The home of the wartime code breakers was named Business of the Year and Mr Winkelman received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the sell-out event last night (Thursday).
MK BAA Business of the Year, sponsored by The Open University, is chosen by the judges from the winners of each category.
Judging panel chairman Sir John Southby said The Bletchley Park Trust, which also won the Leisure & Entertainment Award and which has gone from being threatened with demolition to become an international heritage site, was “exciting, dynamic and innovative”.
Sir John added: “We were most impressed with their strategy, development and constant improvement. Their tenacity to move forward has meant their great success is a triumph, recognised within the Milton Keynes area and beyond."
The MK BAA Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Barclays, is given to an individual or organisation that makes an outstanding contribution to the business community, raising the profile of their own sector, organisation and that of Milton Keynes in a positive way.
There was a standing ovation as Mr Winkelman’s name was read out by compere Kate Adie.
Pictured with Jon Corbett, Barclays director corporate banking, and Dr Philip Smith, chair of awards organiser Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, Mr Winkelmantold guests he was stunned to have been chosen and said building a football team, the stadium and the developments they brought was the result of Milton Keynes working in partnership with each other.
“That is what makes us special,” he said.
He said he felt "a bit of a fraud". Last year’s choice, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, had won F1 world championships… "and we can’t get out of the Third Division," he joked.
Winner: G2 Energy
COMMUNITY IMPACT sponsored by Destination Milton Keynes
Winner: The Parks Trust
Winner: Worldwide Logistics
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE sponsored by Keens Shay Keens
Winner: Shoosmiths
NEW BUSINESS sponsored by Invest Milton Keynes
Winner: Formula Fast Indoor Karting
Winner: Giovanni’s Downtown Gelato
Winner: Bletchley Park Trust
HOSPITALITY sponsored by Milton Keynes College
Winner: Bistro Live
Winner: FSG Property Services
Winner: White Leopard
Winner: DR Studios
Winner: Bletchley Park Trust
Winner: Pete Winkelman
The event was organised by Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership in association with full service marketing agency Interdirect and event management specialist Evolution Live.
MKBLP chair Dr Philip Smith said: “By being innovative, dynamic, and open to new ways of doing things, businesses in Milton Keynes achieve great things every single day, and tonight we recognise them for what they are – truly inspiring.”
