Copley Scientific, which designs and manufactures pharmaceutical test equipment used across the world, has been crowned the Nottinghamshire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber.

The Nottingham-based company – which exports about 85% of its products to more than 70 markets across Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa, and North and South America – also won the Excellence in International Trade and Small Business categories at the Nottinghamshire Business Awards, which was held on Friday (18 November) in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars.

Established in 1946 and employing more than 30 people in Colwick, has made major investments in its manufacturing capabilities in recent years to develop new products. As part of its global expansion, the company has made its website available in both English and Mandarin languages to help growth in China, while it has become a regular at trade shows in target markets.

The Nottinghamshire Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year, in addition to the overall Business of the Year winner.

Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by hundreds of people at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The past few years have been challenging for our business community, and yet we continue to see so many shining examples of business success across our region.

“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Nottinghamshire. We know it is a fantastic place to do business and these organisations – many of which have worked together to maximise their impact within their sectors and communities – are doing a wonderful job.

“Later this month, the Chamber will launch a Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond in Parliament that illustrates how our region is a Centre of Trading Excellence. Our Business Awards are full of companies that are living proof of this.”

The Nottinghamshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, along with Derbyshire and Leicestershire – were hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan.

A raffle was held to raise funds for East Midlands Chamber president Lindsey Williams’ three chosen charities this year – Focus, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Treetops Hospice.

Lindsey, chief executive of housing association Futures Housing Group, added: “Behind every nominee and winner whose name will go up in lights are people and organisations that are truly delivering for the region. Their achievements generate employment, wealth and opportunity not just for those directly connected, but for the wider community.

“So I’m proud to see the Chamber yet again take the opportunity to bring us together and celebrate our top talent – for their success but also for what they bring to the East Midlands as a whole.”

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Winners of Nottinghamshire Business Awards (headline sponsored by Mazars)

Business Improvement Through Technology (sponsored by Air IT)

Flame UK

Community Impact (sponsored by Breeze Corporate Finance)

Nottingham Forest Community Trust

Outstanding Growth (sponsored by Pattersons Commercial Law)

Eight Days a Week Print Solutions

Excellence in Collaboration (sponsored by Motorcycle Funerals)

West Nottinghamshire College and Nottingham Trent University

Environmental Impact (sponsored by JG Pears)

Eastwood Hall

Commitment to People Development (sponsored by QTS Group)

TTK Confectionery

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by EMA Training)

Nazareth Ameyaw, Turner & Townsend

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Eversheds Sutherland)

Nathan Adams, BDL Recruitment

Education and Business Partnership (sponsored by University of Nottingham)

Air and Space Institute

Excellence in Customer Service (sponsored by Express Recruitment)

Your IT Department

Excellence in International Trade (sponsored by DHL)

Copley Scientific

Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Nottingham Trent University)

Copley Scientific

Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Geldards)

Batfast

Business of the Year (sponsored by Mazars)

Copley Scientific