Today (Thursday) marks one of the highlights of the Manx calendar, Isle of Man Newspapers’ annual Awards for Excellence.
Now in its 15th year, around 1,000 people will be attending the evening in the Royal Hall of the Villa Marina, which will be compered by comedian and actor Tim Vine (brother of Jeremy Vine) and KPMG partner Micky Swindale.
More than 600 local companies, charities, individuals and public sector teams have been recognised since the awards began.
The 2020 event was unable to go ahead because of the pandemic, and some award categories were also changed to reflect the struggle that the island’s community has been through.
These new awards include: ’Doing the Impossible During the Pandemic’, ’Our Local Heroes, ’Business Supporting Our Community’, ’Caring for the Island’s Wellbeing’ and ’Celebrating Our Local Food Producers’.
Though the awards are always a celebration of achievement, this past year it was felt that achievement should in part be measured by contributions made to the community, alongside traditional business success.
This year also sees the introduction of five new award category sponsors - Gamsys group, Isle of Man Creamery, Mannin Hotel, Playtech and the Wilton Group.
Musical entertainment will be provided by singer-songwriter Coral Amphlett, singer Jack Divers and the 18-piece Blue Train Big Band.
Compere Tim Vine is described as ’the king of the one liners’ and has featured on ITV’s ’The Sketch Show’, and BBC’s ’Not Going Out’.
He also holds a Guinness World Record for number of jokes told in one hour.
Also at the event will be Chief Minister Alfred Cannan.
Sixteen judges, split into two for each award category, have shortlisted the finalists in each.
The chosen charity this year is Isle Listen, which provides mental health support.
Isle of Man Newspapers deputy chairman Trudi Williamson spoke this week about how the team here were so looking forward to the event which has now been two years in the making.
’The 16 categories were adjusted last year to recognise the extraordinary times and situations we have experienced in the pandemic,’ Mrs Williamson said.
’Fifty-two finalists - all worthy winners - will be recognised this Thursday at the Villa Marina.
’We send our congratulations to them all.’
The full list of award categories and finalists is below:
The Isle of Man Government Award, Sharing our Freedom to Flourish
Isle of Man Business Network
Manx Solidarity Fund
The Famous Creg-Ny-Baa
University College Isle of Man
The Isle of Man Creamery Award, Protecting Our Environment
Mann Waste Recycling
Plasticbusters
Manx Solar Electrical
The Dandara Award, Nurturing our Arts, Culture and Heritage
Rushen Silver Band
Deep South Music Festival
Mannin Music
The Lansons Award, Small and Medium Size Enterprise
Ross Bakery
Manx Business Solutions
The Shred House
The Manx Telecom Award, Third Sector Supporting our Community
Singing Jo & Co
Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes
Motiv8 Addiction Services
Isle Listen
The Gamesys Award, Doing The Impossible During The Pandemic
Swagelok
Project Scrubs
Victim Support (Isle of Man)
The PokerStars Award, Providing Excellent Customer Service
Rex Motor Company
Unity Dance School
Dance Wear of Douglas
The Manx Gas Award, Business Supporting Our Community
www.timeenough.im
Space 4 Action
plan.com
Isle of Man Post Office
The Sure Award, Leader of the Year
Winner to be announced on the night
The Playtech Award, Public Sector Achievement of the Year
Manx Sport & Recreation
DEFA - Food Matters Team
Manx Care (formerly the DHSC)
The Mannin Hotel Award, Celebrating Our Local Food Producers
Restaurant Versa
Gourmet Foods
Isle of Man Meats
Butterfingers
The Appleby Award, Innovation and Independent Thinking
Virtual Software
Manx National Heritage
Kermelly Seafoods
The Zurich Award, Caring for the Island’s Wellbeing
Hello Little People
Crossroads
Southern Befrienders
The Utmost Wealth Solutions Award, Teams Working Together
IoM Government Covid Community Support Line
STEM Committee IoM Chamber of Commerce
Manx Gas
Monitors 4 Kids / Diabetes IoM
The Wilton Award, Our Local Heroes
Search & Rescue Dogs Isle of Man
St John Ambulance
Luke Adebiyi
Emilie King
The Atla Group Award, Business of the Year
Robinsons
Standard Bank
Capital International Group
Manx Co-Operative Society