TONIGHT the top companies in Essex gathered to celebrate business success in our region.

Hundreds of guests turned out for the black tie Countywide Business Awards at Crowne Plaza, Five Lakes, Maldon, for the grand ceremony. 

The awards welcomed back many of the finalists and winners from the regional heats as well as some new faces.

During the glitzy ceremony, winners and runners up were presented with prizes to mark their achievements.

Gary Pearson, head of content for the Echo, said: "The standard of entrants for this year's awards was the best yet.

"It was a fantastic evening, celebrating all that is good about our flourishing business community in Essex.

"A huge congratulations to all our worthy winners and nominees."

Michelle Thomson, event coordinator, said: "The Business Awards team would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors with special mention made of our main sponsors Essex and Suffolk Water."

THE WINNERS...

New Company

Rosa & Bo

Small Business of the year

Catering Elite

Growing Business

The Beach House Agency

Excellent Customer Service Small Business

Brain Buzzz

Excellent Customer Service Large Business

Systematics International Ltd

Best Use of Social Media

Bubakes

Excellence in Marketing

Southend United FC

Environmental Awareness

Colchester Borough Council

Community Charity

Kids Backs 4 the future

Community Private

Blatella Films

Business to Business

Rossi Ice Cream

Apprentice of the Year

Tia Warren of Green Recycling

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Danielle Everitt of Final Checks

Business Woman of the Year

Nathalie Farmer

Business Man of the year

Andy Green of Comfort Commissioning