A Rainworth-based business that aims to be the best in the UK in its field was named business of the year at the 11th annual Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 Ball and Business Awards.

Infinite AV, of the Ransom Wood Business Park, is a specialist in the supply, installation and maintenance of high-quality sound, vision, lighting and CCTV products within licensed venues throughout the UK.

More than 250 leading business people attended the awards presentations at the John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Sookholme.

Hosted by Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 business development group, the event rewarded the achievement of local businesses that have shown entrepreneurial and enterprising fortitude, recognising their contribution to the economic development of the Nottinghamshire area.

West Nottinghamshire College principal Dame Asha Khemka received the Outstanding Contribution To Mansfield And Ashfield award.

Over the past eight years, Dame Asha led a £50m investment that has transformed the college, a project that concluded with the recent opening of Mansfield’s first university centre.

She said: “Thank you to the Mansfield and Ashfield business community for embracing me and helping me achieve my vision.”

2020 operations director Caroline Cox said: “Dame Asha’s drive to break the glass ceiling has seen Mansfield and Ashfield benefit from millions of pounds-worth of investment, which is fantastic.

“For that we wanted to recognise and acknowledge her achievements and, above all, thank her for her tireless efforts.”

Caroline added: “Each year we attract more businesses, not only to enter for an award but to join us at this event.

“This is a true reflection of the desire and drive to put Mansfield and Ashfield on the map. We are proud to host an event that showcases excellence.”

2020 also recognised two business leaders for their consistent promotion the local business community and work in inspiring young people.

Malcolm Hall and Martin Rigley were awarded MBEs for their services to businesses last year, but 2020 said it wanted to recognised them locally.

2020 chairman Russell Jones said: “To have two business leaders provide consistent support and promote the area in a positive light is something we are very proud of.”

Winners were:
R.E.A.L. Education, Mansfield — Commitment To The Community.
Charlotte Birch, of Academy Transformation Trust — Young Apprentice Of The Year.
Claytons, of Mansfield, — Customer Focus Initiative.
i-Sourcer, Mansfield — Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Direct Repairs Ltd, Mansfield — Business Innovation and Design Of The Year.
Chic Boutique, Kirkby — New Business of the Year.
Infinite AV, Rainworth — Business Of The Year.

Event sponsors included Mansfield Building Society, TIS and Jephson Shopfitters. Award category sponsors were Purpose Media, R.E.A.L. Education, Fidler and Pepper, The Evolve Trust, Ron Brooks (Mansfield) Ltd, Ashfield Effluents Services Ltd, Southwell Racecourse.

Marketing and media partners included Mandarin Creative, West Nottinghamshire College, the Mansfield and Ashfield News Journal, Mansfield 103.2 and the Chad.