Stars assemble for WRS-sponsored awards

TV personality and presenter Jamie Laing will host the event at Cowes Yacht Haven on Friday 9th May, with West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis also performing.

The awards celebrate the best in business, with 40 companies recognised across various categories.

Our CEO, David Jackson, said it promises to be a fantastic evening.

“We’re proud to sponsor these awards for the first time, and finding a host fitting for the occasion was really important to us. We are thrilled Jamie Laing will be joining us, and as a renowned TV and radio personality, successful entrepreneur and podcast host, his charisma and energy will bring something really special to the event. Jamie’s impressive business journey – from his family’s legacy with McVitie’s to founding Candy Kittens – makes him the perfect host for a night celebrating excellence.”

Since finding fame in Made in Chelsea, Jamie has built a successful career in entertainment and entrepreneurship. He is a BBC Radio 1 presenter and also recently raised more than £2million for Comic Relief by running five ultra marathons.

Jamie said:

“I’m really looking forward to hosting these prestigious awards. The Isle of Wight is one of my favourite places. I’ve had some great times there, including arriving on a speedboat whilst being chased by a helicopter when we were filming a TV show! As an entrepreneur and business founder myself, I love celebrating business success. We’re going to have a brilliant night.”

Widely recognised as a leading lady in the West End, Kerry Ellis has starred in Wicked, while also playing leading roles in We Will Rock You and Les Miserables.

She said:

“I can’t wait to perform on the Isle of Wight at such an important event. I love spending time on the Island and I’m really looking forward to bringing the sound of Broadway and the West End to the Isle of Wight Chamber Awards. It’s a night of glamour and spectacle and the songs will match the occasion.”

Hundreds of tickets have already been sold for the event, with nominated businesses being prioritised in demands for tickets.

Steven Holbrook, Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said:

“We’re thrilled to announce our strongest line-up ever for our event. We’ve really pulled out all the stops to raise the bar for the Island’s biggest business celebration. Bringing Jamie Laing and Kerry Ellis to our show will make for an incredible night, with huge thanks to our headline sponsors WRS for their support in making this happen.”

The full list of nominations can be seen here.