Winners at the Echo's Southend Business awards received an unexpected bonus prize - a slap-up lobster dinner for two on the banks of the Thames.

Supplied in sealed envelopes by the chairman of judges, John Harland, the surprise extra provided a complete meal at the Westcliff Casino. It was described by one winner, Gareth Crouch, as "gold on gold".

The glittering black-tie event at the Cliffs Pavilion brought the Southend awards, founded in 1996, into their second decade.

Ron Price, mayor of Southend and a guest at the awards, said: "They long ago became established as the prime event for the local business community, and they also offer a great night out for all concerned, for winners and runners-up alike."

The evening kicked off with a Champagne reception, sponsored by Brazen Hussy, before moving on to a three-course banquet in the Cliffs Pavilion, specially cleared and decorated for the occasion. As usual, the awards were presented Oscar-style from the stage of the Cliffs Pavilion.

A total of 30 awards were presented to local firms and private individuals for their achievements in all aspects of business.

There was a particularly strong emphasis on what Carol Anson-Higgs, head of business development at South East Essex College, called; "the one word that is the most important thing in business at any level, people."

The culmination of the evening, described by the Echo's events manager Marian O'Connor as "the one that absolutely everyone is waiting to hear," was the keenly contended Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

It went to Stuart Cully, founder and director of the gym Cully's Access to Fitness.

Other finalists for the Young Entrepreneur title were Stephanie Dilgert, of Calm-a-therapy, Susan marks of the Premier Will Writing consultancy, Daniel Puddick of Affordable Services and Owen Williams of Sixredsquares.