We were proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of the Manx community and honoured to have been a Category Partner at this year’s Awards for Excellence, hosted by Media Isle of Man.
Now in its 19th year, the Isle of Man Awards for Excellence showcase outstanding achievement in business and community initiatives.
The night of celebrations at Villa Marina Royal Hall started with a mesmerising performance from Skeealyn Vannin, a group of talented Manx performers who tell the tales of the island’s rich culture through dance, folk song and drama. The name ‘Skeealyn Vannin’ translates to ‘Stories of Mann’, and that’s exactly what they aim to share: the voices, traditions, and tales of the Isle of Man. Very fitting for a night to highlight the incredible talent that the Isle of Man has to offer.
More than an awards ceremony, the night serves as a platform to encourage entrepreneurship and collaboration, and highlights the success stories that make the Isle of Man a vibrant place to live, work and create. Celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Manx community with a wide variety of categories, our island recognised all the amazing talent it held over the past year. This year, we were delighted to sponsor the New Business of the Year Award, which was presented to Grain and Vine, founded by Rikki Dunnage and Edward Cox. Congratulations to the team for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the island’s desirable business landscape.
The panel of independent judges from the business communities explained, “Grain and Vine is a locally owned premium bar in the heart of Douglas on Victoria Street, offering the island’s largest selection of draught beers alongside a curated range of spirits. Judges praised the business for elevating the local evening economy by creating a high-quality space where customers can explore exceptional drink options with a strong focus on local flavour. The bar’s commitment to supporting Manx producers reflects a clear community ethos, while its extensive drinks range provides a distinctive experience within the island’s hospitality scene. Grain and Vine’s approach blends craftsmanship, atmosphere and service, helping to set a new benchmark for premium venues. The panel noted the business’s early impact and the waves it is already making within the sector, highlighting its potential for continued growth as part of the wider revitalisation of Douglas nightlife.”
We were delighted to see Culture Vannin as the chosen charity for the evening, reflecting the importance of preserving and promoting our unique heritage alongside celebrating the progress of innovation, collaboration, and recognition.
Every nominee represents a story of ambition, success, and proof that the Isle of Man is home to extraordinary talent and vision. We couldn’t be prouder of our island community and the success stories that make this Island so special.
