Lorraine encourages entries as Torbay Business Awards are launched

For Lorraine Arnold ‘award-winning’ aren’t just words describing how good her business is.

And for the owner of Pier Point Bar & Restaurant on the Torquay waterfront, awards aren’t about ego or shelf space.

As the 2026 Torbay Business Awards are launched, Lorraine insists they’re about standards, they’re about people and they’re about putting Torbay firmly on the national map.

That belief is one of the reasons Pier Point is proud to sponsor a category in the Torbay Business Awards this year — ensuring that the food and drink sector, which plays such a vital role in the Bay’s economy and identity, is properly recognised.

Lorraine says: “Hospitality is the heartbeat of Torbay. We create experiences that bring people together.

“We employ local people, champion regional suppliers, support charities and help shape how visitors perceive our destination. It’s important that our sector has the opportunity to stand tall alongside every other industry.”

At Pier Point, entering awards has become part of the business culture. The team regularly competes at national level, not simply for the prestige, but for what the process represents.

Lorraine says: “Entering awards is like an MOT for your business. It forces you to step back and evaluate everything — your systems, your customer service, your sustainability, your financial performance, your team culture.

“You have to evidence what you’re doing well and identify where you can improve. That discipline makes you sharper.”

The results speak for themselves. Pier Point proudly holds the Q Award for quality and has been recognised the past few years at a national level for the restaurant, takeaway and quality.

Last summer, the restaurant was listed in The Sunday Times’ Top Fish and Chip Restaurants — a significant national endorsement that brought attention not just to the business, but to Torbay as a destination for exceptional seafood.

Most recently, team member Charlie James achieved national recognition as a Top 5 finalist for Young Fish Frier of the Year — a huge accomplishment in one of the most competitive categories in the industry.

Lorraine says: “That was such a proud moment. It demonstrates what’s possible when you invest in people. Our team is everything. When they succeed, we all succeed.”

Beyond commercial success, Pier Point remains deeply rooted in community support. The business has raised significant funds for Rowcroft Hospice and continues to champion The Fishermen’s Mission — causes that resonate strongly within a coastal town built on maritime heritage.

“We have a responsibility as business owners,” Lorraine says. “Success isn’t just about profit — it’s about impact. Supporting local charities and our fishing community is part of who we are.”

This ethos of raising standards and giving back is why sponsoring the Torbay Business Awards feels so important.

Lorraine says: “When one local business gains recognition, it lifts the perception of all of us.

“We’re not competitors when it comes to reputation — we’re collaborators. The stronger our collective offering, the stronger Torbay becomes.”

She believes awards provide a powerful platform for local operators to reflect, celebrate and grow.

She says: “Sometimes as business owners we’re so busy delivering day to day that we forget to acknowledge how far we’ve come.

“Awards make you pause. They give your team something to rally behind. They provide credibility. And they inspire others to push a little harder.”

For Lorraine, the goal is simple: raise the bar, together.

She says: “We want Torbay to be known not just for its coastline, but for quality. For innovation. For professionalism. We can compete nationally — we’ve proved that. Now it’s about creating more opportunities for others to step into that spotlight.”

Through sponsorship, participation and leadership, Pier Point continues to champion a hospitality sector that is ambitious, resilient and forward-thinking.

Because when Torbay shines, everyone benefits.

The Torbay Business Awards 2026 have now been officially launched — and they promise to be bigger and better than ever before.

We have new categories and new sponsors for this year’s awards, which have become  the highlight of the business calendar in the Bay.

Torbay Business Awards 2026

Entries are now open for companies and individuals to enter  —   and don’t forget you can nominate somebody else and the Torbay Weekly team will help with the entry process to make sure they enter.

We would like to welcome new category sponsors Spirent and Pier Point on board this year. Next week they will be telling us why they have decided to support the awards.

This year’s shortlisted finalists and gala night will take place at the Riviera International Centre on June 5.

All the details of timelines, how to enter and how to buy tickets for the big night at the Riviera International Centre are online. You can use the QR code or the website link https://www. nationalworldevents.com/tbba-2026/

Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker said: “I would like to thank headline sponsors Torbay Council and all our other partners, old and new, for their support.

“This is an opportunity for businesses in the Bay to stick their heads above the parapet and shout about what they or others do for them because there are some tremendous success stories out there and we should be celebrating all of them. 

“Last year we had more than 300 people at the finals night. Let’s see if we can make it 400 this year. My appeal is simple: please enter.”

Categories and sponsors for this year are as follows:

Inspiring Employer of the Year Award — South Devon College (University Centre South Devon)

Best New Business Award — Stagecoach

Business Community Champion Award — Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez

Small Business of the Year — Torbay Business Forum

Rising Star Award — Princess Theatre

Greener Futures Award — Wollens Solicitors

James Wright Award for Inspirational Leader — Majestic Holidays

Innovation Award — Spirent

Best Marketing Initiative — Sally Allen-Gerard, Marketing and PR Business Consultant 

Best English Riviera Tourism and Hospitality Experience Award — English Riviera BID Company

Best Food and Drink Award — Pier Point Torquay

Unsung Hero Award — Newton Abbot Racecourse

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year — Inter-Line

Sport Award — Torquay United

Overall Winner — sponsored by Torbay Council — not open for nominations

Lifetime Award for Community chosen and presented by Torbay Weekly Editor Jim Parker and not open for nominations

Lifetime Award for Contribution to Business chosen and presented by Torbay Weekly Editor Jim Parker and not open for nominations