The thirteenth annual Cherwell Business Awards celebrated the outstanding leaders, businesses, and charitable organisations that make Cherwell District a hub of innovation and community spirit.
Published: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
Held at The Chesterton Hotel on Friday 19th September 2025, the event welcomed over 200 guests from across the district, with the charismatic Aaron Williams hosting the evening’s proceedings.
This year’s awards featured 30 finalists across 12 Awards, reflecting the diverse and vibrant nature of Cherwell’s business community. Over the years, the Cherwell Business Awards have become a platform not only to recognise dedication and achievement but also to help winners propel their success.
Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of Cherwell District Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property and Regeneration, said: “This year’s Cherwell Business Awards showcased the tremendous breadth of talent and innovation that makes north Oxfordshire’s such a vibrant economy. The entries featured an inspiring range of organisations and entrepreneurs all of whom deserve to be celebrated for their hard work, achievements, and the social value they bring to our communities.
“I hope that this recognition and the sense of mutual support that the Cherwell Business Awards encourage helps all who took part go on to continue to achieve great things for the district.”
The awards began with Placi Espejo, Chair of the CBAs presenting the Becky Moyce Tribute Award to Michael Rafferty, Careers and Community Lead at the Warriner School and current Head of Year 7.
Michael has reimagined careers education by bringing local businesses into the school, creating meaningful connections between students and employers. Beyond his work at the school, he serves as a trustee for several charities and is actively involved in the Bloxham Boys’ Brigade. His dedication and commitment make him a deserving recipient of this award.
The winners for the Cherwell Business Awards 2025 are:
The Becky Moyce Tribute Award
- Michael Rafferty, Warriner School
The Innovation Award, sponsored by Oxford Technology Park
The Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Banbury Chamber & District of Commerce
The Young Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Kärcher
- Bryan Ng, Founder and CEO of Repolywise
The Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Whitley Stimpson
- Vassilis Ragoussis, Managing Director at Oxeco
The New Business Award, sponsored by OJI Marketing
The Micro Business Award
The Small Business Award, sponsored by Bicester Vision and Wednesday Business Club
The Large Business Award, sponsored by SE-Solicitors
The Charity and Community Award, sponsored by Bicester Village
Additionally, the prestigious Overall Cherwell Winner Award 2025, sponsored by Norbar Torque Tools, was awarded to Contact Web.
The council has been the Headline Sponsor since 2017, pledging its support for the awards and encouraging the success of Cherwell’s local economy.
Tom Horne, Direct of Contact Web, winners of the New Business Award and Overall Cherwell Award, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won both the New Business and Overall Business awards at the CBAs. The Cherwell area means a great deal to us – it’s where we’ve grown, where we’re proud to be based, and we’re passionate about promoting everything it has to offer. Most importantly, this recognition is down to our incredible people. Their hard work, creativity and commitment are what drives our success, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.”
In a show of generosity from the businesses who attended, £1,852 was raised during the evening, with Bicester Village matching this amount, bringing the total to £3,704. The winning charity, Gosford All Blacks RFC/Oxfordshire RFU, will receive £1,852, with the finalists, Cherwell Collective CIC and Bicester Hindu Society, each receiving £926.
The awards team is now preparing for Cherwell Business Awards 2026. If you would like to be involved in next year’s event, please contact Placi Espejo or Marie Parkinson by email at admin@cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk.