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THE glittering Newsquest Business Awards ceremonies have grown into huge impressive social events since their humble beginnings 20 years ago.

The first event of its kind was started in 1994 in Basildon at the local Holiday Inn with a small gathering of 100 people.

It was a far cry from the glamourous, black-tie, light-show extravaganzas held today, where hundreds of glammed-up people pack venues such as the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff, the Towngate Theatre in Basildon and Charter Hall in Colchester.

The awards were originally put on as an off-shoot to a business supplement then put out by Newsquest, to help develop a healthy local economy and raise company awareness, as well as provide networking opportunities.