Gef’s Awards For Excellence Recap!

If you spotted someone enthusiastically dancing last night at the Awards for Excellence, no you didn’t.

Yes, Gef might have had a glass (or three) too many of red wine.

But who can blame me? The 18th annual celebration at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina, was an absolute belter!

Organised by Media Isle of Man, the event brought together a sell-out crowd to honour the crème de la crème of Manx life across the public, private, and third sectors, with a sprinkle of individual brilliance for good measure.

Hosted by journalist and author Richard Hollingham, the night was packed with heartwarming speeches, stellar performances, and enough glitz to outshine the disco ball (which, sadly, wasn’t invited).

This year’s awards spotlighted the Isle of Man’s UNESCO Biosphere status, reminding us that our little island isn’t just punching above its weight — it’s practically floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee.

But let’s get down to business — here’s the full rundown of the night’s big winners, plus a tip of the hat to the sponsors who made it all possible.

And the winners are…

The Isle of Man Creamery Award for Celebrating Local Food and Drink: The Fish Market.

Fresh fish that deserves a standing ovation!

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Award for Nurturing our Arts, Culture and Heritage: Hello Little People in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust.

Proof that education and conservation are a power couple!

The Barclays Award for Employer of the Year : Hospice Isle of Man.

Setting the gold standard for care inside and out!

The Annexio Award for Small/Medium Enterprise of the Year: Synapse360.

Tech wizards doing what they do best!

The Ørsted Award for Environmental Initiative of the Year: Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture – Energy Policy Team.

Making green dreams a reality!

The Standard Bank Award for Education and Learning Initiative of the Year: Willaston, Dhoon and Laxey Schools.

Shaping young minds like absolute pros!

The Zurich Award for Sustainable Business of the Year: Comis Hotel & Golf Resort.

Where luxury meets eco-chic!

The London Institute of Business and Technology Award for Leader of the Year: John Knight, CEO Hospice Isle of Man.

Leadership goals personified!

The Utmost International Award for Community Initiative of the Year: Crossroads.

Supporting the supporters – legends!

The Ramsey Crookall Award for Business of the Year: International Financial Group.

Crushing it in the corporate world!

The MMC Award for Digital Innovation of the Year: Computer Network Defence.

Your favourite cybersecurity superheroes!

The TopCare Nursing Agency Award for Health and Wellbeing Initiative of the Year: Mannin Doctors.

Healthcare with heart!

The Whittles Award for Excellence in Customer Service: Ruth Cooil Physiotherapy and Healthcare Services.

Raising the bar for care, one smile at a time!

The Celton Manx Award for New Business of the Year: Two Feathers Productions.

Fresh talent, big impact!

The Duke Travel Award for Teams Working Together: Isle of Man TT Marshals.

Teamwork at 200mph – no big deal!

The Isle of Man Government Award for Freedom to Flourish: The Isle of Man Flying School.

Soaring through the sky – literally!

The Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir Mark Cavendish KBE.

The ultimate legend of two wheels!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS AND FINALISTS!

The morning after…

Despite trying to get Jersey Boys top songs out of our heads, and the RAGING hangover, Gef is still smiling.

The Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence wasn’t just a celebration of winners — it showcased everything that makes the Isle of Man magical: community, innovation, and good old-fashioned determination.

Massive thanks to the sponsors, the organisers, and the shortlist legends who made it an unforgettable night.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, Gef’s off to nurse a red wine headache and practice some slightly more dignified dance moves for next year. Same time, same place?