Housebuilder Countryside Properties was crowned a winner at last night’s (23 November) glittering Knowsley Business Awards.

The annual event returned to the Grand Marquee in the grounds of Knowsley Safari Park, celebrating a year of success for companies and projects across the borough.

The residential property firm claimed the first victory of the night as it was awarded 2017’s Development of the Year title during the glamorous ceremony.

Due to a high calibre of entries in the category, the award was also presented to a commercial property entrant in the shortlist with the prize going to db symmetry.

Other shortlisted developers included Liverpool Housing Trust, Orbit Developments and The Riverside Group (in partnership with MCI Developments Limited).

Hundreds of guests from property firms and locally based businesses attended the celebration, which also featured a lavish meal, spectacular entertainment, a fundraising prize draw and the auction of a football boot signed by Lionel Messi to raise money for charity.

The evening followed an oriental theme, with lanterns lighting up the room and a fire-breathing dragon among the performers.

Other accolades presented on the night ranged from Employee/Team of the Year which saw the independent living service team at Villages Housing Association make the shortlist, to the Corporate Social Responsibility Award which had First Ark Group among those in the running.

Winners were chosen by a panel of judges including representatives of Knowsley Place Board and Knowsley Council’s chief executive, Mike Harden.

The full list of winners:

Development of the Year

Winner: Countryside Properties (UK) Limited (residential)

Winner: db symmetry (commercial)

 

Green Growth Award

Winner: Green Growth Power Ltd

 

Retailer of the Year

Winner: Walton Flooring Centre

 

SME of the Year (up to 249 employees)

Winner: Blends Ltd

 

Investment of the Year

Winner: Jaguar Land Rover Limited

 

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: LM6 Commercial Property Ltd

 

Transport and Logistics Business of the Year

Winner: Sovereign Transport Services Ltd

 

Employee / Team of the Year

Winner; Mike Matthews – St. Modwen

 

Corporate Social Responsibility Award

Knowsley Community College (in partnership with Knowsley Council)

 

Excellent in Export (SME)

Winner: Minta Group

 

Excellence in Export (large business)

Winner: Clarke Energy

 

Small Business of the Year (1-10 employees)

Winner: Citrus Electrical Ltd

 

Manufacturer of the Year (SME)

Winner: Olympic Foods

 

Manufacturer of the Year (large business)

Winner: Tratos UK Ltd