Five Bedford businesses among winners at this year’s Bedfordshire Business Awards

The awards celebrate organisations across the county that make significant contributions across community support, healthcare, professional services and the creative industries.

The award for Best Health and Wellbeing Coach went to Nikki Antonaccio from Nikki Antonaccio Online Coaching Ltd, based in Bedford.

Nikki was recognised for her holistic approach to supporting women with their health, confidence and relationship with food.

The Rising Star award went to Immigration Resolution Services Limited, founded in October 2023 and based in Bedford.

The company were recognised for building a broad immigration practice covering visa applications, sponsor licences, citizenship, appeals and compliance support.

The Best Newcomer Small Business award went to Rise Dance Collective, which was founded in January by Amber Forman, and aims to create an inclusive environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.

Rise Dance Collective, based in Bedford, offers street and lyrical classes for children, teenagers and adults, with opportunities ranging from recreational participation to competitive development.

The Community Leader of the Year award went to ADHD Support Bedford CIC, based in The Wixams.

The community interest company runs free support groups and coffee mornings to give adults and parents safe places to discuss challenges including burnout, school refusal and family pressures, and has around 300 group members.

Area Pest Control UK Ltd, based in Kempston, won the Small Business of the Year award.

The pest control company supports schools, offices, warehouses and industrial sites with inspections, monitoring and detailed reporting.

Among the other winners was Totally Tiaras, based in Milton Keynes, and founded by Lisa Stephens, which won the Rising Star award.

The company, which last month started showcasing at The Olde Watermill Shopping Village in Barton, transforms carefully sourced vintage brooches, necklaces and earrings into distinctive handmade tiaras.

Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at https://www.yourworld.net/submit/ It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.