In what is turning out to be the longest heat wave since the mid seventies, David Ings celebrates the successes of businesses in the Test Valley area, with a little help from a seventies TV star…
Awards fever was upon us a couple of weeks ago in the Test Valley! Not up to the Oscars or Grammies I suppose but in their own way, the Test Valley Business awards were as relevant to our daily lives – Shame about the lack of after awards parties and the usual divas and celebs but then what do you expect from a quiet rural location, a million miles away from the glitz of Hollywood. Well I say that but our guest speaker was none other than, that stalwart of news and children’s TV, Mr Fred Dineage, yes, he of How! and local Meridian news fame. For those of you of a younger disposition, How! was a 1970’s version of QI – pre Google and the internet when mankind knew little or nothing about anything that was remotely of interest! Great to see a familiar face actually enjoy the evening as Fred did!
The awards have been going for a number of years now and Langdowns DFK has helped sponsor them for the last 8 or so. They are a showcase for all local businesses and indeed we have had a number of finalists and indeed winners in the past. Come to think of it, we did have an after awards party one night I vaguely recall, down at the local hostelry until throwing out time after a local building company client won small business of the year!
There are categories for, New Businesses, Customer service award, Business in the Community, Employer of the Year, Innovation and Technology and Small Businesses. They attracted a lot of candidates this year and many companies were fledgling businesses that had either found a real niche trade or provided exceptional service. Early signs of a slow recovery are there now and you can see how these enterprises will benefit as the upturn progresses.
There was a company, run by two NHS consultants, who provided IT based services for patients in recuperation having seen the need when dealing with the routine pressures and demands of such a large organisation. Two awards went their way and deservedly so. To continue the theme, a local based company who manufacture probiotic supplements won small business of the year. The health of our ‘furry friends’ was not ignored either as a local vets won the Customer service award. So if you or your most faithful friends fall ill, you are in the best place for treatment and online entertainment during your recuperation – beat that Oscar!
It is good to have an uplifting evening like this every now and then in times when you switch on the news to be told the crisis’s around the world. What with that and the fantastic weather we have been having, what more do we want to press ahead in a positive manner with the worlds woes behind us.
