WEDNESDAY (March 29) saw the second annual Rhyl Business Awards, celebrating and rewarding the best the town has to offer by highlighting those striving to help it shine.
The event was held at the town’s 1891 bar and restaurant, and was hosted by Rhyl BID (Business Improvement District).
It was attended by business representatives from the finalists, their guests, dignitaries, and partnering organisations.
Abby Pilling, Rhyl BID manager, said: “Congratulations to all the winners, and to each of our finalists.
“You all represent the best of Rhyl, and your contributions to our community are vital, and clearly valued by the public, especially through these continuing challenging times.
“This has been made clear by the number of public votes that were received – over 5,000 people have cast over 17,000 votes across all the categories this year, which is a testament to the business’ dedication to their customers.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to mayor of Rhyl, Cllr Diane King, for supporting the event with her opening welcome and the presentation of the awards, along with many other dignitaries who we were pleased to have join us for these celebrations.”
Cllr King added: “I was delighted to join so many people at the 1891 restaurant to recognise and celebrate the contributions and achievements of our diverse thriving business community in Rhyl, that offer a wide range of top-class products and services to the local community who are an essential component in contributing to rising economic prosperity of our town of Rhyl.
“I would like to thank the Rhyl BID for all their hard work and commitment to the town and their positive impact in hosting this event which highlighted the outstanding contribution that individuals and team players alike make in providing fundamental services in our town of Rhyl.”
Jason McLellan, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “It was brilliant to see so many local businesses awarded for their hard work and effort in this year’s awards.
"I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and runners-up on their achievements."
Mike Learmond, senior development manager for Wales at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Rhyl BID Awards and to meet so many innovative and resilient local businesses.
“Small businesses are the beating heart of our towns and communities and it was such an uplifting experience to be in their company.
“My congratulations to all the finalists and winners!”
During the evening, there were screams of delight when The Piazza restaurant won the best customer service excellence award.
Bethan Hastie, from The Piazza, said: “We are incredibly proud and pleased to have won this award and we would like to thank all of our regular customers and supports for voting for us.”
The Rhyl BID business of the year award went to Wendy Holland and the team at Mind charity shop.
Wendy wasn’t able to be at the awards due to attending a training course, so the award was collected by volunteers.
But speaking on their success, Wendy said: “We are thrilled to receive the Rhyl BID business of the year award.
“I am so proud of my amazing tea of volunteers who strive every day to provide a warm welcome, great service and quite often a listening ear to those who need us.
“Rhyl is a fantastic place to work; we love getting involved in the events and we’d like to thank everyone who supports us in any way at all.”
Rhyl Business Awards 2023 winners:
Green / Sustainable Business Award – Costigan’s Co-working
Professional Services Award (Sponsored by Delyn Safety UK) – Morris Funeral Directors
Best Innovation & Creative Use of Technology Award (sponsored by Place Support Partnership) – A&J Taxis
Outstanding Employee Award - Steve Blaxendell, Use Your Loaf Community Bakery
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award – Rhyl Wings Projects
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award (Sponsored by Denbighshire County Council) – Morrisons Community Champion
Best Marketing and Communications (sponsored by MarketMoore) – Phoenix Security North Wales
Best Community Engagement / Initiative Award (sponsored by QR Boxx) - Rhyl Little Theatre
Best Customer Service Excellence Award – The Piazza Restaurant
Lasting Contribution Award – Fish and Chips Café
Rhyl BID Business of the Year – Mind Charity Shop
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