Winchester Business Excellence Awards winners announced

Donna Laine Fine Jewellery took the top prize on Thursday, May 30. 

The jewellers, based in Parchment Street, sells pre-owned, pre-loved and antique pieces, as well as some of the finest handmade new jewellery.

Alison Burgess, sales assistant, accepted the award on behalf of shop founder Donna Laine. She said: "I feel absolutely thrilled. We work really hard in trying to help people find the right piece of jewellery. It's all about the customer experience and the passion for what we do shows that. 

"We love jewellery and we love finding the right piece of jewellery for the customer. We can source whatever people are looking for. People need that personal care when they're buying something as personal as jewellery. We love supporting local charities, it's a real community jewellers." 

READ MORE: Hampshire country pub the Cromwell Arms reopens after refurbishment

The winners of each category were: business leader - Donna Laine Fine Jewellery, creative and cultural - The Gurkha Museum, technology and digital innovation - Emmaus Hampshire, large business - Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, new business - ME Collective, service excellence - By Ross Garcia LTD, SME/independent business - Remedi Health, social enterprise and charity - St John's Winchester, sustainable business - Konings Detailing, business of the year - Donna Laine Fine Jewellery. 

SEE ALSO: Winchester Business Excellence Awards - 77 of the best photos

The annual Millennium Egg award was presented to Jude's ice cream, based in Twyford, by Winchester City Council chief executive Laura Taylor. 

Aedan Goodenough, senior account manager, said: "It's absolutely fantastic. Everything we stand for as a business is being recognised with this award. Winchester means a lot to us, it has been our home for 22 years. 

"We're always innovating. People should watch this space for plant-based products, but there are lots of indulgent dairy products we continue to release as well. We're continuing to innovate on all fronts."

The guest speaker was Christine Armstrong, who recently moved to Winchester. She spoke about changes to the world of work. 

Throughout the evening, musical entertainment was provided by Liam White and his band. 

The Winchester Business Excellence Awards is organised by the Hampshire Chronicle, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Winchester BID and was open to businesses within the Winchester District to recognise their achievements.

This year's event is kindly sponsored by Paris Smith, Dutton Gregory, Winchester City Council, Winchester University, Winchester BID, Trethowans and JM Finn. The awards are also supported by Natwest, Little Kitchen and Chesil House who all joined together to celebrate the success of all the finalists and announce the overall winners.

For more, visit hampshirechronicle.co.uk/awards.