Whitewed Directory Award Winners!

We were absolutely delighted to reveal the winning businesses of The Whitewed Directory Awards 2019, announced at our awards ceremony held last Thursday evening.

The Whitewed Directory is made up of vetted and approved wedding venues and suppliers. We pride ourselves on the standard of our suppliers and that's one of the reasons the awards were created three years ago. Here is a bit more about our fabulous winners...

Business of the Year 2019 Winner: George Goes Out

George Goes Out is a wedding catering, planning and events company based in Rowde, Wiltshire. They have been planning and providing bespoke weddings and catering for weddings and events for over 10 years across Wiltshire, Bath, Dorset & London.

George Goes Out can design, deliver and cater at a venue of your choice or help you arrange a marquee. They collaborate with many industry specialists and suppliers to combine every aspect seamlessly for your day. They really do go above and beyond in helping you achieve your perfect day.

The judges were impressed with George Goes Out’s fantastic growth and diversification in the business, and an understanding of what's needed to grow a successful business.They also know when to lean on colleagues and utilise other suppliers to take the customer journey further.

Start-up Business of the Year 2019 Winner: MK Hair & Makeup

MK Hair & Makeup is run by Marie Kelly. Marie prides herself on her friendly nature making brides to be feel as relaxed as possible on the most important day of their lives. MK Hair & Makeup provides a bespoke mobile hair and make up service for your wedding in Wiltshire and other parts of the South & South West in the UK.

The judges were impressed, as not only has this business taken the plunge to go out on their own, they're also managing a team of people. Quite the achievement in 9 months.With all their experience they have also diversified into the Corporate and production / media industry ensuring work all year round.Clearly a great business head and being able to expand her team to 10 within such a short time is true testament to this lady’s business acumen.

Most Inspiring Business Person of the Year 2019 Winner: Fluffy Puffin

Fluffy Puffin, run by Chris Wooldridge who brings his Michelin star training from Gordon Ramsay and Angela Hartnett to the forefront of his modern ice cream events business, and has created unrivalled 'bespoke' wedding and event ice cream and sorbet packages with his limitless menu of flavours and passion for quality..

The judges commented on how many rely on the support of their extended family when starting a business. To start up a business with minimal support is something that would deter many – Fluffy Puffin shows true dedication to his business knowing that success often exceeds a 12 hour day.

The Peers Award 2019 Winner: Wendy House Flowers
The peers award is voted for by the Whitewed Directory members. Perhaps they've worked with them on many occasions and admire their work, maybe they've overcome adversity and they admire their strength, perhaps they cheer on their fellow members and work together really well. Louise has built up a fab well-respected florist business providing excellent customer service and high quality floral designs for her customers.

When members nominated their favourites, we asked ‘why’ and here are just some of things that were said about this company:

This person is always supportive, welcoming and happy to share information and ideas.

She always promotes a positive, supportive vibe on social media

This person is honest and gives a true account of how things actually are at times.This person is inspiring as they always pushes herself to be better even through struggles.

This person is a beautiful human, genuine caring and forthright.They share their knowledge and skills unreservedly.Ask her a question and they will answer honestly.They believe in collaborations not competition.

This person is a supportive peer, a total talent whose work I’ve been in awe of.

Finally, The Director's Award 2019. This is where my team and I selected Whitewed members that have been outstanding and amazing all year! They have gained outstanding achievements, been a real Whitewed advocate and embraced everything that Whitewed has to offer, and have made a real difference to those around them.

The Director's Award 2019 Winner: Holly Robinson Jewellery

Holly Robinson Jewellery, a Swindon based jewellery designer. Holly offers a wonderfully bespoke service thinking outside of the box rather than selling you anything straight from it! Holly specialises in providing a personalised approach to couples helping them design their dream wedding and engagement rings. Holly is a true inspiration to the community.She throws herself wholeheartedly into everything she does…but with care, precision and professionalism.

Brand is everything to this lady, as is being the best she possibly can for her clients, and her passion always shines through. Her collaborative and supportive approach are absolutely amazing – even when there is no direct gain for herself.

She has truly embraced all that Whitewed has to offer and we know that her success will grow in the years to come and we will watch her story with interest!

The Director's Award 2019 Winner: Willoughby & Wolf

Willoughby & Wolf, a Marlborough based luxury bridal boutique offering a truly gorgeous experience to brides. Victoria is also a true inspiration to the community.She joined Whitewed before her business even launched and she has made use of every element of our offering with great success.

She’s truly passionate about her offering, her brand and her position in the market and embraces every opportunity given to her to get involved, even at great time and monetary cost to herself – she sees everything as an opportunity and is happy to share ideas…indeed, it’s because of this lady that our offering at Wedding Shows has developed into more of an experience. She’s resilient when times get tough and smart when the good times roll in.She too is a valued member of Whitewed and we look forward to being part of her business journey

We are so thrilled for our 6 Whitewed Award winners, they beat off stiff competition as the standard of entries was so very high. To win is a great accolade. Congratulations too, to those companies who made the shortlist, a great achievement in itself due to the extremely high standard of all entries and votes.

All of us at Whitewed would like to say a big thank you to everyone who entered and offer our congratulations to the winners. 2020's Awards will be launched later in the year, and here's to them being even bigger!

Natalie Lovett: Director of The Whitewed Directory

Thanks to Tash from The Little Photo Company Ltd for the gorgeous images!