As we look ahead to the Wiltshire Business Awards 2020, we are reflecting on last year’s winners and finding out what they think about entering the contest.

In 2019, award judges from sponsors BBC Wiltshire, who looked for “businesses which really value the community” picked Gooding Accounts as their winner.

The Westbury accountancy firm received the Services to the Community award after beating runners-up Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Football Club and infiLED Ltd.

Gooding Accounts’ managing director Sam Gooding was there to accept the award on his own because the rest of his team had collectively decided to give the money they would have spent on awards ceremony tickets to support a staff member who had suffered a bereavement.

He said in his speech: “I would encourage any local business to engage with their local community. If they do, the community will give it back, and it’s made a real difference to us.

“We have also put a lot of time and effort into our team, so we really appreciate this award.”

Speaking to the Adver afterwards, Mr Gooding said: “It’s a huge deal for us because we invest a lot of time in supporting the local community, we raise a lot of money for local charities, do a lot of challenges and give members time off to bucket for good causes.

“So, to receive the embellishment of our peers and other businesses at this ceremony was really fantastic.

“The team were over the moon to have this award, it’s been a real group effort from everyone.”

Gazette editor Pete Gavan said: “Our Business Awards are highly-regarded and a fantastic way to shine a light on the brilliant work Wiltshire businesses are doing.

“It’s our 26th year and we’ve continued to move with the times tweaking our categories to best represent how business is today. So please, if you run a business large or small, take the time to enter – you won’t regret it.”

For more details on what’s involved, email wbawards@wiltshire.newsquest.co.uk