An innovative car-sharing company, a firm that provides Omega-3 ingredients, and a radio equipment executive were among those honoured at the 2010 Halifax Business Awards Thursday.

The awards, sponsored by The Globe and Mail, celebrated their 10th year, recognizing local businesses and business people at a dinner in Halifax.

“It is inspiring to look at this group of winners, to see their optimism, their confidence, their resilience, and share in their successes,” said Valerie Payn, president of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the awards. There were gold, silver and bronze in each category.

Business of the Year went to Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd., a producer of Omega-3 powders, which allow “your products to have the goodness of fish, without the taste or smell of fish,” the company says.

From only four employees in 1997, it has grown to more than 300.

The New Business of the Year was CarShareHFX, a startup car-sharing service in Halifax. It allows businesses, government agencies, households and individuals to benefit from car use without actually owning a vehicle. Its president, Pam Cooley, has worked as an ethical consultant and in Guatemalan refugee camps.

Peter Conlon, president and chief executive officer of Nautel Ltd., was chosen as Business Person of the Year. Mr. Conlon was appointed to the position in 2006, after a number of executive stints at companies with global operations, and has overseen a large expansion of the company’s engineering, sales and marketing and support staff. Nautel makes broadcast transmitters and radio beacons, with customers in more than 170 countries, according to the company.

Business of the Year

Gold
- Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd.

Silver
- Clayton Developments Ltd.

Bronze
- Lydon Lynch Architects Ltd.

Business Person of the Year

Gold
- Peter Conlon, Nautel Ltd.

Silver
- Gordon Stevens, The Uncommon Group of Companies

Bronze
- Mike Hachey, Egg Films and Hatch Post

New Business of the Year

Gold
- CarShareHFX

Silver
- The Hub Space People Innovation Inc.

Bronze
- CEDIF Management Ltd.

Small Business of the Year

Gold
- Lean Machine Healthy Vending Service Ltd.

Silver
- Nurtured (Nurtured Products for Parenting Inc.)

Bronze
- Biscuit General Store