife Park and Jurassic Glamping.

Thomas Westcott Accountants was named Service Provider of the Year and Axminster Cider won the award for Artisan/Local Produce Provider.

Sponsors of the awards were as follows: Thomas Westcott Accountants, Axminster Nub News, Higos Insurance, Gavin Dixon Finance Services, NFU Mutal (West Dorset), Axminster Tools & Machinery, Advantedge Commercial Finance, Community Waffle House, Wessex Video and Totally Locally Axminster.

Visit the Axminster Nub News Facebook page for more photos from Axminster Business Awards

——————————————————————

You can submit your own news straight to Axminster Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our homepage. This can also be done for free for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local List page by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. And don't forget to sign up to our free weekly newsletter below!