A total of 280 leading business people celebrated achievements at the annual 2020 ball and business awards at The John Fretwell Centre, Sookholme.

Hosted by Mansfield 2020 business development group, the event acknowledged and rewarded the achievement of local businesses that have shown entrepreneurial and enterprising fortitude, recognising their contribution to the economic development of the area.

There were eight categories, with awards including Entrepreneurial Spirit, Business Of The Year and 2020 Outstanding Contribution to Mansfield.

Winners included Mansfield Building Society and NatWest — Commitment To The Community; Fran Martin, of Teachers UK — Young Apprentice Of The Year; Pinders Opticians — Career Champion Of The Year; Forrest Williams — Customer Focus Initiative; Crossfit 17 Mansfield — Entrepreneurial Spirit; Fidler and Pepper — Business Innovation Of The Year; Frontline Driver Solutions — New Business of the Year; and Eve Trakway — Business Of The Year.

The finalists included: Health Insurance Group, DeVere UK, Mansfield Manor, SF Media, Ulyett Landscaping, Ashfield Effluent Services Ltd, BFS Accountants, Teachers UK, Roundwood Surgery, Respectful Care, Academy Transformation Trust Further Education and Sauce & Brown.

The Outstanding Contribution To Mansfield award was given to former mayor Tony Egginton for his tireless work for the town.

He was directly elected as the Mayor of Mansfield in 2002 and stood down at the elections in May.

The award said his time as executive mayor was a significant milestone in the town’s history, “creating a district where people can and do succeed.”

2020 chairman and awards evening co-host Irvin Robinson said: “Tony has played and, I have no doubt will continue to play, an integral role in making things happen for the good of this town.

“It is an honour to acknowledge all his hard work in front of the business community.”

Mansfield 2020 is a not-for-profit organisation and relies on its members and sponsorship to host the prestigious awards. Event sponsors included Ingeus, RBS and Mansfield Building Society.

Award categories were sponsored by Purpose Media, The Brunts Academy, Mansfield Area Partnership, InTraining, A Star Media, Ron Brooks (Mansfield) Ltd, Ashfield Effluents Services Ltd and Southwell Racecourse. The marketing and media partners included CCM Print Management, Mandarin, Mansfield and Ashfield News Journal, and Chad.

Bliss Chair Covers donated room decorations, Starman Magic and Atlas Brookings provided entertainment followed by the band Fraudio.

Event organiser Caroline Cox said: “Without the loyalty of our members and valued support from our sponsors, we would not have been able to deliver an event that overwhelmed our attendees and delivered an evening that everyone truly deserved.

“This was our ninth awards evening and each year we attract more businesses — not only to enter an award but to join us at this event that celebrates our business community and support for one another.

“This is a true reflection of the desire and drive to put Mansfield on the map.”

Pictured are Business Of The Year winners Eve Trakway.