Warrington Borough Council
Commenting on Warrington Borough Council's winning entry in the Best Employer category, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "The council demonstrated that by motivating and tapping into the talents and strengths of staff better services and more services can be delivered to customers. While others concentrate on reducing costs, Warrington opened up communication across the organisation, gave staff the opportunity to influence managers and make their own decisions. The culture now thrives on sharing and exchanging ideas. By changing the way its works and making effective use of employee engagement initiatives, the council is now delivering services that its customers actually want."
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BCR Associates
Commenting on the award for Best Service to BCR Associates, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "The 'BCR' of BCR Associates stands for business cost reduction and this is a must-have service for any company. I liked the product concept because it's crystal clear. Companies get a free audit of their business overheads - utilities, insurance, vehicles, finance and phones etc - and if BCR Associates can find a more suitable contract which is also cheaper, the client gets 100% of all the savings. Over the past year, BCR Associates has achieved total savings of £1,410,505 for clients. On average BCR Associates says clients can cut 27% from running costs but some firms have seen savings of more than 60%. A worthwhile service on all counts." View website

Living Room Letting Agency
Commenting on the award for Best Strategic Design to The Living Room Letting Agency, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "In a competitive area, this letting agency, now only three years old, took the view that branding was the best way to get noticed. And it took branding to the limit and down to the finest detail. The distinctive black and green logo and corporate design infiltrates everything including documents, cars, letting boards, websites, key rings and exhibition stands. The company is now planning to franchise the business - living proof that a brand is the most valuable asset a company has." View website

BT Community Connections
Commenting on the award in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility category which was awarded to the BT Community Connections award scheme, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "This scheme has made a real difference to many of the nine million people who do not use the internet. BT discovered that many non-users, often from socially disadvantaged groups, would like to get online but don't know how. Through the scheme, BT awards a charity or community group with free broadband access for a year enabling them to provide support to those who want to get online and make a real difference to their lives. Through the 7,000 awards made, millions have learnt how to use the internet to find cheaper goods, jobs, get information and make friends." View website

Paragon Interiors
Commenting on the award to Paragon Interiors Group Plc for Best Large Business, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Paragon Interiors has defied the recession and one of the worst ever downturns in the commercial property market to enjoy spectacular double-digit growth in every area in the past two years. At a time when many companies are pulling in their horns, Paragon Interiors has been busy building the company and is on target to increase turnover by a whopping 50% this year. With an enviable track record in repeat business from customers, the company also has a great attitude to valuing staff and setting high environmental standards." View website

Paragon Interiors
Commenting on the award to Paragon Interiors Group Plc for Best Employer, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "As a company Paragon Interiors specialises in creating outstanding environments in interior design. It is clear the company has also created an outstanding environment in the workplace, with initiatives such as extensive training, team building and employee engagement. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and Paragon Interiors has some remarkable figures for employee retention, excellence in performance rating and an absentee rate that many companies could only wish for. Congratulations to Paragon Interiors for focusing on employees as keenly as the company does on customers." View website

Finansbank
Commenting on the award to Turkey's Finansbank for Best New Product, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "It's highly refreshing to see a bank listen as closely as Finansbank has to its customers and bring out a new product - a no-fee credit card - that is clearly in line with what customers want to see. The stunning success of Fix Card, well beyond initial expectations, is a reflection of the fact that it was tailored to meet what customers perceived was a gap in the market. Well done to Finansbank for creating an outstanding new product with customers at the heart of the entire process."
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Increation
Commenting on the award for Best Customer Focus to Increation, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Increation puts customers at the centre of its activities recognising that it is vital to listen to their views and meet all their expectations. With a long list of glowing testimonials, it is clear the strategy works as the interior design company maintains excellent contact with the customer from initial inception to long after installation and even beyond. A champion of British craftsmanship, the company is also a champion of customer service at its best. Well done to Increation!"
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Resolution GB
Commenting on the award to Resolution GB Limited in the Best Small to Medium Sized Business Category, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "This is a great example of a company that spotted a niche market simply through observation. By noticing that businesses using Hewlett Packard (HP) large format printers had little support, completely changed the direction of the business. It set up a nationwide network of HP trained engineers and became a specialist business with a strong focus on first-class customer service. It is a small, agile business that time and time again succeeds in finding new niche areas. When the recession hit in 2008, it realised that 80% of its customers were in the building trade, which was badly hit. By targeting the public sector and developing a rental service for HP printers, it found new niche markets and actually managed to increase turnover." View website

Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work
Commenting on the award to Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work in the Best Customer Focus category, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "This is a new concept in prestigious business parks that aims to create a unique culture that makes work enjoyable and provides the perfect work/life balance. The customer care for new companies moving into the park has been fined tuned to perfection. Moving into new premises is stressful for any business but with the re-location service from Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work, guests can enjoy a bespoke service that caters for their every need. The relocation team starts the process 18 months before the move and on their first day new employees receive a welcome pack, a tour of the site and even a wine tasting session at the end of the day. If only more business parks were like this." View website

Nescot
Commenting on the award for Best Further and Higher Education provider to the North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot), Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "In seven years Nescot has undergone a remarkable turn around going from a failing college to one ranked as one of the best in the country. This has been achieved by a relentless strategy to raise standards and by focusing on quality and acting on feedback. Vocationally based, the college is also working with an impressive list of major corporations so its courses are relevant to employers and it has an outstanding department in Higher Education. Congratulations to Nescot for an amazing transformation!" View website

Solihull College
Commenting on the award for Best Communications (Public Sector) to Solihull College, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Solihull College's New Chapter campaign to showcase a £31 million redevelopment of its Blossomfield Campus successfully harnessed the latest technology with great success. The campaign, which featured a series of high quality videos which could be downloaded on smart phones or computers, was also highly cost effective so much so the college is now switching its promotional material to attract school leavers from the traditional printed prospectus to an online DigiMag. The highly successful New Chapter campaign shows Solihull College is leading the way in 21st century communications." View website

Cornwall Council
Commenting on the award for Best Local Authority to Cornwall Council, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "This relatively new unitary authority has turned around five failing areas in just two years at a time when local government has been under pressure like never before with budget cuts and the worst recession in decades. Identified as one of the "can do councils" in England, Cornwall Council has acted to save and improve frontline services for the benefit of residents and undertaken a range of initiatives to enhance Green Cornwall and re-invigorate communities. Recognised by the Audit Commission as providing value for money to the taxpayer, Cornwall Council has taken great strides to transform its services." View website

The Theatre Workshop
Commenting on the award for Outstanding Personal Achievement to Lora Munro, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Lora Munro has overcome a number of considerable challenges to build the leading brand for the part-time performing arts schools for children in the South. Growing at a rate of one new school a year since she started in 2004, Lora has focused on top-level tuition by teachers who have first-hand experience of professional performing in many leading productions. Congratulations to Lora for an outstanding achievement in a market crowded with many major players." View website

Peel2Save
Commenting on the award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility to Peel2Save, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "At a time when charities are feeling the pinch more than ever, Peel2Save offers an innovative new way for good causes to raise vital cash - and give something back to those who make the donations. It is an exceptional business model, tried and tested in the US and now gathering pace in the UK - and not before time. Congratulations to Nigel Botterill for making it such a success and finding a way to give a real boost to so many good causes." View website

Vision One
Commenting on the award for Best Product/Service Range to Vision One Research, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "In 12 years Vision One Research has gathered an impressive list of clients in the private and public sector, providing a wide range of market research services including some at the cutting edge of technology. The agency has maintained strong growth during the recession and its own research has shown that it has achieved an excellent level of customer satisfaction. In a market crowded with many major players, Vision One Research is an outstanding example of a smaller company achieving success by delivering a great range and service." View website

The Best Of
Commenting on the award to thebestof for Best Small to Medium Sized Business, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Politicians describe small businesses as the engines of growth and it is great to hear of a service giving independent traders a way of standing out so they are recognised as the best in an area. In these days when it is vital to have an edge in business, thebestof allows consumers to see at a glance which companies and services have been rated highly by those who matter the most - customers. Helping businesses, the consumer and communities, thebestof is an outstanding example of best business." View website

Avea
Commenting on the award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility to Avea, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Avea have shown themselves to be worthy winners by linking up with Europe's top football club to offer a breathtaking opportunity for talented young players from Turkey to learn from the best. The partnership with Barcelona FC is the latest in a series of highly commendable CSR initiatives by Avea - a company that is breaking the mould in helping communities. Avea aims to open paths where there was none before and the company is certainly achieving that goal." View website

City Building (Glasgow) LLP
Commenting on the Best Corporate Social Responsibility award to City Building (Glasgow) LLP, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said: "Many disabled people don't want sympathy and charity - just like everyone else they want to be able to go out to work and earn a living. And that's what furniture manufacturer Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries, part of City Building, has given to those less fortunate in society. Out of 240 employees, half have a disability. Some are visually impaired and four are war veterans from recent conflicts with one having lost his leg in Iraq. Blindcraft has given a job to those who deserve one and helped veterans and other disabled people rebuild their lives. The operation is now the largest workshop of its kind in Europe. This truly is a giant leap forward for social enterprise." View website

Purepotions Skincare Ltd
Commenting on the Best Small to Medium Business award to Purepotions Skincare Ltd, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said: "Driven by a mother's passion to find a solution for her daughter's severe dry skin condition, the company has come up with a new ointment that really works wonders for a number of itchy, uncomfortable skins conditions, such as, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Having a breakthrough like this is rare and being able to turn it into a successful business is even rarer. Despite some difficult times following the launch in 2002, a breakthrough came about a few years ago when editorial coverage was secured in a national newspaper. Business boomed and the way the company coped with its challenges is commendable." View website

Royal Bank of Scotland
Commenting on the award for Best New Product/Service to Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Technology Services, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said: "The Mobile Banking App is what every mobile phone owner would want. But at the moment it's only available to RBS and NatWest customers with an iPhone. They can download the App onto their iPhone and it's almost as functional as online banking. Users can view balances and mini-statements; make same day transfers between accounts, set up balance alerts; locate their nearest branch and top up a mobile phone. Between the launch in May 2011 and 8 July 2011, 750,000 customers have become an App user and customer satisfaction ratings are good. RBS is the first in the market with the Mobile Banking App and you have to remember, this is only the beginning."
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Compupaye Bureau
Commenting on Compupaye Bureau's Best Business Award for Best Product / Service Range, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Compupaye have demonstrated that despite the current difficult economic climate it is possible for a well run, focused business to grow and prosper. Their range of payroll services have proved extremely attractive especially coupled with their Customer Relationship Management system which is used as part of Compupaye's four-tier system for processing payrolls based on timesheets supplied by client companies. With customer growth and turnover on the up, the business is well positioned to go from strength to strength." View website

Jaspersoft
Commenting on Jaspersoft's award in the Best Innovation category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said: "The fact that Jaspersoft's open source business intelligence (BI) software is the most widely deployed suite in the world used by 14,000 customers in 100 countries speaks volumes. Helping companies of all sizes to sharpen their decision-making, Jaspersoft delivers reports, dashboards, analysis and data integration services. Data from reports across multiple sources can be interrogated and converted into charts and graphs for easy viewing and analysis. Virgin Money chose Jaspersoft for its non-for-profit Virgin Money Giving service to manage the participating charities, provide them with reports on donations and collect donations." View website

borro
Commenting on borro's award in the Best New Business category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said: "By creating the world's first online pawnbroking service, borro has taken money lending into a new era and formed a new category of lending. Borrowers can take out short-term loans of between £100 and £1 million secured against their assets, such as, luxury watches, fine art, antiques, jewellery and luxury cars. borro has been able to lend where other lenders are unwilling because of its in-house team of expert valuers. It has also taken advantage of the speed and low cost of the Internet. It has recently completed its first £1 million loan and lending has grown to £2 million a month up from £200,000 a month last year. borro has to be congratulated for putting a new spin on an age-old business." View website

Wicksteed Playscapes
Commenting on the award for Best Large Business to Wicksteed Playscapes, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Dating back almost 100 years, managers at Wicksteed Playscapes have taken the company firmly into the second decade of the 21st century with a complete rebranding operation that has transformed the company's image. With a range of exciting new products for outdoor play areas and a new focus on customer service and responding to customer feedback, the company has seen a big increase in turnover despite the difficult economic climate. Well done to Wicksteed Playscapes - a worthy winner!" View website

Merthyr Tydfil Contact Centre, T-Mobile
Commenting on the Best Employer award to the Merthyr Tydfil Contact Centre run by T-Mobile, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "This Contact Centre employing more than 650 people has struck the right note with a highly innovative training programme including Sing & Inspire in which employees have the opportunity to sing in one of the largest Welsh corporate choirs plus a range of other initiatives to increase engagement and personal development. The results have been startling with increases in sales, customer satisfaction and reduced absenteeism. The company is to be congratulated on creating an outstanding workplace."
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Serve Legal
Commenting on the Best Small/Medium Sized Business award to Serve Legal Ltd, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Serve Legal has broken new ground by launching the first professional service to test and monitor retailers including many large supermarket chains for compliance in selling age-restricted good such as alcohol and knives. Since being formed in 2006 the company has enjoyed spectacular growth and is now diversifying into new areas, creating new opportunities for the large pool of trained young people it employs as visitors or mystery shoppers. Serve Legal is an outstanding example of a company creating and developing a niche in the market with great success."
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Akbank
Commenting on the Best Corporate Social Responsibility award to Akbank of Turkey, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Akbank's highly innovative project No Time To Waste involves research, education and raising awareness of the issue of global warming and how it is already impacting on the environment. The project has identified key areas in Turkey most at risk while bank volunteers have now launched an education programme going into schools to raise awareness of the issue. Akbank deserves to be congratulated in taking a leading role on an issue of major concern and engaging with its employees and the local community in a very commendable way." View website

Mark Paraskeva, Autodesk
Commenting on the Best Outstanding Personal Achievement award to Mark Paraskeva, Vice President EMEA for Autodesk, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "In a glittering 28-year career, Mark Paraskeva has achieved considerable success in all areas of business including marketing, sales and management. At Autodesk he has driven profitability and growth in the EMEA region, building on his previous success in restructuring three country teams into a single North European division. This has been achieved in a very challenging economic climate and as Mark fought a brave battle against ill-health in 2007. A dynamic business leader, Mark Paraskeva is a most worthy winner of the award for Outstanding Personal Achievement." View website

Be At One
Commenting on the Best Small/Medium Sized Business award to Be At One, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "With a strong focus on training and great emphasis on service and creating the right atmosphere, London cocktail bar chain Be At One has experienced exceptional growth and consistently achieves high levels of customer service. Customers are actively encouraged to provide feedback and engage with the company in a very innovative way. Overall, Be At One has combined all the right ingredients to create an outstanding recipe for business success."
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Merthyr Tydfil Contact Centre, T-Mobile
Commenting on the Best Large Business award to Merthyr Tydfil Contact Centre, T-Mobile, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "The Contact Centre has seen a double digit increase in sales as a result of improved service to customers - an exceptional achievement in a highly competitive industry. With high levels of customer satisfaction, an active corporate and social responsibility programme and a range of indicators showing the company is engaging with employees as well as it does with customers, the Contact Centre is an excellent example of Best Large Business with dynamic, forward-thinking leadership."
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Avea
Commenting on Avea's Best Business Award for Best Innovation, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Avea's new SIM card developed in partnership with Gemalto means mobile phone users do not need to purchase a new phone to enjoy the benefits of contactless payments using Near Field Communications. Turkish mobile phone users are the first in the world to be able to use their handsets for a wide range of everyday transactions without having to upgrade their phones. This cutting edge innovation should deliver a significant revenue stream for Avea over the next few years."
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Lancashire County Council
Commenting on the Best Procurement award to Lancashire County Council, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Providing services to 650 schools throughout Lancashire, the county council has overcome the problem of mountains of paperwork by creating an innovative online portal which each school can access to give them key information on each service. Launched this year "My Traded Services" has been warmly welcomed by schools as making their job easier and saving them time in looking up details of Service Level Agreements. The council has ambitious plans to expand on its breakthrough which is an outstanding example of efficient and cost effective procurement." View website

Citu
Commenting on the Best Marketing, Private Sector, award to Citu, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "If greenhouses act to retain warmth, Citu's launch of its flagship eco-development Greenhouse in Leeds certainly fits the bill as the hottest ticket in town. The carefully planned marketing campaign to open the UK's most pioneering low carbon development was a major success both in raising awareness on a regional and national level and commercially in producing a highly impressive number of sales and lettings. The investment in marketing, with clearly established objectives, more than paid off in driving business. Well done on a brilliantly devised and executed campaign." View website

Superstars
Commenting on the Best Small to Medium Sized Business award for SuperStars, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Driven by a passion to develop brighter futures for children, SuperStars has pioneered a new service providing a wide range of confidence-building and exciting experiences for schoolchildren in subjects such as drama, sport, music and art. With a growing number of customers and ambitious plans to expand, the company has been going from strength to strength delivering highly impressive financial results and earning the acclaim of headteachers and education professionals who welcome SuperStars' high level of expertise." View website

Turk Telecom
Commenting on the Best Strategic Design award for Turk Telekom, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "With a combination of a welcome and presentations by senior company directors, team-building challenges, soft-skills presentations, a gala dinner and a performances by several of Turkey's biggest stars, Turk Telekom gave an amazing welcome to almost 3,500 recruits at a world-class orientation event in February. The logistics of gathering together 3,357 participants from across Turkey for the two-day event were brilliantly handled by the Turk Telekom team, resulting in high satisfaction ratings of 'excellent' and 'very good' for the entire programme. A fantastic achievement in creative corporate communication at its best." View website

East Staffordshire Borough Council
Commenting on the Best NHS Provider or Commissioner award to East Staffordshire Borough Council, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "The borough council rightly says it has crossed traditional local government boundaries in successfully establishing the Family Nurse Partnership scheme which is being trialled in the Anglesey Ward of Burton-on-Trent. This is an outstanding example of a local government stepping in with dynamism and with the interests of the community foremost in its mind to make a difference - overcoming all bureaucratic hurdles on the way. The new service which provides vital support to first-time mothers has already produced real results in reducing infant mortality, and East Staffordshire Borough Council is to be congratulated on its visionary, forward-thinking and community-minded approach - as a health service provider." View website

The Curve Group
Commenting on the Best Employer award for The Curve Group, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "With a fully flexible work environment that allows employees to work from home, a rolling plan of training, and a wide variety of team-building social events, HR specialists The Curve Group is to be commended for creating an outstanding workplace. Making the team feel valued and allowing staff to follow their instincts in handling clients and dealing with job seekers has clearly produced significant dividends as retention has increased. The company is a shining example of how being bold and taking the initiative often is the best way forward." View website

Young Voices
Commenting on the Best Corporate Social Responsibility award for Young Voices, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Young Voices has given around a million children a chance many could only dream of - to sing at some of the biggest arenas in Britain and Ireland. The mass choir events involving up to 8,000 children are a real phenomenon, with the added attraction that many leading names in music and entertainment have also performed at the concerts to further inspire the young people. Young Voices is all about offering extraordinary opportunities and it has achieved this with extraordinary success." View website

Somerset College for Further and Higher Education
Commenting on the Best Communications (Public Sector) award to Somerset College for Further and Higher Education, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Somerset College has shown that it listens to staff by instigating a series of new initiatives to improve internal communication among the 450 staff after a survey revealed communication had the highest level of dissatisfaction. Among the new measures are regular team briefs to keep staff up to date with developments within the college and provide an opportunity to share information. The result has been a huge increase in satisfaction rates for communication of 26 percentage points. By showing it listens, the college has demonstrated outstanding communication skills with tangible benefits." View website

GRITIT
Commenting on the Best Innovation award to GRITIT, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Nothing's worse for business than the an unexpected heavy snowfall or deep frost with the inevitable consequence of disruption on the roads. With a record of being at the forefront of technological advances, GRITIT has introduced an innovative weather derivatives product that gives customers a peace of mind guaranteed pay-out without them having to claim in the event of severe weather. With sophisticated tracking software the company is also able to offer a more efficient service - another example of best use of innovation." View website

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Foundation Trust
Commenting on the Best Health and Safety Award (Public Sector) to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "The NNUH has been operating a robust health and safety policy at its hospitals and outpatient departments for some time, with significant beneficial outcomes for staff, patients and visitors. One of the most noticeable differences is an incident rate that is almost half the average across the health service. The commendable procedures the NNUH has in place with regard to risk assessment and health and safety are second to none, and in particular the trust's multidisciplinary approach is to be commended for excellence." View website

Nationwide Building Society
Commenting on the Best Corporate Social Responsibility award to the Nationwide Building Society, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Personal debt is the single largest issue that volunteers of Citizens Advice deal with, accounting for 2.4 million of 7.1 million total new inquiries to the organisation in 2009/10. The Nationwide has shown great foresight and social responsibility by linking up with the charity to train 1,300 more volunteers so they can give advice on financial management. Just half way through Nationwide's three-year MoneyActive scheme, many of the targets have already being met. The project is an excellent example of a clearly-focused CSR initiative that is making a real difference with many long-term benefits for all those involved." View website

CitySprint
Commenting on the Best Innovation award to CitySprint, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "CitySprint is changing the face of online retail by significantly improving the service to customers with faster, more efficient delivery. The company has done more than most to bring online retail fully up to speed with traditional High Street shopping by offering a service seven days a week including bank holidays for deliveries in and around major towns and cities. By establishing an extensive distribution network and use of an innovative tracking system, CitySprint has succeeded where many others have previously failed. The advances they have introduced are a great example of best innovation making a step change in service for customers." View website

South Gloucestershire Council: Street Care
Commenting on the Best Procurement award to South Gloucestershire Council's Street Care, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "The council has pioneered a new approach to procurement that has opened up new opportunities for local SMEs to engage in council projects as 'best in class' for each particular aspect of service. This is in contrast to the current trend of local authorities partnering with single organisations. Among the benefits to the council are boosting the local economy, reducing its carbon footprint by using local companies and making savings which will total up to £500,000 a year in the highway sector. This innovative new approach is an excellent example of bold and smart sourcing." View website

Southern Regional College
Commenting on the Best Communication award to Southern Regional College, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Faced with the challenge of developing a new communications strategy in four areas - a new prospectus, increased media coverage, enhancing web services and greater use of social media - the team at Southern Regional Council has delivered outstanding results across the board. The new prospectus has a fresh, clean look, while the updated website is bright and modern with clear, easy-to-use navigation. There is no doubt the council has achieved its objectives with great success, resulting in a big increase in student recruitment. The initiative shows the power of well-planned and integrated communications campaign." View website

Uxbridge College
Commenting on the Best Further and Higher Education Provider award to Uxbridge College, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "With 40 years experience, Uxbridge College has recently developed a number of strategic and innovative partnerships with major employers that puts the college at the heart of the community. Among the partnerships are an apprenticeship programme with British Airways, an Employer Champion Scheme and a close link-up with Uxbridge Mall Pavilions Shopping Centre including research into the shopper experience. Such sustained engagement with the local community, and responsiveness to the needs of local employers show Uxbridge College is at the forefront of best practice in contemporary education." View website

Warrington Collegiate
Commenting on the Best Health and Safety award to Warrington Collegiate, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Warrington Collegiate has made huge strides in health and safety, going from a rating of 3 to the highest level of 1 in three years. This has followed the introduction of a wide-ranging series of measures to improve health and safety including weekly safety audits. Now the college has been sharing its best practice with other colleges as well as winning plaudits from leading health and safety organisations. What a transformation and congratulations to Warrington Collegiate on raising standards so effectively." View website

Professional Driver Services
Commenting on the Best Innovation award to Professional Driver Services, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Faced with a steep rise in the number of drivers being sent on speed awareness courses after breaking the speed limit, Professional Driver Services has demonstrated outstanding skill in innovation by creating an electronic software package Atlas to efficiently and effectively handle the increase in administration. Rigorously tested before being put into operation, the system was successful from the outset and has delivered significant cost savings. As such, it is an outstanding example of innovation at its best." View website

DLP
Commenting on DLP's Best Customer Focus Award, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "A breath of fresh air in the employment law sector, DLP offers a real alternative to the traditional law firm. Their 'hands on' 'on site' approach ensures that issues are addressed before they become a crisis. This proactive, client centric approach includes the provision of advice, tailor made HR policies, payroll services and recruitment as well as handling all aspects of redundancy, disciplinary matters, staff sickness or absenteeism. An all-encompassing and professional service at a competitive price." View website

KnowledgePoint Ltd
Commenting on the Best Innovation Award for KnowledgePoint Ltd, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "KnowledgePoint has revolutionised the publication of material in the education sector, such as university prospectuses, by creating an unique online process which allows a fully bespoke, on-demand service. This means for instance that prospective students can create their own individually-tailored prospectus, available to download and/or receive in the post. This is a stunning example of best innovation with many advantages both for the end user, and the customer who commissions the service. Top marks go to KnowledgePoint for developing a major advance in publishing technology."
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Andrew Ratcliffe, Managing Director of Dorel (UK) Ltd
Commenting on the Outstanding Personal Achievement Award to Andrew Ratcliffe, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Andrew Ratcliffe has a hugely impressive track record in a wide variety of companies in the consumer manufacturing sector where he has demonstrated great entrepreneurial flair in turning around sometimes struggling businesses. With an approachable and reassuring management style, his most recent success has been taking the Maxi-Cosi baby and child car seat brand from a small operation to £55 million market leader. He has earned the respect of the industry and is now Chairman of the Baby Products Association - a real achiever who has also demonstrated great versatility and outstanding success in every sector he has worked in." View website

Redseven
Commenting on the Best Employer Award to Redseven, Mr Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "In terms of employee training, career development, employee benefits, perks and workplace environment, Redseven is clearly in a class of its own. The commitment to creating an outstanding workplace shines through in every aspect of the company's operation from the moment a new starter is taken on to ongoing career and skill development. Redseven can be proud of the high standards the company has set that goes beyond normal requirements. Never mind seven, Redseven deserves 10 out of 10 as Best Employer!" View website

Arc Property Solicitors
Commenting on the Best Customer Focus Award for Arc Property Solicitors, Chairman of the Judges Andrew Areoff said: "Arc Property Solicitors have put customers first as they have developed innovative news ways designed to ease the stress of moving house or home. Their Client Services Team is a first for the profession and demonstrates their deep commitment to customer service, while the online tracking system is an enterprising use of technology to improve efficiency and keep clients fully informed. Ranked among the top 200 law firms in the country, Arc Property Solicitors are rising stars with an innovative new approach to customer relations." View website

Heaven by Deborah Mitchell
Commenting on the Best Product/Service Range Award for Heaven by Deborah Mitchell, Chairman of the Judges Andrew Areoff said: "In the highly competitive and crowded market place of beauty products, Heaven Health and Beauty stands out with an innovative range of products and treatments in a niche sector that is earning a worldwide reputation. Based on natural ingredients, they are being expertly marketed by Deborah Mitchell and have acquired a strong brand identity, essential for the future growth of the company." View website

Brownsword Group's Credit Hire Validation
Commenting on the Best New Product/Service Award to the Brownsword Group Ltd, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "The Brownsword Group's innovative Credit Hire Validation service has proved highly successful, with average savings of more than £3,500 per claim that is investigated. The service is a valuable new resource in the fight against insurance fraud - which is good news for the industry and consumers. The Brownsword Group is to be congratulated for identifying an area that was open to abuse and developing a specialised service to expose irregularities at such an affordable price." View website

CyDen Ltd
Commenting on the Best Innovation Award to CyDen Ltd, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "CyDen has lead the way in the advancement of intense pulsed light technology with the creation of a range of market-leading hair removal products that can be used in the home. Under the name Boots Smooth Skin, the iPulse Personal models are the biggest selling electrical beauty product sold by Boots with overseas sales expanding rapidly in Europe, the Far East and Australia. The way CyDen has converted technological advance into highly practical application, for use in the home and professionally, is to be commended as an outstanding example of innovation at its best." View website

Drink Me Chai
Commenting on Drink Me Chai's Best Small to Medium Size Business Award, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Starting out with a number of mobile tea stands at railway stations, Amanda Hamilton's company has grown into a leading specialist tea business with her Drink Me Chai brand stocked in all the major supermarkets and exported to eight countries. Showing entrepreneurial flair, an early breakthrough was persuading Tesco to stock her Chai Latte in 250 stores. Passionate about customer service and her brand, Amanda Hamilton's Drink Me Chai is an outstanding example of a successful niche business in a competitive market full of conglomerate global players." View website

Lancaster and Morecambe College
Commenting on Lancaster and Morecambe College's Best Procurement Award, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "At a time when the public sector is under increasing financial pressure, Lancaster and Morecambe College has spearheaded an innovative new approach to joint procurement which has delivered more than £750,000 in efficiency savings - a highly impressive figure by any standard. By achieving more for less, the college has set a beacon example for other public sector organisations to follow. It is also excellent to see the college seeking to build stronger community links and doing more business locally to boost the local economy." View website

Sky
Commenting on Sky's Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Sky staff have truly excelled in their commitment to the company's Corporate Social Responsibility programme with just under 30% volunteering their time and expertise to help partner organisations in the arts, sport and the environment. In addition, the staff have raised £100,000 for a rainforest project in Brazil, and the company has matched individual and team fund-raising for charities that are important to employees. The company and employees are to be applauded for making such a real difference to people at local, national and international level." View website

Just-Eat.Co.Uk
Commenting on Just-Eat.co.uk's Award for Best Marketing, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Just-Eat is certainly savouring success after a well-devised and brilliantly executed marketing campaign which has driven people to their website and to use their service. What is also remarkable is the very high conversion rates of visitors to the website with more than one in four opting to use the service after going on the internet site. TV adverts were cleverly timed to coincide with peak periods for take-away consumption on a seasonal and monthly basis and there is a highly impressive integrated approach with social media strategy on Facebook and Twitter." View website

Perfect Storm Media
Commenting on Perfect Storm Media's Award for Best Innovation, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Perfect Storm Media have managed to succeed in an area that up to now has been difficult to achieve - creating a Pay-per-Sale search engine marketing system rather than the Pay-per-Click approach that tends to dominate online marketing. The sophisticated technology devised by Perfect Storm Media also tracks leads back to the keyword used, crucial information in the optimisation strategy. The system is an excellent example of innovation at its best that puts Perfect Storm Media at the forefront of technological advance in business." View website

EA Technology
Commenting on EA Technology Group's Award for Best Product/Service Range, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "EA Technology Group has enjoyed spectacular growth over the last five years thanks to its development of the UltraTEV Detector range which has revolutionized electrical activity detection in the power engineering industry. The hand-held equipment has rightly been hailed a breakthrough and the company continues to invest in the product by developing major upgrades and improved models. With EA Technology Group expanding around the world, the company is certainly one to watch." View website

Ve Interactive Ltd
Commenting on Ve Interactive Ltd's Award for Best New Business, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Recent research has highlighted an area of concern that has accompanied the rise in online shopping. This the very high number of transactions - 88% -- that are abandoned compared with traditional methods of shopping and trading. Ve Interactive has developed an online tool that captures that data and allows companies to re-market to those potential customers who abandon transactions. With a conversion rate of more than 40% for those who are remarketed to, Ve Interactive has acquired an impressive number of major clients and is an outstanding example of Best New Business." View website

Search Laboratory
Commenting on Search Laboratory's Award for Best Employer, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "The guiding ethos in the workplace at Search Laboratory is simple but highly effective - namely 'Treat others as we would expect to be treated.' That philosophy sets the company apart in creating an outstanding workplace 'pulsating with life.' With a wide range of attractive benefits and a real team spirit at Search Laboratory reflected in regular evenings out to celebrate success, the company has a superb record of retention with plenty of opportunity for career development." View website

Selby Jennings
Commenting on Selby Jennings' Best Small to Medium Size Business Award, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Financial services recruitment company Selby Jennings has been collecting awards and enjoying spectacular growth even during the global financial crisis thanks to an emphasis on customer service, training and innovative use of technology. The rise in UK growth has been accompanied by rapid expansion abroad with almost half of total revenues coming from overseas business, compared with under 2% from abroad in 2004. As well as taking care of clients, Selby Jennings also takes care of staff by offering an outstanding workplace and many attractive benefits. In every aspect, Selby Jennings has shown itself to be a great all rounder." View website

Brunel University
Commenting on Brunel University's Best Business Award for Best Higher Education Provider, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "From world-class professors to the fastest man on the planet, Brunel University has successfully built a reputation for attracting the best. At a time when many other universities are making cuts, Brunel has spent £400 million in recent years in buildings and facilities while careful cost controls and value-for-money reviews have delivered 9% financial growth. Among advances are improved IT infrastructure, industrial collaborations, a new emphasis on staff well-being and sports facilities that have attracted Usain Bolt and the Jamaican track team for training." View website

Nora Senior, Weber Shandwick
Commenting on Nora Senior's Best Business Award for Outstanding Personal Achievement, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "It is clear that throughout her career Nora Senior has shown real business acumen rising to be Executive Chair of a £6 million PR operation across seven office and practice areas. The number of 'firsts' she has achieved is hugely impressive. Highly respected by her peers, and an inspiration to all those who work with her leading teams to win more than 30 awards, Nora Senior is a beacon example of achievement in business and a role model for professional women in every sector." View website

Checkatrade Ltd
Commenting on Checkatrade's Best Business Award for Best Customer Service, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Checkatrade has successfully harnessed the power of the internet to bring the age-old word-of-mouth recommendation fully up to date for the 21st century. For customers, this means they have an ultra reliable, tried and trusted guide to tradespeople in their area. And for businesses it means, once accepted onto the website, they are instantly accessible to hundreds of thousands of potential customers. The success of Checkatrade, which has grown into a £3.5 million a year business since launch, reflects its growing reputation as a true consumer champion." View website

Alba Power
Commenting on Alba Power's Best Business Award for Best SME, Andrew Areoff, Chairman said: "Formed a little over a decade ago, Alba Power is an excellent example of a small business that has created a real place for itself around the world in the field of gas turbine support services. This has been achieved by putting the customer first to offer a wide range of cost-effective solutions tailored for its clients. By keeping a vast stock of spare parts and having its own testing facilities, Alba Power is able to respond often at a moment's notice - factors which have helped propel the company's highly impressive growth." View website

Cheshire Peaks & Plains Housing Trust
Commenting on Cheshire Peaks & Plains Housing Trust's Best Business Award for Best Housing Association, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "What I really like about Cheshire Peaks & Plains Housing Trust is that they are so focused on helping their tenants or customers as they like to call them. The trust has delivered outstanding service with satisfaction rates that would be the envy of many organisations, not just in the housing sector. The trust is clearly a very forward-thinking organisation and is to be applauded for maintaining such high levels of investment in improvements while strengthening its financial position." View website

thebluedoor
Commenting on thebluedoor's Best Business Award for Best Small to Medium Size Business, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Founded only two years ago, thebluedoor offers a one-stop-shop service to clients covering PR, Search Engine Optimisation, social media and marketing. This versatility and integrated approach have undoubtedly been great contributing factors to the agency's astonishing growth and success. The commitment to staff development and high-quality service, using a wide variety of media at the forefront of the digital age, are highly commendable. The glowing testimonials from clients speak volumes about the exceptional quality of the business." View website

Capita TV Licensing Business Centres
Commenting on the Best Business Award to Capita's TV Licensing (TVL) Business Centres for Best Customer Focus, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges said: "It is clear Capita TV Licensing Business Centres have put in place a remarkable and comprehensive series of measures and policies to ensure they deliver exceptional customer service for the 30 million customers on their database - the biggest in Europe. It is highly refreshing to see a company go to such lengths to ensure their customers receive such a high quality of service, and I greatly admire the objective of seeking to resolve satisfactorily all queries at the first point of contact. Capita's success in achieving this is a superb tribute to its managers and staff." View website

Kindred and the National Apprenticeship Service
Commenting on the Best Business Award to Kindred and the National Apprenticeship Service for Best Marketing for the Apprenticeship Week 2010, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "The issue of youth employment and training is a vital one amid fears of a 'lost generation' of young people who face an increasingly difficult jobs market. Kindred and the National Apprenticeship Service clearly generated some amazing coverage for the National Apprenticeship Week and successfully turned the media spotlight on this area with a wide range of clever and well-devised PR ideas. The success of the week is a reflection of marketing at its best." View website

Interface 2
Commenting on Interface 2's Best Business Award for Corporate and Social Responsibility, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Interface 2 deserves to be applauded for its outstanding Corporate and Social Responsibility in taking on a number of long-term unemployed from the local area after being introduced to them via NewCEP. More than this, the family owned electronic manufacturing company in Newhaven, East Sussex, has opened up new horizons for other people by providing voluntary placements. By adopting such an accommodating approach to ease a local problem, Interface 2 has demonstrated not only that it is very much part of the local community but has also provided an outstanding example for other businesses to follow." View website

The Workroom
Commenting on The Workroom's Best Business Award for Best Strategic Design/Creative in the Private Sector, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "The team at Workroom took an established brand with nearly 200 years of tradition and have helped transform it into a highly successful new business, Balfour Beatty WorkPlace. This is all the more impressive because the company achieved this at a time when the overall market has been in decline. The growth in business for WorkPlace as an exciting new brand has smashed expectations and is truly outstanding, and much credit for this must go to the very talented and highly innovative work by The Workroom." View website

Barclays Personal Investment Management
Commenting on Barclays Personal Investment Management's Best Business Award for Best Customer Focus, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "In these days when the financial sector is often under fire, it is refreshing to see a bank that is putting customers at the heart of its operations. I was particularly impressed with BPIM's newsletter to clients. With so many excellent policies in place to involve customers every step of the way, it's not surprising BPIM achieves such high levels of client satisfaction. And the very impressive financial results confirm that putting the customer first is also good for business." View website

Recruitment Genius
Commenting on Recruitment Genius' Best Business Award for Best New Product/Service, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Like many successful enterprises, Recruitment Genius is based on a simple but brilliant idea. By offering an affordable fixed-fee to recruiters, the company has attracted clients from small businesses to large corporations and has seen business grow by a whopping 10% a month. More than this, Recruitment Genius' innovative approach to helping companies fill vacancies is an outstanding example of ways in which business can help kick-start the economy by reducing barriers to employment. The user-friendly website is an added bonus to what is an exceptional Best New Product/Service." View website

Johnson Controls
Commenting on Johnson Controls' Best Business Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "A global leader in automotive seating, Johnson Controls has put itself in the driving seat with its Blue Sky Involve CSR programme. It is always great when a large, international organisation gets involved in community projects and clearly Johnson Controls not only has very strong links with many local communities but also has a very generous workforce who are willing to give their time and effort to help so many good causes. Many congratulations to the company for developing such a successful and inspirational CSR programme." View website

NetSupport
Commenting on NetSupport's Best Business Award for Best Product / Service Range, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "It's always nice to see companies like NetSupport winning a Best Business Award for the second time in a different category. Having won the Best Customer Focus category last year, they have proved that they not only deliver a great service but also offer an outstanding range of IT support solutions. NetSupport's range of Desktop Management & Remote Support Software products help organisations to reduce costs and improve productivity and the business seems well positioned to grow market share via distribution channels internationally as well as in the UK." View website

Morgan Hunt
Commenting on Morgan Hunt's Best Business Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Morgan Hunt's CSR programme has delivered measurable benefits for the company and the wider environment. The ethical recruiter has generated at least £1.2m in revenue directly as a result of CSR activity, improved staff turnover by over 15% and saved around 10% of costs through green sourcing. Morgan Hunt demonstrated a real commitment to their social responsibilities and as a result are reaping the rewards. A example for many other organisations to follow and aspire to." View website

Metropolitan Police
Commenting on the Metropolitan Police's Best Business Award for Best Police Service for their use of information technology, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "The Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Information play a key role in supporting front line policing to help make London safer for the general public. Their use of cutting edge ICT gives The Met an operational advantage and enables them to stay ahead of the fight against crime. Innovations like Crime Mapping coupled with the management of major change programmes like C3i demonstrate the Directorate's expertise and ability to support the wider Metropolitan Police Service." View website

Royal Liver Assurance
Commenting on Royal Liver Assurance's Best Business Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "CSR is fast becoming a 'must do' for those organisations that value the communities in which they operate. Royal Liver have invested with care to ensure that children improve their literacy and financial understanding. Their initiatives have been well executed and delivered tangible benefits for youngsters in the Merseyside community. In turn, the investment has helped to raise the profile and enhance the reputation of Royal Liver and instil that vital ingredient for business success, namely trust." View website

OKI Printing Solutions
Commenting on OKI Printing Solutions’ Best Business Award for Best Product / Service Range, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: “OKI’s in-house printing solution addresses a key concern for customers in that it incorporates a design facility enabling them to produce stationery and promotional materials without support from external suppliers. The Template Manager software, which comes free with most OKI printers, delivers a cost-effective solution while at the same time being simple to use. OKI have developed a product that could potentially reduce print budgets significantly while maintaining quality." View website

Canterbury City Council
Commenting on Canterbury City Council's Best Business Award for Best Local Authority, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Embarking on a programme of cultural regeneration is a major commitment and challenge for any local authority. Canterbury City Council have transformed the City centre for the benefit of the 148,000 population. The new Marlowe theatre will generate significant additional revenue as well as safeguarding jobs and typifies the commitment of the Council to supporting the community both culturally and financially. It takes vision and determination to drive major change and improvement and Canterbury City Council have clearly delivered with regard to the Marlowe and The Beaney Museum and Library along with the numerous other initiatives that have been successfully completed." View website

Phoenix Natural Gas
Commenting on Phoenix's Best Business Award for Best Customer Focus Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Phoenix take a refreshing approach to customer care. They are willing to lead the way with their transparent pricing policy to ensure that the customer gets the best possible value. Energy suppliers can be notoriously slow to pass on cost savings to their customers with prepayment customers often receiving the worst deals despite their vulnerability. Phoenix display a genuine commitment to offer a fair deal for all which should in turn attract new customers and help the business grow, so it's a win/ win approach for both customers and gas supplier. With differentiation between energy suppliers proving to be a challenge, Phoenix are certainly taking a bold stance." View website

Welsh Assembly Government
Commenting on the Welsh Assembly Government's Best Business Award for Best Communication, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "The Welsh Assembly Government set itself an ambitious challenge to reposition 'The Valley's' brand in line with its strategic framework for regeneration. The initial communications plan directed at the community was excellently developed and executed by a team of marketing experts. It was the impressive mix of creativity coupled with an orchestrated programme of initiatives embracing a range of media that particularly appealed to the judges. Communicating with a wide range of people spanning the generations requires a well thought through and targeted approach and the WAG have clearly delivered an initial campaign to be proud of. We look forward to seeing how the campaign develops over time." View website

Revival Environmental / Rentokil
Commenting on Revival Environmental's / Rentokil's joint Best Business Award for Best Innovation, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Rentokil, in partnership with Revival Environmental have developed Entotherm, a significant advancement in the treatment and eradication of insect pests. This new chemical-free pest control process kills every lifecycle stage of an insect, from eggs to larvae, to fully- grown creatures, making it a more efficient way to treat infestations. Unlike Enthotherm, conventional chemical spray treatments normally need to be repeated several times and can fail to reach insects living in wall cavities or crevices. The judges consider this heat based treatment to be a major step forward in pest control and applaud the way Rentokil and Revival have worked together to develop the treatment and bring this innovation to market." View website

EDF Energy Networks
Commenting on EDF Energy Networks' Best Business Award for Best Customer Focus, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "It takes skill, courage and determination to identify and then turn around a major issue with customer satisfaction levels. It's tempting to gloss over the issues but EDF Energy Networks took the bull by the horns and addressed the challenges it faced. At the heart of this change project has been a relentless focus on improving customer communication. Their hard work has significantly increased customer satisfaction levels and lead to an improved commercial performance and an enhanced reputation among its customers." View website

XLN Telecom
Commenting on XLN Telecoms' Best Business Award for Best Small to Medium Size Enterprise, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "It is XLN's unrelenting focus on the customer that sets it apart. They have identified a niche providing telecoms support to the small business sector and expertly exploited it to take the business from strength to strength. With the lowest customer churn in the market, a 50% increase in market share over the last two years, an 80% increase in turnover and a 300% increase in operating profit they are one to watch in the telecoms sector. A well run business with a clear and focused strategy for growth." View website

University for the Creative Arts
Commenting on the University for the Creative Arts' Best Business Award for Best Communication, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges said: "Truly outstanding marketing campaigns are often about seizing the moment by leveraging a topical opportunity. This takes focus and slight of foot as well as an ability to execute a campaign very well. UCA delivered on all fronts with its campaign based around one of its students winning the coveted River Island Gold Award at Graduate Fashion Week. The University set clear but challenging objectives for this international campaign and exceeded them. A great example of what can be achieved when a team work together towards common goals." View website

Hillingdon Council
Commenting on Hillingdon Council’s Best Business Award for Best Local Authority, the Chairman of the Judges said:
“Not only has Hillingdon Council achieved strong results across the board, what makes it exceptional as an organisation is the way it has reinvented its communications strategy and learned how to better understand the needs of its residents and deliver against them in a more effective way. At the heart of this is the Council’s contact centre. Over the last six years it has been developed from almost a standing start to become a model that is now held up by Central Government as an example for others to follow. Delivering significant change and improvement in a large organisation is always a challenge and takes dedicated and skilled management and implementation. Hillingdon Council are clearly leading the way in this respect and set the standards for others to follow.” View website