Commercial photography firm takes top prize in Nottingham Creative Business Awards

COMMERCIAL photographers Chris Burks and Rob Smalley have snapped up an award which says they are the best creative business in Nottingham.

The two, who run Nottingham-based Scene Photography, were last night named Creative Business of the Year at the Nottingham Creative Business awards – the showcase event which puts firms in one of the key sectors of the city economy in the spotlight.

Coun Jon Collins, leader of Nottingham City Council, hailed the breadth of the talents that he said had boosted the economy and helped put Nottingham on the international map.

He said: "Nottingham is proud to celebrate its vibrant and creative community by hosting the Nottingham Creative Business Awards.

"The city is buzzing with the most amazing musicians, photographers, graphic designers, writers, fashion designers, artists and film makers and we are delighted to be able to honour their dedication to the creative sector.

"The innovation of these businesses and the international recognition many of them have has helped put Nottingham on the creative map, which in turn has made a real difference to the local and wider economy."

Hundreds of people attended last night's ceremony at the Council House, with Scene named overall winner after a series of awards that highlighted achievement in a range of creative industries.

Scene's clients include some of the biggest names in business, including luxury car firm Bentley, Alliance Boots, power firm E.on, fashion brand George at Asda, travel operator Thomas Cook and cereal giant Weetabix.

Scene also won the Fast graphics-sponsored best photography award.

Other award winners were:

Architecture, Urban & Interior Design – Sponsored by Greater Nottingham Partnership

Michon Creative

Building clear, consistent and successful brands is a core part of everything Michon does. With the right blend of talented designers, marketers, and copywriters, they have grown from strength to strength to become a full service agency with clients who've been with them for more than 15 years.

Digital Media – Sponsored by South Nottingham College

Your Wardrobe Unlock'd

Your Wardrobe Unlock'd is a website providing accurate, practical and professional information on the re-creation of historical clothing for costume makers working in historic locations, in re-enactment or in the theatre, fashion students and makers of bridal wear. The website has over 250 paying members worldwide.

Music & Performing Arts – Sponsored by New College Nottingham

Nottingham Playhouse

Nottingham Playhouse Trust is a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity. For 60 years it has been producing bold and thrilling theatre in Nottingham. Through its education company Roundabout, it also takes smaller plays and groundbreaking educational workshops into schools and colleges.

Product Design – Sponsored by Nottingham City Council

QByke

Quadrabyke or QByke is a new play bike for youngsters aged three to six which is three bikes in one. It quickly adapts to suit a child's growing confidence from a four wheel mini quad bike to a trike and then a first bike.

Film and TV – Sponsored by Broadway

Fourmost Films

Providing high definition video production services and training nationwide, Fourmost Films was founded by actor/producer Tim Smith in 2005. Tim was a professional actor in television, film and radio and now enjoys all aspects of media production. His credits include Dream Team (Sky One), Hollyoaks (Channel 4), Holby City (BBC) and The Bill (ITV).

Writing & Publishing – Sponsored by the Arts Council

LeftLion Magazine

LeftLion Magazine is an independent culture and entertainments publication covering Nottinghamshire put together by a team of voluntary contributors. It recently celebrated its fifth birthday.

Crafts – Sponsored by Blue Lias Marketing

Katrin Moye Ceramics

Katrin Moye designs and makes wheel-thrown decorative domestic ware, made from earthenware clay and hand decorated. The surface patterns and colours used are mainly inspired by textiles such as vintage clothes, period interiors and soft furnishings. Several of her designs are based on her memories of items such as picture books, handmade clothes and everyday paraphernalia from her childhood.

Visual Arts – Sponsored by One Nottingham

Moot Gallery

Established in 2005, Moot has come to be recognised as one of the most important independent galleries in the East Midlands. Moot has grown at an unprecedented rate Last year, Moot was selected as one of the top five Upcoming Galleries by The Times and one of the top 10 Galleries by the Independent.

Graphics & Advertising – Sponsored by St Tropez

Winner: Nick Chaffe

Nick is a freelance graphic designer who has worked with some of the best people in the business. His work focuses on art direction, branding, typography and illustration. His recent projects include brand identity for Nottingham's Jam Café.