A pioneering engineering firm, zero waste hero and vegan barbershop are among the best businesses in Exeter.
BusinessLive together with Reach plc's sister platform DeonLive and print title Express and Echo have hosted the Exeter Business Awards.
Business bosses from the city and beyond attended the ceremony, held on July 21 - the longest day at The Great Hall at the University of Exeter.
The event was a showcase of the very best of enterprise, innovation and dedication in Exeter.
Engineering pioneers Degould Ltd took the gong for Outstanding Business of the Year and Derek Phillips, Vice President of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, was named Exeter's Champion for decades of service to the city economy.
Bill Martin, Editor in Chief, Devon & Cornwall Reach plc, hosted the event.
He said: “ Doing the business is not easy, it rarely is, and whether or not you buy into the paralysing effect of Brexit, things seem harder now than normal.
"Despite this firms and individuals here are doing the business. That was clear in the number and quality of nominations we received this year. So to all of you, whether shortlisted or winners, congratulations from me.
"Celebrations like these are particularly important here in Exeter and in the South West region. It is essential that the rest of the country, particularly Westminster, and the rest of the world, know that that is a region capable of delivering growth, innovation and jobs, and one that is worthy of investment. Exeter has been the shining beacon of the South West economy for some years, and that is a message we must continue to be proud of and to shout about."
The gong for Degould Ltd, based in Clyst St George tops a successful year for the firm which won the product innovation category of the Global Automotive Awards in November.
Its latest product is the Auto-Booth which, using auto-imaging technology, provides digital evidence of a vehicle’s condition at every stage of its production and transportation, eliminating disputes over damage liability.
A prototype booth was tested at a car park at Heathrow Airport for 12 months and then the first working model has been installed at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull.
It is now developing products due to strong demand from the car rental industry and major airport car parks at Heathrow, Stansted and Bristol.
Judges were impressed with its innovative approach to solving a costly problem for some of the biggest names in the automotive sector.
A leading company in the South West tech and engineering sector, Degould demonstrates how the region is developing a new economy, creating highly skilled jobs and pioneering technology.
JonPaul Hedge, Director of Communications at Exeter City Council was guest speaker on the night talking about the Exeter Live Better campaign.
And Andrew Moreman spoke in support of the event's chosen charity, Young Devon.
The awards were this year headlined sponsored by Openreach with support from Browne Jacobson, Devon County Council, Exeter College, Griffin Chartered Accountants, Lady's Mile Holiday Park, Marsh Kia Exeter, Radiance Medi Spa, The Moorland Hotel, Wollens and Walter H Squires.
