SLIDESHOW: Winners from the first ever DN21 Awards

Around 200 people attended the special event which was held at The Blues Club in Gainsborough.

The event was staged for the first time following a partnership between the town’s Marshall’s Yard shopping centre and Gainsborough Trinity Football Club.

More than 100 entries were received and judged with 10 awards presented throughout the evening recognising local firms for their green credentials, business growth and customer service as well as their innovation and community engagement.

The winner of the Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by Wright Vigar and was decided through a public vote, was Stanley Hunt Jeweller’s, Customer Service Team of the Year, sponsored by Gainsborough Golf Club, was won by winner Emmalooos, the Community Engagement Award, sponsored by Pygott and Crone, was won by Browns Department Store, the Green Business of the Year, sponsored by Waste Cost Reduction Services, went to Wilko’s, the Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Elite Signs, was Barnes Jewellers, Business of the Year, sponsored by West Lindsey District Council, was won by RH Smith & Sons (Smiffy’s), Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Blush Venue Décor, was won by Dawn Barron of Barron Bou, the Shining Star Individual Award, sponsored by EDF Energy, went to Alan Powers of New Look, the Best New Business award, sponsored by Horsley’s, was won by Therapy Gold Sports Injury Clinic and the Social Media Award, sponsored by MMC, was won by Williamson’s Farm.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s breakfast show presenters Scott Dalton and Carla George hosted the evening and the judges included Wendy Hunsley, Local Business Manager for HSBC and Bernadette Rushton, Retail Investment Manager for Rotherham Borough Council and Regional Chair of the Association of Town Centre Management.

Gainsborough Trinity FC Chairman, Richard Kane, said: “This is the first time we’ve staged this event and it has been a fantastic success.”

“We’ve been absolutely delighted with both the standard of the entries and the enthusiasm from the town’s businesses to get involved.”

“DN21 really does have some fantastic businesses led by some very talented people and it’s great to have this opportunity to recognise that through these awards.”

Centre Manager at Marshall’s Yard, Alison Hall, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has helped to make this event such a great success and well as all the businesses in the town who put forward their nominations.”

“The standard was extremely high and our judges came away very impressed by what Gainsborough has to offer.”

“It’s great to have an event like this in the town which brings the whole town together and we’re delighted with the response we’ve had from the business and retail community.”