Local economy champion gets a bite of the egg
The prestigious millennium egg has this year been awarded to Stephen Gates, former Managing Director of Denplan. The egg was presented at the Winchester Business Excellence Awards on Friday 2 June by Winchester City Council’s Chief Executive, Laura Taylor.
The Egg is Winchester’s equivalent to the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Oscar for the local economy. It is awarded in celebration of local people and organisations that have made a significant and sustained contribution to the economy of the District.
Laura Taylor, Chief Executive of Winchester City Council, commented:
I am absolutely delighted to be making my first special award to a very deserving recipient. Stephen Gates was the former Managing Director of Denplan. This entrepreneurial Winchester based business employs around 350 people locally and during his time there, Steve was instrumental in building the business into the leading provider in the UK, among both dentists and vets. Alongside leading a household brand, he has always supported the local business community chairing the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Winchester Area Committee. Steve has made significant contributions to economy of the District as well as showing that Winchester is a great place to do business.
Stephen was delighted to receive the accolade:
I am honoured to receive the Millennium Egg. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in this beautiful city for more than 20 years, and continue to be an active part of the business community here. Whilst my day-job has changed, I shall continue as the chair of the Winchester Area Committee of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Winchester City Council, Winchester Business Improvement District, and many other partners all working towards the common goal of an even better Winchester economy.
The ornate egg was crafted by Jeremy France Jewellers in 2000, who then donated it to Winchester City Council for use as an annual award. Previous award winners have included the late Graham Jamieson of the Wykeham Arms pub, Barbara Bryant who headed up the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry for many years, Hampshire Farmers’ Market, Winchester Hat Fair, Winchester Cathedral, Mohamed Bakhaty, Chris Turner of the Winchester Business Improvement District, Jim Sawyer of London and Clancy, Richard Steele of Richard Steele and Partners, Tim Jackson, Principal at Sparsholt College, Charles Barter of the Watercress Company, David Webb of the Federation of Small Businesses and last year to Stewart Dunn former Managing Director of Newsquest. It is displayed throughout the year with a collection of civic silver outside the Bapsy Conference Chamber at Guildhall Winchester.