Businesses and entrepreneurs from across Tendring have been recognised at a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the very best of local enterprise.

The fifth annual Tendring4Growth Business Awards, organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), brought finalists, sponsors and members of the district’s business community together at Clacton’s Princes Theatre last night (Thursday, 8 October).

Rainy Bakes Bakery, based at The Sunspot in Jaywick Sands, was crowned as Tendring Business of the Year, sponsored by Colbea, with Black Cactus Studio named runner-up.

The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Surya Hotels, was won by Frinton’s Precision Optics Eyewear while the runner-up was named as N-Tyce Nails.

Winners were announced across 11 categories, recognising creativity, innovation, social value, outstanding service and the people helping businesses across the district to thrive.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC, said: “The Tendring4Growth Business Awards are a great opportunity to showcase the variety of brilliant businesses that we have here in Tendring.

“The quality of this year’s finalists shows just how much talent and ambition we have across the business community in Tendring.

“From innovative start-ups and independent businesses to organisations making a real difference in their communities, every finalist should be proud of what they have achieved.

“Congratulations to all our winners and runners-up, and thank you to the sponsors and everyone who helped make the evening possible.”

Organised by TDC through its flagship Tendring4Growth economic development programme, the awards were made possible by the support of local sponsors and concluded the 2026 Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight.

Tendring4Growth supports businesses across the district to grow, innovate and create opportunities, while connecting them with advice, events and practical support.

To find out more about support for businesses in Tendring, visit tendring4growth.com.

The full list of winners:

Creative Excellence and Visitor Experience
Sponsor: Esign
Winner: Arts Trust Productions
Runner-up: Black Cactus Studio
Other nominees: Oh My Naze!; Pink Parrot Pottery; Tiny Bloom Play Cafe

Excellence in Innovation
Sponsor: KAT Marketing
Winner: Naglotech
Runner-up: Rainy Bakes
Other nominees: Blom Bakery; Carbon Numbers; Grassroot Media

Health, Beauty and Wellbeing
Sponsor: Princes Theatre
Winner: Sober Curious Coastal
Runner-up: Happy Face Aesthetics
Other nominees: After the Rain; Co. Harwich; GEM Pilates

Micro-Business of the Year
Sponsor: Black Rock Restaurant
Winner: Precision Optics Eyewear
Runner-up: Hamford View
Other nominees: Little Boat Gifts; Neat as Pete Gardening; Wise Ranker

Outstanding Consultancy Services
Sponsor: North Essex Economic Board
Winner: Altorian Chartered Accountants
Runner-up: HR Prime
Other nominees: JA Social Suite; K2HR; Lesley Barlow and Family; TLC Dancewear

Outstanding Hospitality & Service
Sponsor: VGM Security Solutions
Winner: Rainy Bakes
Runner-up: Skylark
Other nominees: Acorn Village; EastCoast5; Rebel Monkey Coffee House

Social Value Champion
Sponsor: Rose Builders
Winner: Jaco’s
Runner-up: The Nose
Other nominees: Brightlingsea Regent FC (Walking Football); Jaywick Trade Hub;Tendring Wellbeing and Intervention Services

Team of the Year
Sponsor: Pickering Group
Winner: The Stroke and Wellness Foundation
Runner-up: Coastline Window Cleaning
Other nominees: Castlers Auctions; Holland-on-Sea Motors; Tower Security

Young Business Person of the Year
Sponsor: Colchester Institute
Winner: Daniel Loveless – Forge Fitness Training and Nutrition
Runner-up: Tom Hale – Angel Landscapes Garden Maintenance
Other nominees: George Ponta – Castlers Auctions; Harry Peek – Clacton Pier; Kasie Humm – Milestone Moments Events Ltd; Liam Sanderson – LRS External Cleaning

People’s Choice Award
Sponsor: Surya Hotels
Winner: Precision Optics Eyewear
Runner-up: N-Tyce Nails

Tendring Business of the Year
Sponsor: Colbea
Winner: Rainy Bakes
Runner-up: Black Cactus Studio

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