Seven of the east of England´s most inspirational men and women were recognised at this year´s Inspiration East Awards, a special programme arranged by LB Group to honour people who go above and beyond the call of duty to help others succeed.

The awards were presented by Stuart Galbraith, the successful music promoter who was responsible for the production for the 2005 Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, which attracted 200,000 people. In expressing admiration for those being honoured, he explained that they all had something in common. “You will find that most people who are very successful in business at some point have chosen to follow their heart rather than their head,” he said.

Also addressing the audience at the Waterfront in Chelmsford was internationally renowned actor, Stephen McGann, celebrity ambassador for the Princes Trust. LB Group has made a commitment to support this high profile charity, which works to help and support young people turn their lives around and make their way in the world.

Trevor Lake of LB Group said, “Choosing those to be honoured was not an easy task this year. The competition was very tough, and so the people that we have selected are all absolutely outstanding in their own way.

“These people make a huge difference to those around them. Inspiration East is a way to say ´thank you´ to those special individuals,” he added.

Amongst the winners were Fidel Cantantan, managing director of Colchester-based Jamesons Residential Care Home Ltd. He has been involved in care work for more than 30 years, and was recognised for his strong work ethic. He takes a “hands on” approach to caring, being involved in many different hands on aspects of the business from organising parties, to helping with shopping and cleaning, despite his senior role.

Ilford-based Jacquie Baines first met Margaret White at the YMCA in South Essex, whilst working as an administrator. Margaret helped her to start on the journey to becoming a professional counsellor – having spotted in Jacquie, what she called, “a natural empathy”. During this time Margaret was both an inspirational manager and knowledgeable career mentor.

Jacquie said, “Margaret chose to impart her experience and knowledge in such a way as to guide staff to their own conclusions. It served to bolster their self-belief and speed their learning.”

Dagenham-based Kathy Mason is a single parent of four who has faced personal challenges throughout her life, yet has striven to make a big impact in her professional life. The only woman employed by British Rail´s Minor New Works Overheads Team in Romford in the 90´s; she has spear-headed initiatives in racial harmony, the environment and acting as a champion for overlooked members of society.

Diana Barnard, the inspiration and driving force of successful outside caters, Barnard Catering. As Chair of a Felixstowe-based group, The Friends of St Felix, she was the driving force behind raising £20,000 within just six months, saving a home for visually impaired residents from closure.

Jackie Stoneman is the managing director of Select Recruitment and Key Personnel, a successful recruitment consultancy with offices in Suffolk, Essex and Poland. Her caring attitude and commitment to training and development has contributed to exceptional levels of staff retention in an industry where poaching is rife.

Zoe Compton was nominated by her boss, Chris Barnard at Ipswich-based P-tek Development Solutions, for her “can do” attitude. She takes a pro-active approach to customer care and has as a result fuelled the rapid growth of the business. He describes her as “absolutely indispensible.

”Norfolk-based Princes Trust adviser, Eric Shelley was nominated by James Beck. With Eric´s support, James was able to transform his life. When they first met, James was living in a hostel, having no home or job. Today he runs his own FIT4U a business committed to supporting children and adults tackle obesity.