THE organisers of the popular New Forest Marathon were run away winners at a recent business awards.

ORA Events Ltd won the Business of the Year award at the eleventh annual New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.

The company, based in Barton-on-Sea, also carried off the award for Contribution to the New Forest Community, a category sponsored by Hampshire County Council.

Chris Farr, director of ORA, said: "One of our company aims is to use the marathon as a platform to help as many local people, organisations and businesses as possible.

"To win both awards is a huge honour and for the New Forest Business Partnership to recognise and share our vision is a wonderful thing. 

"We will continue to work hard towards making the the whole New Forest community proud of the event and hope it will continue to bring long term benefits to the many excellent businesses across the New Forest and surrounding area."

The awards nights was held at Carey’s Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst where Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, president of the Business Partnership, made the presentations.

Matthew Lawson, chairman of the New Forest Business Partnership, said: "Today is a moment to cherish in time, to become one with our local business community and our success stories.”

Cllr Barry Rickman, leader of New Forest District Council, said: “Supporting our local businesses is a key priority for the council and all the winners tonight demonstrate what a vibrant and innovative local economy we have. 

“These awards, and recognising the businesses that are contributing to the local area, are so important.

"ORA Events have inspired people to take part in exercise, as well as generating significant sums of money for the area, and are to be applauded.” 

The other winners were:
The New Forest Enterprise Centre Award for Best New Business -
Ŏskubox
The New Forest District Council Award for Outstanding Customer Care -
Will Stone Plumbing
The Eric Robinson Award for Young Person in Business -
Kayleigh Sargeant (New Forest Academy of Dance)
The ExxonMobil Award for Innovation & Entrepreneurship -
Vision Link
The Brockenhurst College Award for Training & Development -
Herb UK
The New Forest National Park Authority Sustainable Business Award -
Cottage Lodge Hotel