Scores of former winners, finalists and sponsors gathered at Blenheim Palace for a Champagne reception to mark the launch of the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2011.

The event, held in the prestigious surroundings of the Palace’s Orangery, was designed to celebrate the achievements of this year’s entrants as well as kickstart entries for the competition.

The keynote speech came from John Hoy, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, the current Oxfordshire Business of the Year and now a new sponsor of the awards.

He said: “We were absolutely chuffed to win the overall award. For a 300-year-old stately home to be recognised by its peers and colleagues is a massive achievement.

“I am a passionate supporter of the awards — they are massively motivational from the Duke of Marlborough downwards.

“And we are delighted to be able to become more closely involved with the awards and I will be very proud to hand over the award to the overall winner next summer.”

The current Oxfordshire Business Person of the Year, Steve Liquorish, 44, of Grove-based CMS Industries, said the award had been "a great motivation" for his 18-strong workforce.

Mr Liquorish, who co-founded the seating components company at the age of 23, said: "We have spent 21 years building up the business and focused on the day-to-day nitty-gritty of running a business.

“We didn't really buy into the awards scene, but this has been a pat on the back. It has been very positive, particularly in tough economic times."

Also celebrating was Colin Taylor of Oxford City Football Club, which was the winner of the Charity and Community category, sponsored by Oxford Mail sister paper, The Oxford Times.

He said: “It has been a wonderful opportunity to raise our profile and highlight the efforts of our volunteers and we have also atttracted some sponsorship as a result, so there is a new confidence within the club.”

Awards chairman Paul Lowe said: “This year saw another record number of entries and there were 450 guests at the awards dinner making it one of the largest events of its kind in Oxfordshire.

“The standard of entries was incredibly high and finalists should be proud of their efforts.”

• Entries for the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2011 can be made through the website, www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk