While the cold wind of recession may still be blowing, there was a warm glow at a special reception at the Sadler Building, Oxford Science Park, to mark the launch of the 2010 Oxfordshire Business Awards. Winners from last year mingled with sponsors and special guests at the reception held to mark the achievements of 2009 and look forward to an even more successful competition next year.

Awards chairman Paul Lowe said: “Going back to last June’s awards final, it did not seem like we were entering recession.

“We had more entrants than ever before and the quality of entries was also better than ever. We also had 500 people at the awards dinner and a waiting list of people wanting to attend to celebrate great businesses and great people.

“Anyone who was a finalist at the awards should congratulate themselves on excelling among such an entry of such high quality.”

The 2009 awards also made history when one organisation picked up an unprecedented trio of awards.

Information technology firm European Electronique of Eynsham won the Business of the Year and RBS Large Business Award, while managing director Yolanta Gill walked away with the Bottle PR Business Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Ms Gill said: “Winning had a fantastic impact on the business. It was a great marketing tool and was wonderful for staff morale. Everyone was very proud.

“We also received a lot of messages from customers congratulating us, not only locally, but the message spread across other areas of the country.

“It was also a great networking opportunity as we met companies that we did not even know existed.

“I would recommend entering next year to anyone and, if you win, then the business will benefit.”

James Woollard (right) the Shaw Gibbs Young Entrepreneur of the Year, was also enthusiastic about his success.

Mr Woollard, managing director of Winey-based plastics firm Polythene UK, said: “Winning has done so much for us. I reckon we have generated about £50-100,000 worth of publicity as a result of it.

“We mention that we are a winner when we make telephone calls. It has been a fantastic experience.”