Scroll Top
Spring 2025

2023 Winners

Platinum Award

Winner:

Coastal Recycling

“Envisioning Exeter’s sustainable future and contributing expert services to nearly 1,600 organisations including Exeter University and Devon County Show. Prompted a significant increase recycling while educating thousands – generating a better tomorrow, today!”

@coastalrecycling | www.coastaluk.co.uk

Arts & Creative

Winner:

Exeter Phoenix

“The phoenix has risen this year! Impressive efforts to host over 1,100 live events and sell thousands of tickets, with its ‘Big Screen in the Park’ a particularly strong highlight.”

@exeter_phoenix | www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Bar

Winner:

Margoux Restaurant & Wine Bar

“Very bold and daring to move into a unique prime location within Princesshay. Bucks the trend with an exciting cocktail lounge appealing to all ages and rave reviews.”

@margoux_exeter | www.margoux.co.uk

Business Services

Winner:

AB Brand and Marketing Agency

“Phenomenal achievements in its 40th year! Highly impressive Christmas campaign for St Petrock’s; also strong awareness aid for South West Water. Creativity applied for community good.”

@ab_and_beyond | www.ab-uk.com

Sponsored by: Hotel Indigo Exeter

Charity

Winner:

FearLess

“Complex cases, highly active, challenging times. Referrals up 20% YoY. Vital work supporting 6,000 adults and children, on a mission to break the cycle of domestic abuse.”

@wearefear_less | www.fear-less.org.uk

Civic

Winner:

Exeter Phoenix

“Deeper and wider Exeter engagement: increased the number of ‘Pay What You Can’ events across its programme and successfully promoted mental health to hundreds at its Bloom Festival.”

@exeter_phoenix | www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Sponsored by: Exeter Living

Education

Winner:

Life Chance Group

“National recognition for organisation and founder, 12% more students, exceptional attendance levels, important new outreach programme and charity: great year of significant growth for this therapeutic learning provider.”

@lifechance_uk | www.lifechance.org.uk

Event

Winner:

Colour Bomb by The Bear Trail

“An explosion of popularity saw growth from a one-off event to two action-packed, sold-out weekends, with free tickets for Ukrainians. Sprinkling Exeter with colourful entertainment!”

@the_bear_trail | www.thebeartrail.co.uk

Sponsored by: Warwick Event Services

Financial

Winner:

The Mortgage Quarter

Demonstrated clear financial growth and impressively consistent since inception, with 40% increase in turnover and huge numbers of client mortgage applications completed. Noteworthy reliability too.”

@mortgagequarter | www.themortgagequarter.co.uk

Sponsored by: Yellowtail Financial Planning

Hair & Beauty

Winner:

Male Focus Salon

“Since opening in April this much-talked about, highly distinctive salon increased from two to six stylists, powered by five-star reviews. Excellent training portfolio for local barbershops!”

@malefocus | www.malefocus.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

Winner:

EPIC Solutions

“Exponential growth for this high quality, young people’s healthcare specialist. New state-of-the-art premises, a dozen cross-disciplinary associates, and supported 600 young people across the region.”

www.epicsolutions.org.uk

Homes & Interiors

Winner:

Stovax & Gazco

“Exceptional year for this major Devon success story: a market leader and innovator. Developed hydrogen gas fires and led vital campaigns. New 205,000 sq ft facility reflects growth.”

@stovaxgazco | www.stovax.com

Legal

Winner:

Community Law Clinic at University of Exeter

“This forward-thinking clinic is heavily involving students with real-life experience and bringing through the next generation of lawyers. Providing invaluable access to the legal system.”

https://law.exeter.ac.uk/communitylawclinic/

Sponsored by: Yellowtail Financial Planning

Legal

Winner:

Stephens Scown Solicitors

“First south west law firm to receive B Corp certification. Initiated sophisticated and valued CX Evolved project to place client experience at heart of practice.”

@stephensscown | www.stephens-scown.co.uk

Sponsored by: Yellowtail Financial Planning

Leisure & Tourism

Winner:

Markets in Exeter

“Dynamic year with inventive pop-up and longer events increasing participation and footfall. Over 50 of city’s indies traded at the new Exeter Independent Market – a proper potpourri!”

@marketsinexeter | www.marketsinexeter.co.uk

New Business

Winner:

Butt Estates

“Clear entrepreneurial success going from few properties to advertise to over 60 listed and majority sales agreed. Smartly run by a promising young estate agent!”

@butt_estates | www.buttestates.co.uk

Sponsored by: EntreConf

People Services

Winner:

Avocet Recruitment

“A strong 2022 ensuring increased permanent placement business by 54% and profitability doubling. Undertook a clever rebrand and pivoted its marketing strategy to garner huge reach.”

@avocetrecruit | www.avocetltd.co.uk

Property

Winner:

Vickery Holman

“Record headcount and turnover levels for this multi-disciplinary, employee-owned property consultancy.  High-profile deals included Revolution, lettings at SkyPark and Topsham Brewery. Also took on eight graduates.”

@vickeryholman | www.vickeryholman.com

Sponsored by: Exeter Property Awards

Restaurant

Winner:

Harry’s Restaurant

“Impressive longevity serving delicious locally-sourced food for 30 years to its loyal customer base. Launched its Harry’s at Home service that went down an absolute treat.”

@harrysexeter | www.harrysrestaurants.co.uk

Sponsored by: Crumbs

Retail

Winner:

Bernaville Nurseries

“Highly effective marketing strategy resulted in record December sales and took a huge leap with sustainable packaging efforts. A fantastic 65th anniversary!”

@bernavillenurseries | www.bernaville.co.uk

Sustainability

Winner:

Coastal Recycling

“A significant 2022 onboarding over 170 new clients seeking to improve their sustainability practices through analysis. Newly employee-owned, its recycling initiatives are a beacon for countless businesses”

@coastalrecycling | www.coastaluk.co.uk

Sponsored by: Oxygen House