Bury Free Press Business Awards: The time has come for winners to be crowned

ross.waldron@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 10 October 2025

The time has come – the winners of the Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards will be crowned tonight.

Since May, in your newspaper, the 13 categories and their sponsors have been highlighted and explained, and the nominees revealed.

Now, the five months of build up will culminate in tonight’s showpiece gala event, hosted by winner of BBC’s The Apprentice in 2022, Harpreet Kaur.

Alex Till, of Menta, speaking with Jonathan Tewson, head of Iliffe Media awards and events. Picture: Mark Westley

The Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards pre-event networking evening was held at Edmunds Restaurant, part of West Suffolk College, last Thursday. Picture: Mark Westley

Nominees and sponsors had the chance to gather for the first time last Thursday at West Suffolk College’s Edmunds Restaurant for a networking event, sponsored by West Suffolk Council.

Speakers on the night included the council’s leader, Cliff Waterman, head of Iliffe Media awards and event, Jonathan Tewson, George Chilvers from the business awards’ official charity for 2025, My WiSH and Andy McGowan, from West Suffolk College.

Cllr Waterman said: “This is a great event and we’re very happy to sponsor this particular event and also the award we sponsor.

George Chilvers, pictured right, of the Bury Free Press West Suffolk Business Awards 2025’s official charity partner, My WiSH. Picture: Mark Westley

Representatives from 1956 Individuals, nominated in the West Suffolk Award for Innovation category, at the networking event. Picture: Mark Westley

George Chilvers, of My WiSH charity. Picture: Mark Westley

Cliff Waterman, leader of West Suffolk Council, pictured left, spoke at the networking event. Picture: Mark Westley

“As leader of the council, I’m totally amazed at the variety and strength and depth of talent we have here in West Suffolk – it blows me away every year.

“Awards night is always a fabulous night with a lovely atmosphere, a really lovely event which is certainly a highlight in my year.

“I wish everyone nominated in whatever category the best of luck."

Representatives from Canine Dip and Dive, nominated for Business of the Year (Small) speaking with attendees from Churchgate Street’s Bellota Restaurant, nominated for the Customer Service award. Picture: Mark Westley

Cliff Waterman, leader of West Suffolk Council, spoke at the networking event. Picture: Mark Westley

Tonight, in aid of My WiSH – in the charity’s 30th year – there will be a silent auction to raise funds.

Mr Chilvers said the charity was ‘very grateful’ to be nominated as the official partner for the awards and explained it will soon launch one of its biggest fund-raising initiatives ever to bring a £1.5 million surgical robot to the hospital.

Jonathan said: “This year we received another record number of entries and I would like to congratulate all of our finalists in what has been an exceptionally competitive year.