THE FSB South Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards returned for 2019 last night. 

Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise local companies who deliver business excellence across South Wiltshire. 

The awards are judged by experts in their fields who spend time visiting and speaking with businesses before making their difficult decision. 

The awards are hosted by Spire FM and sponsored by Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, alongside the Journal, Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Salisbury BID. 

Around 800 guests packed into Salisbury City Hall, with live music from James Morrison to kick off the evening. 

The winners of the awards are: 

Moore Stephens – Business of The Year Award (+£500K T/O): Wessex Fleet - winner.

Salisbury Chamber – Business of the Year Award (£150 - £500K T/O): Your Mortgage Expert Ltd- winner.

Mirco Business of the year Award (under 150k T/O): Disco Dion – winner.

The David Hart Aerospace Pipes Manufacturing Award: Nicholas and Harris - winner.

Wiltshire College Apprentice Employer Award: Hive Communications - winner.

The FSB New Business Award: Pioneer Popup – winner.

Excellence in Customer Service: Vita Skin Spa – winner.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Susi Mason, Casa Fina - winner.

Bill Browne, Publisher of Salisbury Journal, who presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, said: “We’ve got plenty of people in this city who are passionate about the city’s future, but it’s my honour to present this lifetime achievement award to somebody that turns that passion into real action. 

"This lady is a true champion of independent businesses in this city. Susi is a real force when it comes to supporting the city. Congratulations Susi!”

Susi said: “What a proud moment and a complete surprise! It's a real honour to have received this award. Salisbury is a fabulous city and we have so many great independent businesses and the SWBOYA are a brilliant way to celebrate them all. 

"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.” 

Chas H Baker Retailer of The Year Award: Pritchetts Family Butchers - winner.

Budweiser Food and Drink award: Tinga – winner.

Salisbury Racecourse Charity & Community Award: Revive Vending - winner.

Unstuck Design Marketing Excellence Award: Chalke Valley History Festival – winner. 

St Thomas’s Church Young Entrepreneur Award: Eleanor Humphries - Phoenix Stars - winner.

The Enterprise Network Enterprising Woman in Business Award: Louise Luton Art – winner.

The night ended with a medley of songs from The Greatest Showman soundtrack - performed by Russ Parsons and Jenni Monday.