Two Brightlingsea-based health businesses took the top places in the health and wellbeing champion category of  the Tendring4Growth Business Awards.

Health Talks, which runs a variety of training courses and projects primarily for the health and education sectors, was announced as the winner at a ceremony in Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Thursday, October 2, along with the winners of nine other categories covering areas including business, the environment, community and leisure.

Alix Sheppard, the founder of of Health Talks, said: “I’m really proud of what we have achieved over the past 11 years. Setting up a small business is daunting but it’s been a worthwhile journey with a fantastic team, and it feels good to be recognised for all the positive work we’ve done in communities across the UK.”

Ms Sheppard, who also helped to set up Brightlingsea WinterFest, added: “The health and wellbeing award celebrates our achievement of providing accredited health and wellbeing training to over 3,000 people and we continue to promote better health for all.”

Runner up in the category was the Essex Menopause Coach, run by Julie Court. Brightlingsea Regent FC was runner up in the team of the year category, while Bumbles Greengrocers, whose shop is in Brightlingsea High Street, was nominated for retailer of the year.