Revolutionising data

In his timely and engaging presentation, Paul explained how both the internet and the cloud are revolutionising the way the world uses data. Through the cloud, over 200 million emails are sent every 60 seconds and OGL’s Data Centre stores one million gigabytes of data. By 2020, it has been estimated that businesses will allocate significantly more of their IT budget to the cloud than traditional IT services.

He later explained the importance of cyber security, stating that the National Crime Agency claims cyber crime has surpassed traditional crime in the UK. Studies have suggested that 74% of businesses will have a security incident in 2016, with an average cost of a security breach at £35,000. Whilst many SME’s think their business is too small to be of interest to a hacker, Paul explained that all businesses are susceptible to a cyber security breach. He explained the problems that small businesses face, instances of SEO fraud and the best way delegates can protect their businesses.

Best Visitor Attraction

Malvern Hills Geo Park, Malvern
Go Ape, Kidderminster
Little Owl Farm, Stourport-on- Seven
Clives Fruit Farm, Upton-upon- Seven

Best Hotel

The Cotford, Malvern
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, Worcester
The Broadway, Broadway

Best Guest Accommodation

The Talbot Newnham Bridge, Nr Tenbury Wells
The Dell House, Malvern
Green Farm B&B, Crowle Green Nr Worcester

Best Self Catering 

Worcester City Centre Cottage, Worcester
Dell House, Malvern
Phepson Farm SC, Droitwich

Best Touring, Camping and Holiday Park

Canvas & Clover, Worcester
Rosebud Meadow Glamping, Welland
Shepherds Hut, Upton-Upon- Severn

Best Festivals & Events (Community)

Upton Blues Festival, Upton-Upon- Severn
Malvern Festival of Innovation, Malvern
Pershore Plum Festival, Pershore
Tenbury Mistletoe Festival, Tenbury Wells

Best Festivals & Events (Commercial)

Sunshine Festival, Upton Upon Severn
Royal Horticulture Society Malvern Spring Festival, Malvern
The Palace Theatre, Redditch

Best Conference Venue

Three Counties Showground, Malvern
Bank House Hotel, Bransford
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, Worcester

Best Eating Out

The Cotford Hotel, Malvern
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, Worcester
The Talbot Newnham Bridge, Nr Tenbury Wells

Best Food Producer

Croome Cuisine, Worcester
Clives Fruit Farm, Upton-Upon- Severn

The Visit Worcestershire Awards for Excellence celebrate the fantastic tourism businesses in the county; from family run hotels to fine dining restaurants, local food producers and unique visitor attractions. The Winner, Highly Commended and Commended from each category and county will be revealed at a grand Awards ceremony at Eastnor Castle on Tuesday 20 September to which all finalists will be invited.