Champagne corks popped again for the winners of the Oxfordshire Business Awards as they gathered to celebrate their achievements once more and help launch the 2011 competition.

They were joined by sponsors including new addition Blenheim Palace, the current Oxfordshire Business of the Year and winner of a clutch of awards in recent years, which also agreed to host the gathering in the prestigious surroundings of the Orangery.

The surroundings and the enthusiasm of those present dispelled fears of the state of the economy, and set a positive tone for the new contest which is now available to enter.

John Hoy, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, was also on hand to deliver the keynote speech.

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 for everyone 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 firm 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 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.”

Max Mason, owner of The Big Bang sausage restaurant which won the Sustainability Award, said: “The awards have raised awareness, not just for my business but the whole concept of ethical trading.

“There is a lot of talk about ethics in catering but it is still not being used to make decisions and awards such as this make a difference to a way of thinking.”

The event was also attended by companies who were shortlisted for an award and are determined to go one better in 2011.

Helen and Douglas House was a finalist in the Charity and Community category and spokesman David Savage said the experience had been highly beneficial.

He added: “It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight what we do to the business community. Being shortlisted was also an external endorsement of our work.”

As well as Blenheim Palace, the competition has also welcomed another new sponsor in B-Line Business Supplies, based at Stanton St John. It will be sponsoring the Customer Care category.

Chairman David Beesley said: “I have attended every awards ceremony and supported the awards for many years, and it is good to be on board as the awards are all about talented local businesses and individuals.

“Sponsoring the Customer Service award is fitting, as that is what we are all about.”

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