‘Household name’ district-based company recognised at business awards
Winchester City Council has awarded the Millennium Egg to local ice cream makers Jude’s at the 2024 Winchester Business Excellence Awards.
The Egg recognises individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to the economy of the district. It was presented to Aedan Goodenough and Kim Elliot from Jude’s by Winchester City Council Chief Executive Laura Taylor at the awards, which took place on Thursday 30 May in Winchester College.
Jude’s, which has been operating for 20 years, is recognised as one of Britain’s leading ice cream brands, with over 100 Great Taste Awards and supplying top restaurants, chefs, and retailers. Jude’s has demonstrated consistent innovation in its business, introducing ice cream for dogs and Little Jude’s lollies for children made with less sugar. It is also increasing its range of plant-based products to 75% of their retail range.
One of the first businesses in the Winchester district to be awarded B Corp status - a verification which recognises a company’s high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability – Jude’s has a target of a 43% reduction of carbon emissions by 2030.
It has installed solar panels on its factory in Twyford and also has the UK’s first walk-in freezer with solar panels.
James Wright, Managing Director of Jude’s, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive the Millennium Egg Award. A big thank you to all the brilliant team at Jude’s who have worked tirelessly – and with a lot of ice cream-fuelled fun - to make this possible. We are proud to call Hampshire home and we are extremely grateful for the recognition.”
Laura Taylor, Chief Executive of Winchester City Council, said:
“It is a great honour to present this lifetime achievement award to a business right in the heart of our beautiful rural district which has become a household name, its products sold the length and breadth of the country - as well as in our own award-winning Visitor Information Centre.
“In addition to working hard to tread lightly on the planet, Jude’s values the fantastic team who make it all happen - they employ around 50 local people. They also support the community in Winchester and beyond through charity work, events and educational programmes. We heartily congratulate the whole Jude’s team and wish the company continued success for many years to come.”
The Millennium Egg, a crafted ornament, was originally donated to the council by Jeremy France of Jeremy France Jewellers.
The annual Winchester Business Excellence Awards are organised by Newsquest in association with Winchester BID and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.
Winchester City Council also sponsored the Creative and Cultural Award which was presented by Winchester City Council Strategic Director Dawn Adey on the night to Ghurka Museum.