Trudi, Sarah, Lisa and myself joined Michael Rapley’s (ProAir Aviation) table, we were in very engaging, and gallant company (thank you Michael, Adam, Jason, Alex, Carl and Martin) and the whole evening was superb. The awards were hugely inspiring and I was thrilled to be able to support the excellence of local businesses.

There's no denying 2009 was a tough year for business in the Channel Islands. But that did not stop many defying the odds. Many businesses displayed innovation, reinvention and resilience to economic pressures which is testament to the entrepreneurial flair that flourishes here in Jersey.

Acorn Mortgages emerged as overall Business of the Year for 2009.   The firm, who also won the Altis Partners Medium Business of the Year Award, fought off competition from Cooper and Co (winners of the NatWest Small Business Award) and the Jersey Trust Company (winners of the Play.com Large Business Award), for the top spot.

The four awards were among nine presented, including Guiton Group Ambassador of the Year, won by the Band of the Island of Jersey, and the Condor Ferries Community Award, won by Barbara Frost. For as full report of the winners – please click here.

This year’s key note speaker was entrepreneur and life peer Karan Faridoon Bilimoria. Baron Bilimoria co-founded Cobra Beer. Trudi and I were even lucky enough to join him at his table and sample some of his coveted Cobra Beer! (Click here for photos).

Now in their eighth year, the awards remain one of the most popular and high profile gala events in the Jersey calendar and Deals in Heels will certainly be hosting a table next year.