Previous Winners & Judges Feedback
Searchlight Insurance Training
Commenting on the award to Searchlight Insurance Training in the Best Product/Service (professional services) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Searchlight Insurance Training is a niche company that has found success by responding to customers' needs and providing them with a broad range of courses covering specialist insurance and general business training. By developing a network of around 50 trainer consultants and associates, it now has national coverage and has concentrated on providing quality services at a reasonable price. It's even formed a partnership with a close competitor. Now considered to be a beacon of excellence in the training sector for insurance, Searchlight has a bright future ahead.”
Kebony
Commenting on the award to Kebony in the Best Innovation (building and construction) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Kebony is a pioneer in the field of developing new natural materials for sustainable construction. Its invention of turning sustainable softwoods into hardwoods as strong as tropical wood, is causing something of a sensation in the construction industry. The treatment uses a by-product from farming sugar crops, which in itself is sustainable. Based in Norway, the company is now planning to make licenses for the wood treatment available to the international market and with a shortage of housing in the UK as well as in other countries, the invention has come along at just the right time.”
EZBOB
Commenting on the award to EZBOB in the Best New Business (financial services) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“After only launching in September 2012, online loans company for small business EZBOB has provided more than ??10 million in funding to businesses representing 1,800 loans. The loans are a godsend to the five million SMEs in the UK because they are so quick and easy. There is no paperwork and a loan can be approved in one hour. Not surprisingly, EZBOB has taken over where the banks left off and it expects to grant more than ??25 million in funding to UK small businesses in 2014, ??40 million in the following year, and ??100 million in 2016. EZBOB is a superstar in the SME loans business.”
EZBOB
Commenting on the award to EZBOB in the Best New Product (financial services) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Funding for businesses almost dried up in the recent recession, but it is now as easy as opening a bag of crisps thanks to EZBOB, which launched in September 2012. Business loans up to ??50,000 are available online and it takes about 10 minutes to apply for a loan with a decision made in around an hour. Funds are supplied as quickly as the borrower can sign and scan the contract. This is a lifeline for the five million businesses in the UK who need access to fast cash to help them forge ahead and grow their businesses.”
EZBOB
Commenting on the award to EZBOB in the Best Customer Focus (financial services) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“EZBOB, a recently launched online business loans company, has harnessed technology to make it easy for businesses to access fast cash. Applying online is fast and requires no paper work, a credit decision is made in one hour and the money can be in a bank account as soon as the contract is signed. Because some of the loans are backed by the European Investment Bank, interest rates are lower than competitors. Loans up to ??50,000 are available. It doesn't get much better than this. Business finance at the click of a mouse is just what SMEs in the UK are crying out for.”
Maras Group (Australia)
Commenting on the award to Maras Group in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (diversified services) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Father and son duo Theo and Steve Maras, senior executives in the Maras Group, are a formidable pair when it comes to giving to the community. They follow every letter of the company's policy to give abundantly to improve the well-being of others with incredible commitment, energy and drive. The list of social areas they are involved in is simply endless. Not surprisingly the pair have both won many awards in Australia for their community work. The Maras father and son duo are truly great examples of modern-day philanthropists.”
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Maras Group (Australia)
Commenting on the award to Maras Group in the Best Marketing (marketing and PR) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Property company Maras Group took the fashion world by storm when it launched a Live Mannequin Friday event just before Christmas in 2012 in the popular Rundle Street East high-end shopping area of Adelaide. Models appeared in the stores without warning at a set time wearing top designer gear and started chatting with the shoppers. News of the event spread like wildfire via social media and the crowds soon gathered. Creating huge excitement and a massive amount of publicity, it was a first for Australia. It shows what can be achieved with a little imagination.”
Maras Group (Australia)
Commenting on the award to Maras Group in the Best Marketing (diversified services) category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Proving that landlords do spend money on their tenants, commercial property company Maras Group embarked on a ground-breaking advertising and marketing campaign to encourage people back to 'bricks and mortar' shopping. To support tenants, the campaign promoted top-tier fashion shops in the east end side of this popular shopping area of Adelaide. At a time when the fashion industry was facing a tough time, it worked a treat. All retailers including caf??s and bars reported an increase in business and it greatly cemented the landlord/tenant relationship. This is a unique initiative that deserves recognition.”
Zapunited Ltd
Commenting on the award to Zapunited, the winner in the Best New Product/Service category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the judges said::
“Starting with only ??25,000 in 2011, digital advertising agency Zapunited has seen extraordinary growth and now has 160 advertisers and 3,000 publishers. The company offers an ingenious service that helps advertisers get the most from their online advertising. Through its innovative online advertising network, it matches targeted digital online advertising with website publishers via a simple, low cost, pay-per-click model. To prevent potential click fraud, it also carefully selects websites to ensure that any suspicious content is blocked. Helping advertisers get more bang for their online buck, this is just what the market needs.”
Darlings of Chelsea
Commenting on the award to Darlings of Chelsea, the winner in the Best Product category, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the judges said::
“In an industry swamped with a multitude of different furniture retailers offering a huge variety of styles and quality, Darling of Chelsea has differentiated itself by offering an extensive range of carefully researched and luxurious products. It also offers a bespoke service that caters for specific size or style requirements. The in-depth level of product information it provides to customers helps them make a fully-informed decision before purchase, which reduces returns. Coupling excellent customer service with high quality product is a winning formula that has worked well for Darlings of Chelsea.”
Sean Ramsden
Commenting on the award to Sean Ramsden, Chief Executive of Ramsden International, the winner of the Outstanding Personal Achievement award, Andrew Areoff, the chairman of the judges said::
“Sean Ramsden has radically changed the landscape of the export market for British food and drink to the farthest corners of the world over the past 20 years. Ramsden International exports 23,000 products to over 130 countries and it has more than 700 clients supplying retailers, importers and wholesalers of every size. Recognising that each country has different requirements, Ramsden has excelled by developing a micro strategy for each market the company exports to and, at the same time, it offers a personalised multi-lingual customer service to all clients. Ramsden's concept and delivery of customer service is brilliant. He is a great master of the export business.”
Monitise and Royal Bank of Scotland
Commenting on the award to Monitise and Royal Bank Scotland, the winner in the Best Innovation category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the judges said::
“Monitise is a leading British mobile commerce company that has revolutionises the way we bank using our smartphones. Its innovative mobile money technology is now being used by leading banks, retailers and payments companies to give customers on the move access to money services such as transferring funds, checking statements and bill paying. Its collaboration with Royal Bank of Scotland has been particularly successful. The bank's mobile banking app is now being used by almost 3 million customers who can effortlessly access their finances anytime, anyplace, anywhere.”
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.
Exceedra Software
Commenting on the award to Exceedra Software in the Best Product/Service category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Exceedra Software is a true innovator that must be congratulated for being the first to come up with a solution that helps consumer goods manufacturers and suppliers manage the full lifecycle of their promotions including the supply chain and sales. Previously companies managed promotions using a variety of spread sheets, which was laborious and not very helpful. Now they simply use one solution. This is a flexible, greatly needed software product that provides real business benefits and gives consumer manufacturers the competitive edge they need.”
DFS
Commenting on the award to DFS in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“DFS is no couch potato when it comes to corporate social responsibility. Putting the company's products to good use, staff have rather imaginatively invented new ways of raising funds for charity through water rafting with a sofa on board, sofa cycling around the UK and even sofa trekking. Through these types of events, DFS has raised millions for charities including the British Heart Foundation, The Duke of Edinburgh Award and the BBC's Children in Need. DFS is certainly doing its bit to make peoples' lives more comfortable in more ways than one.”
Accsys Technologies
Commenting on the award to Accsys Technologies in the Best Innovation category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Accsys Technologies has come up with the answer for sourcing a sustainable construction material that is as strong as aluminium and concrete, yet is sustainable, renewable and environmentally friendly. It's called Accoya. Wood has been around for millions of years but often it's not quite strong enough. Through the development of its acetylation process, Accsys Technologies can transform low performing woods into a durable construction material on a par with tropical hardwood and aluminium. Now used in 40 countries, buildings using Accoya modified wood look absolutely stunning.”
Weston College
Commenting on the award to Weston College in the Best Communication category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“With a budget of only ??10,000, Weston College has done a terrific job at promoting its two new courses for the unemployed. The campaign used a combination of traditional advertising with new media plus a few innovations such as advertising on petrol caps at petrol stations and running a promotion at a pop-up shop. It even roped in the local MP for a question and answer session. The college showed great imagination and excellent use of limited resources. The campaign had the desired result and enrolment for the courses exceeded expectations.”
Phil Anderson Financial Services
Commenting on the award to Phil Anderson Financial Services in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“For a small firm in Scotland, Phil Anderson Financial Services has made a huge contribution to the community at large. It takes its role as a financial provider seriously and is giving away ??10,000 of free financial advice to people on low incomes or with special needs; and it provides a free will writing services to its customers. It also supports Shelter, Downs Syndrome Scotland and a myriad of local sports clubs. Phil Anderson FS is an excellent example of a small business that is helping people in all walks of life.”
Professor Colin Turner
Commenting on the award to Professor Colin Turner in the Outstanding Personal Achievement category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“As a business guru and serial entrepreneur with experience of running a host of businesses, Prof Colin Turner is our most influential business leader. His new approaches, such as encouraging staff in large corporates to think like an entrepreneur, are taking the business world by storm. He has turned many large international companies around and his inspirational business books have influenced millions. Prof Turner is the UK's leading authority on how to run a successful business and the first port of call for business people looking for advice.”
FLR Spectron Limited
Commenting on the award to FLR Spectron in the Best Small to Medium Size Business category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“FLR Spectron is an impressive telecommunications organisation that puts client service, its staff and the community at the heart of its organisation. Over 20 years, it has grown rapidly from a small business into an award-winning, medium-sized company. It has won a host of awards with recent wins including Investors in People and it is easy to see why. Its community relations, employee communication and reward and recognition schemes are excellent; and it really lives up to its motto of 'we take our people with us.'”
Splosh.com
Commenting on the award to Splosh.com in the Best New Business category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Splosh.com is certain to clean up the market with its innovative new range of household cleaning products that are cheap and oh so green. Realising that the bulk of cleaning fluids is water, Splosh.com sells a range of plant derived cleaning products for washing up, laundry and household cleaning in sachets. Consumers received a starter pack with a bottle and simply add water to the mix. The bottles are re-used time and time again, and nothing ends up in landfill. Sheer brilliant, sparkling genius!”
XLN Business Services
Commenting on the award to XLN Business Services in the Best Customer Focus category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“After ditching its 'you're being held in a queue' call centre service, telecommunications company XLN Business Services has seen a 200% increase in orders. When clients ring up, they now get immediate connection to the client's dedicated account team. The outcome is spectacular. Market share has doubled to 8.2%, the company has extended the range of products it offers to small businesses and profits have double to ??16.5 million. This is a company that has listened to its clients and transformed customer service and its business.”
UK Power Networks
Commenting on the award to UK Power Networks in the Best Customer Focus category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“As a provider of a vital utility service, UK Power Networks has harnessed the power good customer service and improved feedback from clients. Its use of social media is excellent and it was the first to launch self-help videos on its website. However, it was its quick response to the devastation caused by the St Jude storm in October 28 2013 that was remarkable. Within four days, 99.9 per cent of the network had been restored and to help those without electricity, the company set up help centres with hot food provided to residents.”
Northern Gulf Trading Co. Hyundai Distributor – Kuwait
Commenting on the award to Hyundai in the Best Marketing category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“In less than 50 years, Hyundai has become the fifth largest motor group in the world with a 9% market share. Hyundai know its customers well and at the heart of its marketing is a comprehensive customer database, which is used to guide the development of all new customer services. Orchestrating global marketing campaigns is not the easiest thing to do but by laying down guidance, expert preparation and closely monitoring all activities including advertising, sponsorship, social media and public relations, Hyundai has succeeded and built the company into a much admired global brand.”
Ken Broderick and Louise Ounsworth, Hull City Council
Commenting on the award to Ken Broderick and Louise Ounsworth of Hull City Council, Housing Strategy and Renewal in the Best Outstanding Personal Achievement category, Andrew Areoff, the Chairman of the Judges, said::
“Ken Broderick and Louise Ounsworth are public sector heroes. Working in a council housing department, they were undeterred when budgets were cut for new dwellings. In some cases, people had been told their home was going to be demolished and they were given a date for moving to a new home. But there was no funding and no new home. Enterprising Ken and Louise sourced new funding and put a roof over the heads of many desperate people. Quite frankly, Ken and Louise deserve a medal!”
