Yacht firm is singled out for special praise at business awards

At the North Norfolk Business Awards. Oyster Yachts won the chairman's award. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

A special 'chairman's award' was presented to the firm, which has a boatyard at Hoveton, by North Norfolk District Council chairman Nicholas Coppack at the ceremony at Gresham's School in Holt on February 21.

Mr Coppack praised the inspiring journey of the firm, which collapsed with the loss of 180 jobs in February, before it was bought out of liquidation by gaming entrepreneur Richard Hadida.

Oyster went on in November to open a new facility for moulding hulls in nearby Ashmanhaugh, creating 23 new jobs.

This was the second year the council has run the awards, aimed at shining a light on the scope and success of the district's firms.

At the North Norfolk Business Awards. Crisp Malt won the business growth category, sponsored by Four. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

It was hosted by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce chief executive Chris Sargisson, who said: 'I was delighted to be able to join this celebration of the best in business.

'The quality of entries was fantastic and showed just what a thriving district North Norfolk is.'

MORE: Oyster Yachts creates 23 new jobs with hull-moulding facility in north NorfolkCategory winners were: Crop Systems - agriculture, horticulture and countryside, sponsored by Lovewell Blake; Crisp Malt - business growth, sponsored by Four; Margins Walking and Glamping Holidays - environment, sponsored by Fakenham Racecourse; Chell Instruments - innovation, sponsored by Archant; Archangel Distilleries - new business, sponsored by Eastlaw; The Norfolk Brewhouse - small business, sponsored by Menta; Norfolk Cottages - tourism and hospitality, sponsored by Thursford; Holkham Estate - young people and skills, sponsored by New Anglia LEP.

The winners showed a wide range of firms are thriving in the region. Happisburgh-based Crop Systems provides services for the UK's potato industry, while family-owned Norfolk Cottages has become the fourth biggest holiday lettings agency in the country.

From the North Norfolk Business Awards. Crop Systems won the agriculture, horticulture and countryside category, sponsored by Lovewell Blake. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

Councillor Sarah Butikofer, the council's leader, added: 'It was a tremendous night and it was great to see so many businesses from our district doing well.

'The quality of all the shortlisted businesses was inspiring, and demonstrated just how many success stories we have in north Norfolk.'

From the North Norfolk Business Awards. Holkham Estate won the young people and skills category, sponsored by New Anglia LEP. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

From the North Norfolk Business Awards. Norfolk Cottages won the tourism and hospitality category, sponsored by Thursford. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

From the North Norfolk Business Awards. The Norfolk Brewhouse won the small business category sponsored by Menta Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

The winners and sponsors of the North Norfolk Business Awards. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

A scene from the North Norfolk Business Awards. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

A scene from the North Norfolk Business Awards. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce chief executive Chris Sargisson hosted the North Norfolk Business Awards. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

From the North Norfolk Business Awards. Archangel Distilleries won the new business category sponsored by Eastlaw, sponsored by Lovewell Blake. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

From the North Norfolk Business Awards. Chell Instruments won the innovation category, sponsored by Archant. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)

From the North Norfolk Business Awards. Margins Walking and Glamping Holidays won the environment category, sponsored by Fakenham Racecourse. Picture: ROB HENRY/NNDC (Image: Archant)