Previous Winners & Judges Feedback
Roast Restaurant Ltd
Commenting on the award to Roast Restaurant Ltd in the Best Employer category, the Chairman of the Judges said::
“Restaurant entrepreneur Iqbal Wahhab has served up a model for social enterprise at his Roast Restaurant in Borough Market, London. He places social responsibility and inclusiveness at the core of the business and has made it a great place to work. The company offers flexible working, a loyalty scheme, training and a pension. From the 2014 staff survey, the majority of 96 people employed are happy with their job, are completely involved in their work and two-thirds look forward to going to work. The proof of the pudding lies in the success of the restaurant.”
Glide
Commenting on the award to Glide in the Best Innovation category, the Chairman of the Judges said::
“Wrapping utility bills into a package with one monthly payment is a ground-breaking concept and ideal for those who share accommodation. After first aiming at students, Glide soon targeted landlords, letting agents and property investors. Only eight years old, the company has grown at an incredibly fast rate and now has 40,000 customers and 55 members of staff. Although there are now competitors in the market, Glide continues to revolutionise the multi-tenant market by offering customer services via a portal and a mobile phone App. Glide is a true innovator and will always be one step ahead of the market.”
Finegreen Associates
Commenting on the award to Finegreen Associates in the Best Small to Medium Size Business category, the Chairman of the Judges said::
“Through its commitment to providing value for money and a professional service, Finegreen Associates has defied market trends and achieved remarkable results in the healthcare recruitment market. Under Finegreen's excellent leadership, it has grown turnover, taken on more staff and won many more placements particularly in the executive and non-executive search sector. Its success can be firmly placed on its strategy to build long-term relationships with clients and to fully understand their recruitment needs. Highly ambitious and keen to increase its market share, Finegreen is in good shape for more exciting achievements.”
Ebury
Commenting on the award to Ebury in the Best Innovation category, the Chairman of the Judges said::
“Finance technology company Ebury has taken over where the banks have left off and is filling the gap in the trade finance market. By providing vital short-term trade finance up to ??1 million for 120 days to small and medium-sized (SME) businesses, it enables them to trade and transact internationally. Using Ebury's services, SMEs can make and receive payments in more than 120 foreign and enjoy competitive exchange rates. Ebury has spotted an opportunity, developed innovative trade finance products and given SMEs access to just what they need to tap into lucrative new markets.”
Chippendale International School of Furniture
Commenting on the award to Chippendale International School of Furniture in the Best Small to Medium Sized Business category, the Chairman of the Judges said::
“Chippendale International School of Furniture, based in Edinburgh, has built up a global reputation and become the place to go for students from all over the world to learn about traditional and new methods of craftsmanship. What is interesting is that the not-for-profit organisation is funded by students' fees, making it totally self-sufficient. Any surplus is reinvested in the business. By focusing on a niche area of education, Chippendale International School has raised the profile of furniture design and enhanced the reputation of the UK as centre of excellence in woodwork and craftsmanship.”
Nexus Vehicle Rental
Commenting on the award to Nexus Vehicle Rental in the Best Customer Focus category, the Chairman of the Judges said::
“Nexus Vehicle Rental is streaks ahead of the market when it comes to customer service. By investing in staff and building its business on the latest cloud technology, it is living up to its proposition of any vehicle, anytime and anywhere. Nexus can boast a 99% customer satisfaction rate, which has been maintained for 18 months and is three times higher than the industry average. Congratulations to Nexus for being the envy of the rental vehicle market and achieving dazzling results in customer service.”
- What are the benefits of winning awards?
- How to write a successful award entry
- What are the best awards to enter?
- How to start your business awards programme
- How to impress the judges
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Give-A-Grad-A-Go Ltd
Commenting on the award to Give-A-Grad-A-Go Ltd in the Best Innovation category, the Chairman of the Judges said::
“Give-A-Grad-A-Go is doing a brilliant job at getting graduates into employment and giving small-to-medium sized companies (SMEs) in London access to the brightest graduates. Often SMEs have fears about taking on new staff and many graduates would prefer paid temporary work rather than an unpaid internship while they look for a job. Through Give-A-Grad-A-Go's innovative placement to permanent scheme, companies can trial a graduate for several months on a temporary basis before taking them on. Launched in 2009, the thriving company now works with 400 SMEs in the capital and has found a happy solution for everyone.”
QubeGB Ltd
Commenting on the Best Business Award to QubeGB Limited for Best Customer Focus, the chairman of the judges said::
“QubeGB have broken the mould as a telecommunications engineering and installation services company by being fully responsive to the needs of customers. The offer two-hour time slots for home visits, starting from 7am and going through to 9pm so customers do not have to take time off because of an engineer's visit. Launched in 2007, QubeGB has enjoyed remarkable growth of almost 350% and achieved customer satisfaction of 97%. Many congratulations to QubeGB for providing a highly flexible appointment schedule and putting customers truly at the heart of all their operations.”
Essensys Ltd
Commenting on the Best Business Award to Essensys Ltd for Best Small to Medium-Sized Business, the chairman of the judges said::
“Essensys pride themselves on being customer focused; a standard which they achieve in all aspects of their work in providing IT and Telecoms services for business centres. An excellent example is their new automated service JEFF which makes IT even quicker and easier. Their innovative services are based on simplicity, reliability and flexibility - essential ingredients in creating outstanding workplaces for clients such as science parks and other business centres.”
DFS
Commenting on the Best Business Award to DFS for Best Corporate Responsibility, the chairman of the judges said::
“DFS has pumped millions of pounds into the fight against Britain's biggest killer - heart disease - by supporting the British Heart Foundation. It has achieved this by an innovative sofa recycling scheme which provides a supply of quality furniture for sale in BHF shops around the country, while at the same time benefitting the environment by reducing landfill. DFS is also a key supporter of the Red Cross in Britain and Ireland as well as The Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Many congratulations to DFS for raising the bar on Corporate Responsibility.”
Research Partnership Ltd
Commenting on the Best Business Award to Research Partnership Ltd for Best Small to Medium Size Business, the chairman of the judges said::
“Research Partnership has grown to be one of the largest healthcare market research companies with offices around the world as it has kept one step ahead by constant expansion into new territories. It has also invested significantly in technology by developing new tools such as smartphone apps Rx Rationale and Conference Live giving pharmaceutical company clients new ways of receiving qualitative feedback from doctors and physicians. Many congratulations to Research Partnership for achieving highly impressive growth and pioneering new advances.”
Origin
Commenting on the award to Origin in the Best Small to Medium Sized Business category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“As a manufacturer of sliding doors, windows and blinds, Origin's incredible growth spurt is hinged on its zero lead-time service, which puts customers in control of delivery time. In an industry with a standard lead time of six to eight weeks, Origin can even deliver in 24 hours and it is its competitive delivery times that have set itself apart from competitors. It has also doubled the standard guarantee to 20 years and the after sales service is second to none. Not surprisingly, home sales and exports are going through the roof. Origin is a rising star on track for even greater things.”
Founder - Y2 Learn Driver Training
winning this last award has got me an invitation to join the Institute of Master Trainers Association. I’m really pleased
Director of Marketing, Solihull College
Winning a Best Business Award has provided us with a platform to raise our profile via the media. Since winning we have secured press coverage in key national and regional publications regarding the great work we are doing and we have attracted students to the college that may not have otherwise heard about us.
I would recommend the Best Business Awards to any dynamic organisation that wants to prove to stakeholders that it is delivering.
co-founder of Concert Live
If you are a young business without much marketing spend, then entering awards can be a cost-effective way of generating positive marketing and PR, because you are thrown into the spotlight. It also offers a seal of approval.
Potential customers can look at that and think “I’m happy to do business with this company”, because they have that recognition.
School Lettings Solutions
Commenting on the Best Business Award to School Lettings Solutions (SLS) for Best New Business - Diversified Services, the chairman of the judges said::
“School Letting Solutions are providing a real benefit to schools by helping them to make the most of their facilities by letting them out for community, sports and holiday activity use. This not only creates an additional revenue stream for the schools, but supports local communities by providing facilities for clubs and sports groups - a win/win situation for everyone. In the past year SLS has tripled the number of schools it works with and has seen its turnover soar at a similar rate. With ambitious plans for growth, SLS are a most worthy winner of a Best Business Award.”
Origin
Commenting on the award to Origin in the Best Small to Medium Sized Business category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“As a manufacturer of sliding doors, windows and blinds, Origin's incredible growth spurt is hinged on its zero lead-time service, which puts customers in control of delivery time. In an industry with a standard lead time of six to eight weeks, Origin can even deliver in 24 hours and it is its competitive delivery times that have set itself apart from competitors. It has also doubled the standard guarantee to 20 years and the after sales service is second to none. Not surprisingly, home sales and exports are going through the roof. Origin is a rising star on track for even greater things.”
Anadolu Group
Commenting on the award to Anadolu Group in the Best Strategic Design/Creative category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Launching a new website for a business with 80 companies in 18 countries and 29,000 employees with the objective of offering something for everyone is a breath-taking challenge. Yet Anadolu's new website has managed to do this. It showcases the breadth and strength of the group; its international partnerships; and provides links to all operating companies in the group. It was an ambitious project but with visitors up by 40% a day against the previous website, the new portal has exceeded its objectives and is now viewed as the digital gateway to all the group's businesses.”
Kloud
Commenting on the award to Kloud in the Best Employer category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Kloud has got being a good employer just about right with its flexible working environment, its informal management and its impressive training programme. The staff survey shows that no member of staff has had a bad day in the office and the retention rate of 95% says it all. Rather than recruiting staff in a formal way, most people are taken on through recommendations from the existing team. Consequently, Kloud has built up a team of like-minded people who embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. With a growth rate of 25% each year, it is a formula that is producing brilliant results.”
Gail Holes, St. Vincent’s Housing Association
Commenting on the award to Gail Holes in the Outstanding Personal Achievement category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Gail Holes is one in a million. She's a nurse, a carer, a shoulder to cry on, a friend, a manager, an entertainer and a truly caring person. As scheme manager of Dunstan Court care home in Moston, Manchester, she does the incredibly difficult job of looking after elderly people who have a variety of complex conditions. Congratulations to Gail for being a wonderful caring person, a lifesaver and a committed individual who has devoted her life to looking after others.”
Elix-IRR
Commenting on the award to Elix-IRR in the Best Small to Medium Sized Business category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“By focusing on providing a bespoke quality service and on recruiting the best staff, business consultancy Elix-IRR has seen exceptional growth with turnover rising by 700% in only five years. In the past 18 months alone to July 2014, it has won more than 30 clients across a spread of industries and the number of staff has risen to 70 people from 45. The company thrives on being creative and it is one of the few consultancies to offer collaborative solutions with other suppliers. Elix-IRR has a bright new approach that has shaken up the consultancy market.”
Elix-IRR
Commenting on the award to Elix-IRR in the Best Innovation category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Management consultancy Elix-IRR flourishes on being different and offering customers a fresh approach. It has built its business on challenging the status quo, nurturing creativity and thinking of new ways of doing things. Working with industry experts, it has generated new solutions that incorporate all the latest digital options. It recommendations are ground-breaking and it has helped many clients develop innovations that not only do the job but save money as well, and achieve a long-lasting competitive advantage. The secret to its success is in developing its staff to think like entrepreneurs and to fiercely care about the legacy they are creating.”
RingCentral
Commenting on the award to RingCentral in the Best New Product/Service (less than two years old) category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“The RingCentral cloud-based communications platform is a highly advanced, easy to manage, flexible one-stop system for all a businesses' communications needs. Only a year old, the company's major differentiator is that the RingCentral platform can be managed by users wherever they are and from any device via RingCentral's mobile application. Rather than having both a work and a personal phone, the platform makes it possible for users to use just one device. The platform supports voice calls, audio or video conferencing, and file sharing. This is a major step forward in the communications world that will make all our lives easier.”
Major Dr Mohamed Al-Breiki, Police Attache, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
Commenting on the award to Major Dr Mohamed Al-Breiki, Police Attach?? at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in London in the Outstanding Personal Achievement category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Major Dr Mohamed Al-Breiki has strengthened links between the UK and UAE and transformed the role of the Police Attach?? at the UAE Embassy in London. He has been a champion for education and helped hundreds of UAE police officers train at UK universities. He has also forged new collaborations between the police services of the two countries. Major Al-Breiki has an impressive track record. He is a visionary thinker and a high achiever.”
ARIIX
Commenting on the award to ARIIX in the Best Employer category, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“US-headquartered ARIIX is a forward thinking employer that has risen to the challenge of managing a staff of 100 people who are based around the world. Its main objective is to unleash the full potential of all its staff. To achieve this goal, it has developed highly innovative policies on training, pay and ethics that are implemented across all its global operations; and created a work environment that supports productivity and the potential of each employee. It has also introduced global schemes to maximise the commissions that representatives can earn. It is refreshing to see a company that puts the needs of its people first.”
Brethertons Solicitors LLP
Commenting on the Best Business Award to Brethertons Solicitors LLP for Best Customer Focus (professional service sector), the chairman of the judges, said::
“Brethertons LLP Services has achieved exceptionally high levels of customer service with 98% of clients saying they would be happy to use the legal practice's services again. Their focus on customer service has included becoming accredited to the Law Society's Lexcel standard which provides a framework for customer care and appointing a dedicated Compliance Officer. Brethertons is to be congratulated for applying the latest customer service practices to a traditional profession often regarded as being set in its ways.”
Stephen Gill Associates
Commenting on the Best Business Award to Stephen Gill Associates for Best Small to Medium Sized Business (business support sector), the Chairman of the judges said::
“Now in its tenth year Stephen Gill Associates which specialises in heating and cooling solutions for the food industry has grown to work with many major blue-chip clients. However under the leadership of Stephen Gill, the company ensures that quality has not suffered as it has expanded. Instead it promises to be 'better rather than bigger.' As well as providing a first class service, Stephen Gill makes a significant contribution to industry-wide training through e-learning activities. It is great to see an SME giving advice and assistance as a trusted advisor to major corporations and Stephen Gill Associates is a most worthy winner of Best Small to Medium Sized Business.”
