Businesses and students come together for Awards

A host of business leaders attended Weston College’s annual Excellence in Business Training Awards 2013, held at the Winter Gardens.

On the night Dean Masters, 19, scooped Entrepreneur of the Year at the Awards.

Dean, who works for Masters Brewery in Wellington, was also Highly Commended in the Hospitality Learner of the Year both for his creative skills and the way he has overhauled the independent brewery’s website.

On the night his own brewed beer was served.

Dean comments: “It’s fantastic to win the awards and see my specially brewed 4.3 per cent bitter served up.

“I’ve also made a Hawaiian Dwarf 7.5 per cent beer brewed with fresh mangoes plus a locally sourced mint and chocolate Imperial Stout.”

Other highlights on the night were UK Apprentice of the Year, Emma Rogers, of Cheddar, winning Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award.

The 20-year-old won Gold for Great Britain at WorldSkills competitions and recently opened her own beauty business in Wedmore.

Employer of the Year was awarded to Broad Street Hair who also took Hair and Beauty Employer of the Year.

And John Kennedy took Achieving Above All the Odds Award.

The 45-year-old was addicted to drugs and alcohol since he was 14 and only learned to read and write when he was 29.

Alliance Homes took Construction Employer of the Year and Compliance Manager.

Keynote speaker on the night was Director of Skills for South West England Local Enterprise Partnership, Jane Middleton.

Jane comments: “I am delighted to work with Weston College and this is one of the most successful Local Enterprise Partnerships in the UK.”

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips OBE comments: “The last 12 months have proved exceptional for us despite the challenging economic climate.

“We place great emphasis on partnerships with businesses, funding agencies, North Somerset Council and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, partner schools and universities.”