Commenting on the winners, Russell Davis, Director of Sales for headline sponsor, Orange, said: “The quality of finalists this year has been outstanding, making many of the judging decisions very close calls. All the winners displayed resilience and determination to succeed in what has undoubtedly been a challenging environment, and it is organisations such as these that will help to stimulate renewed growth in the local economy”.
London-based Sara Murray, founder of buddi, the world’s smallest assisted GPS personal tracker with emergency support, was presented with the much sought after Entrepreneur of the Year Award for her exceptional leadership and vision. Philip Forrest, Chairman of Judges, The National Business Awards said: “After a closely fought contest between a number of extremely worthy entries the judges agreed Murray exhibited the vision, courage, determination and risk management skills that are the hallmark of the entrepreneur.”
Xmo Strata Ltd, the Marden-based filling station refurbishment and re-signaging company, won the Health, Work & Well-being Award for Small Business. The judges were impressed by the remarkable change in culture it has achieved through a mixture of leadership, innovation and employee engagement fuelled by regulatory challenges and growth.
The Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year trophy went to London’s Cantifix the architectural glazing and custom built glass structures specialist. “The success of this business has resulted in competitive advantage in both price and profits. The judging panel also recognised the organisation for the way it has tackled the socio-economic issues of the day”, said Philip Forrest, Chairman of Judges.
Ashes into Glass from Billericay won The IMechE Business Innovation of the Year Award for its greater commercial reach and innovative product development, whilst Apetito from Trowbridge, won The Customer Focus Award. “Apetito demonstrate passion, innovation and commitment whilst driving a ‘can do’ culture. They consistently get it right for the customer and the service they provide in the community goes way beyond the extra mile”, said Kim Leitch, Guest Chair of Judges for the awards category.
The Employer of the Year Award went to London’s HostelBookers. The organisation clearly demonstrated how training and communication has been completely overhauled to inspire staff to help motivate and deliver tangible success.
“Exactly the calibre of company The National Business Awards are made for. It positively oozes excellence,” said Lorraine Agnew, Programme Director, The National Business Awards, when Patersons HR and Payroll Solutions, Salisbury, was presented with The Growth Strategy of the Year Award. “Patersons HR and Payroll Solutions showed exceptional tenacity and commitment in brining their software for payroll and HR services to the market”, Agnew added.
When asked to comment overall on this year’s winners, Russell Davis, Director of Sales for headline sponsor, Orange, said: “At Orange we know that winning recognition in The National Business Awards is a huge achievement and the success of each winner should be highlighted so that suppliers, partners and customers know that they are dealing with an organisation that is forward thinking and vibrant in its approach to business thinking”.
To obtain further information and see the full list of winners and finalists visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk/
Regional business excellence rewarded
