Delighted businesspeople had their hard work, community spirit and entrepreneurial flair recognised at an awards ceremony last week.

The annual Epsom and Ewell Business Excellence Awards winners were announced at a ceremony at UCA Epsom on Thursday.

In a speech, Epsom’s MP Chris Grayling said the awards, now in their fourth year, were created to give a helping hand to businesses in difficult economic times.

Surrey Comet:

Spring Electrical, from Ewell, pick up one of their awards

Mr Grayling said: "This is a platform for greater things for those of you who are here tonight. I regard everyone here as a winner and a success story for the area."

Spring Electrical, from Ewell, was named the best overall business and the best business in Ewell and Stoneleigh. Brian Panton, now in his mid 70s, started the family business back in the 1960s and his children and grandchildren now work with him.

Sales director Denise Hiller, 47, said: "It’s amazing. We are very proud. We can’t wait to tell our dad because he’s the one who started up the business."

Surrey Comet:

Emma Parker, who runs Cheeky Chocolatier, receives her award

Rosebery student Emma Parker, 16, was named best young entrepreneur for setting up a chocolate business, the Cheeky Chocolatier, at the age of just 14.

Asked what inspired her, she said: "A passion for chocolate and for working for yourself and being able to create something. I thought why wait? Why not get on with it while you can."

Hazel Hannam, musical director of Soundbytes community choir, described herself as "elated from Ashtead" after winning an award for commitment to the community.

Ms Hannam said: "It is a business but it is more than that. The feeling I get when I sing is what other people get. It has a positive knock-on effect on people they know.

"It’s a big ripple effect. It’s a really positive thing."

Surrey Comet:

Hazel Hannam feels "elated" to get an award

A cafe and sweet shop All Things Nice which opened in March in Ewell High Street scooped the award for best new business.

Nicci Potts, who runs the business with her friend Sara Dawson, said: "It’s a community award and we strive to be part of the community. I think tonight has been the cherry on the cake."

Surrey Comet:

Nicci Potts and Sara Dawson, from All Things Nice 

Betty Laine, who couldn't attend on the night as she was in hospital for a routine operation, was named best business personality.

She said afterwards: "Having been part of Epsom’s cultural community for 40 years, I’m delighted to accept this award.

"I hope that Laine Theatre Arts will continue to contribute to this community which has become such an important part of our lives."

The winners were:

  • Best Overall Business - Spring Electrical
  • Best New Business - All Things Nice
  • Best Business for Customer Service - Bike Beans Cycle Cafe
  • Best Business for Commitment to the Community - Soundbytes Choir
  • Best Business Personality - Betty Laine, Laine Theatre Arts
  • Best Young Entrepreneur - Emma Parker, Cheeky Chocolatier
  • Best Business in Epsom & Epsom Downs - TWM Solicitors
  • Best Business in Ewell & Stoneleigh - Spring Electrical
  • Best Business in Ashtead - Johanna Fry Films
  • Best Website or Use of Social Media - Hobbledown

Surrey Comet:

Bike Beans Cafe

Surrey Comet:

Hobbledown

Surrey Comet:

TWM Solicitors 

Surrey Comet:

Johanna Fry Films

Surrey Comet:

Betty Laine