THE ISLE OF Man Newspapers annual Awards for Excellence at the Villa Marina proved to be a night of emotion, pride and laughter as a packed Royal Hall witnessed the highlight of the awards year tonight (Thursday).
The resilience of the Manx nation in battling against economic difficulties was in abundant evidence as success stories of companies and individuals filled the room on a night to remember.
Emotions reached an appropriate peak at the end of the evening when the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to the late First Deemster Mike Kerruish. A moving video tribute left the audience with tears of admiration for a man described by many as “a great friend, a wonderful family man and a true and loyal Manxman.”
The award was accepted in his behalf by his wife Marianne, son Daniel and daughter Summer, with other relatives joining him on stage, including his nephew Richard Butt, the current editor of Isle of Man Newspapers.
Rory Bremner proved to be a witty, humorous and likeable host for the evening and he had clearly thoroughly researched his subjects beforehand. Other entertainment included the ‘Four Poofs and a Piano’, plus the Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir and the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games team. The evening started with a stunning solo singing performance from David Artus.
The award winners were:-
The Microgaming Award (Innovation and Independent Thinking): CVI Technical Optics (Daryl Styles).
The Sure Award (People Management and Development): Chartered Management Institute Executive Challenge (Ann Clayton).
The Isle of Man Bank Award (Teamwork): Nursery and Midwifery Advisory Council (Bev Critchlow).
The Barclays Wealth Award (Young Achiever of the Year): Darren Bell, The Children’s Centre.
The Domicilium (IOM) Ltd Award (Customer Service): Manx Telecom (Mike Loundes).
The Bridson & Horrox Award (Public Sector Achievement of the Year): Treasury Income Tax Division (Jenny Gribbin and Andy Williams).
The IOMA Group Award (Charity, Cultural and Social Enterprise): Friends Provident (Jonathan Hall).
The Celton Manx Award (Business Person of the Year): Chris Stott (ManSat).
The Britannia International Award (Company of the Year): Capital International Group (Anthony Long).
The Tynwald Mills Award (Volunteer of the Year): Carol Pattie
The Sefton Group Award (Marketing and PR Effectiveness): Kate Hegarty (Sure).
The Conister Bank Award (Small / Medium Enterprise): Green Mann Spring (Shane Martin).
The Thomas Miller Award (Corporate and Social Responsibility): Ramsey & District Cottage Hospital (Cath Quilliam).
The Collins Stewart Award (Excellence in Use of Technology): Strix Ltd (Nick Mawby).
The RBS Coutts Award (International Business of the Year): Appleby (Sean Dowling).
The Isle of Man Government Award (Freedom to Flourish): IOM Aerospace Cluster (Adrian Moore).
Lifetime Achievement Award: Awarded posthumously to First Deemster Mike Kerruish and received on his behalf by his family.
* More photographs and more extensive reports will appear on isleofman.com on Friday morning.
