A NEW awards event has been launched celebrating businesses in Colchester.

The Colchester Town Centre Business Awards is running for the first time this year.

Delivered by Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID), the event will celebrate excellence in business in the area.

Here we take a look at the businesses which have been nominated in the best new business category. 

Victoria Yum, Lion Walk

Kiersten Donohue, head baker and owner of Victoria Yum, relocated her bakery from Hackney, in London, to Colchester.

The bakery’s cakes and bakes have graced the counters of upmarket department stores including Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason.

It serves fresh cakes, brownies and all-day brunch, alongside drinks including champagne and prosecco.

Home Kitchen Eco, Crouch Street

The business which launched last year offering essential refillables and freshly prepared food delivered to your door.

It also offers gluten-free, nutritious meals as well as drinks.

Husband and wife team Tom, 31, and Charlotte, 34, Springett are behind the project.

The Colchester shop is the Mersea couple's second after their successful launch in Lavenham, in Suffolk.

Rock Your Curves, Short Wyre Street

The business is the only bridal shop in town catering solely for curvy brides.

Their unique boutique is a haven for brides who are looking for a shop where they can feel excited, comfortable, and confident when choosing the most important dress of their life.

Hank’s, Culver Street West

Hank's serve a range of breakfasts, brunches, coffees, sandwiches and fast food.

Geoffrey Bligh and partner Philip Rivers already run four vegan eateries in Suffolk under their business name Peninsula Vegan Foods, but this venue is their first one in Essex.

Hank’s Deli and Hank’s Dirty, which offers an cruelty-free fast food menu, are combined into one location in Culver Street West.

Kintsu, North Hill

Paul Wendholt, who until the end of October ran Grain with business partner Jordan Sidwell, opened the doors his new venture last summer.

The experienced chef raised more than £28,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to get the new business off the ground last year.

The restaurant is in the same premises as Grain however a number of layout changes have been implemented at the premises, with new equipment and furniture also installed.

DGSL, High Street

Single father Gareth Tansey set up Dr G’s Sneaker Laundry turning his passion for repairing people’s used trainers - or kicks - into a business idea.

After the business outgrew his garden shed he moved into the garage, before opening inside a unit in Colchester High Street, next to the entrance to Red Lion Yard.

The new shop, rebranded Dr G’s, or DGSL after a suggestion from singer Robbie Williams, offers restoration and repairs to trainers, shoes, handbags and boots - all of which will set you back much less than a new pair.

He can also offer bespoke and unique designs for people who want their kicks to stand out.

The winners will be revealed at the black tie event on May 4 in Moot Hall in Colchester Town Hall.

Tickets to the ceremony, starting at 6pm, can be bought at bit.ly/353veSo.