INDEPENDENT retailer James Graven & Sons Ltd stole the show at last night’s Fenland Enterprise Business Awards by winning three awards - including the overall Business of the Year.

The family-run company based in Chatteris - which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary - came out on top in the Medium Business of the Year Award and in the Environment and Community Impact Award.

The panel of judges who picked James Graven & Sons said as the overall winner said: “Jonathan James has grown his family business not only increasing profits, but through his leadership, dedicated management and loyal staff, he has built a reputation as a successful local retailer.

“His interest in the environment and community is genuine, encouraging customer and staff input at every opportunity which makes James Graven & Sons Ltd a worthy winner of business of the year.”

James Graven runs two garage forecourts in Chatteris - in Bridge Street and West Park Street - as well as a forecourt in Ely and supermarkets in Soham and Dersingham.

Company operations director Jonathan James was also a finalist in the Business Person of the Year Award, which was won by Keith Smith of the Ferry Project based in Wisbech.

Mr James said after picking up the main award: “I am absolutely delighted. To win three awards is fantastic and beyond my wildest dreams.”

Almost 200 people packed into the Braza in March last night as the awards, run by the Cambs Times/Wisbech Standard in association with numerous sponsors, were staged for the second time.

Guests were welcomed at the Braza by Editor John Elworthy, the chairmen of Cambridgeshire County Council and Fenland District Council and the Mayors from Fenland’s four towns.

Also among the guests were new North East Cambs MP Steve Barclay; Fenland District Council chief executive Sandra Claxton and executive director Paul Medd; council leader Alan Melton and deputy leader Mac Cotterell; sponsors and their guests and the judges.

Guests also enjoyed a champagne reception before a four-course meal.

For a full range of photographs from the evening, visit the gallery by clicking the link on the right of this page.