Previous Winners & Judges Feedback

Stubbee Brewers

Outstanding Entrepreneur

Commenting on Allen McKenna of Stubbee Brewers, the winner in the Outstanding Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Allen McKenna is an amazing and inspirational entrepreneur who bounced back from adversity and now has a string of diverse and highly successful organisations. Starting with a security business, McKenna Security Allen diversified into cleaning, then Stubbee Brewers a pub and a brewery to stock up the bar with craft beer. Allen jumps at every opportunity that comes his way and uses his incredible business acumen to make it a success. Employing more than 150 people in the UK with some based in Morocco, Allen also generously supports charities in West Yorkshire and in Africa.”

McKenna Security

Outstanding Entrepreneur

Commenting on Allen McKenna of McKenna Security, the winner in the Outstanding Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Allen McKenna is an amazing and inspirational entrepreneur who bounced back from adversity and now has a string of diverse and highly successful organisations. Starting with a security business, McKenna Security Allen diversified into cleaning, then Stubbee Brewers a pub and a brewery to stock up the bar with craft beer. Allen jumps at every opportunity that comes his way and uses his incredible business acumen to make it a success. Employing more than 150 people in the UK with some based in Morocco, Allen also generously supports charities in West Yorkshire and in Africa.”

HedgeFlows

Best Innovation

Commenting on HedgeFlows, the winner in the Best Innovation category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Well done to HedgeFlows for putting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the same level playing field as the largest corporates with its innovative international trading platform. For the first time, the HedgeFlows platform gives SMEs easier access to trading internationally with less risk to currency fluctuations, helping them to expand into new markets and improve profitability. This is a great new product from HedgeFlows that gives the 1.5 million SMEs across Europe access to systems that will help them expand their international business.”

GD Group Inc Ltd

Best Brand Development

Commenting on GD Group Inc Ltd, the winner in the Best Brand Development category, the chairman of the judges said:

“With competition stiff for Chinese takeaway meals, UK-based GD Group has modernised its traditional brand of Golden Dragon and differentiated itself by developing eye-catching designs in-house for its two new brands GD Box and GD Vegan, which were introduced to attract new customers. Chance appearances on popular TV shows did wonders for the brands and to support them, GD Group also set up a social media network to raise its profile. Congratulations to GD Group for creating a strong, fresh, modern look for its existing and new brands that will support growth and its expansion into Asia.”

SunSibility

Outstanding Personal Achievement

Commenting on Angeli Jackson, Founder of SunSibility, the winner in the Outstanding Personal Achievement category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to Angeli Jackson, Founder of SunSibility, for following her instincts and developing a business that provides UV/sun protective clothing for people who are sensitive to the sun, such as, those with Lupus, eczema and vitiligo. The fashion college she attended said there wasn’t a market for clothing for people with sun sensitivity. But how she has proved them wrong! Thanks to Angeli’s intuitive leadership, SunSibility has been thriving for two decades, become a leader in its field and is endorsed by many dermatologists.”

HedgeFlows

Best New Business

Commenting on HedgeFlows, the winner in the Best New Business category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to HedgeFlows for giving smaller businesses access to the same international trading tools that large corporates have been using for decades. Using the smart HedgeFlows toolkit, which helps remove the financial risks and complexities of trading in foreign currencies, smaller companies can trade internationally more easily. The company has already achieved excellent client retention with 80% of customers trying the platform still using it. With around 1.5 million smaller businesses in Europe, HedgeFlows has just the right product to win a healthy share of the market.”

GD Group Inc Ltd

Commenting on GD Group Inc Ltd, the winner in the Outstanding Innovation During COVID-19 category, the chairman of the judges said:

“At a difficult time when staffing was down, hygiene was paramount and customers demanded the same level of service, Golden Dragon Chinese takeaway restaurants turned to advanced technologies to keep its business thriving. High-tech hygiene tests were introduced; robotics and induction woks were installed in cooking areas; and the all-in-one box was brought in for speed. Consequently over 12 months, the business saved 40% of manpower, increased production by 200% and pushed profits up by 30%! Congratulations to GD Group for using innovative technology to produce incredible results at a challenging time.”

Evri

Best Sustainable Product/Process

Commenting on Evri, the winner in the Best Sustainable Product/Process category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to Evri for making an impact on cutting emissions with its environmental, social and governance strategy. Headed by a steering committee to implement the strategy, Evri is well on its way to reaching its ambitious plans of net zero direct and indirect carbon emissions by 2035. Amazingly, the company has achieved 100% renewable energy in all its operations. Its use of electric vehicles and eCargo bikes for last-mile deliveries is another brilliant initiative. Good for Evri for delivering an impressive range of initiatives that is helping to improve air quality across the UK.”

Helix Corporate Wear

Best Customer Focus

Commenting on Helix Corporate Wear, the winner in the Best Customer Focus category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Helix Corporate Wear of Falkirk may not be the largest supplier of business wear, but it is a cut above the rest because of its attention to detail and excellent customer care. Staff are trained extensively to make sure they are comfortable about doing the job before working with clients. They also spend as much time as needed with clients to ensure that their order is exactly right and delivered on time. Congratulations to Helix Corporate Wear for achieving a 5-star rating on Google and a high level of repeat business.”

GD Group Inc Ltd

Outstanding Personal Achievement

Commenting on William Ho, Founder of the GD Group Inc Ltd, the winner in the Outstanding Personal Achievement category, the chairman of the judges said:

“William Ho, founder of Golden Dragon Chinese takeaway, has led his business for over two decades to become the next generation green restaurant. He cleverly accelerated the introduction of technologies during the pandemic with advanced hygiene systems and robotics in the kitchen, taking the business to a new level of productivity. William is always ahead of the game in everything he does and naturally, he was the first to introduce vegan Chinese meals in Wales.”

Morgan Clark Ltd

Best Customer Focus

Commenting on Morgan Clark Ltd, the winner in the Best Customer Focus category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to loss assessor Morgan Clark for providing its clients with a personalised service that has produced excellent feedback and top scores on Trust Pilot. To provide the best service to clients who are in a stressful situation, each customer has an allocated agent who deals with their case from start to finish. Extra time is allocated to clients as matter of course to make sure everything runs smooth. As well as turning stressed customers into happy ones, Morgan Clark’s great service has helped it maintain its top position as an industry leader.”

Competitive Socialising trading as Swingers Club

Outstanding Entrepreneur

Commenting on Matt Grech-Smith and Jeremy Simmonds, Co-Chief Executives of Competitive Socialising trading as Swingers Club, the winners in the Outstanding Entrepreneur category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Entrepreneurs Matt Grech-Smith and Jeremy Simmonds have scored a massive hit with their unique concept of combining a cocktail bar with crazy golf. Starting with a pop-up Swingers bar in Shoreditch, the pair now have two thriving venues in London and others in the US. The concept of ‘competitive socialising’ is taking the US by storm, where most of the upward swing in growth is set to come from. Congratulations to Matt and Jeremy for breathing new life into the hospitality industry.”

Enerjisa Enerji

Best Staff Training & Development Programme

Commenting on Enerjisa Enerji, the winner in the Best Staff Training and Development Programme category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to Turkey’s electricity company Enerjisa Enerji for achieving great results with its Sales School programme. Realising that customer service employees play a vital part in building good relationships with clients, Enerjisa Enerji introduced Sales School programme for staff working in its customer service centre in 2014. Sales School initially offered classroom training but it has now moved online, giving staff flexibility about where and when they can study. Amazingly, the training and development programme has increased performance by 66% and increased loyalty from staff.”

TEMSA

Best Sustainable Product/Process

Commenting on TEMSA, the winner in the Best Sustainable Product/Process category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Turkey-based bus manufacturer TEMSA has come up with a unique way of recycling waste material from its factories. Waste such as packaging, cables and plastics is donated to Çukurova University’s Faculty of Fine Arts where artists transform the material into works of art. The art is then sold at TEMSA’s showroom in Istanbul and the proceeds help fund educational scholarships for disadvantaged students. This is a brilliant, inspirational concept where waste material gives young people access to education and a great start in life.”

Phoenix Fitness

Best Community Engagement Initiative

Commenting on Phoenix Fitness, the winner in the Best Community Engagement Initiative, the chairman of the judges said:

“A huge round of applause to Phoenix Fitness for helping those in need across the east coast of England by running a host of community initiatives. During lockdown it ran a series of online classes and opened an outdoor gym to keep people fit and healthy. More recently, it has donated to numerous local charities, held raffles, run charity boxing matches and hosted its first ever east coast fitness festival that was a huge success. Well done to Phoenix Fitness for helping the community through difficult economic times.”

OPET

Disruptor of the Year for Product or Service

Commenting on OPET, the winner in the Disruptor of the Year for Product or Service award, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to fuel distribution company OPET for being one of the first in the fuel sector in Turkey to introduce mini shopping malls at its fuel stations. Almost 300 mini malls, under the ultramarkets project, have already opened and are attracting new customers every day. Consumers can even order their goods online with pick them up at a station without having to get out of their car! Well done to OPET for being a pioneer in introducing consumers to a new way of convenience shopping.”

Enerjisa Enerji

Best HR

Commenting on Enerjisa Enerji, the winner in the Best HR category, the chairman of the judges said: :

“Congratulations to Turkey’s electricity company Enerjisa Enerji for thinking ahead and introducing its Future of Work transformation strategy. It includes introducing flexible work conditions for staff, health and wellbeing services and continuous training and development to help them progress their career and prepare for the jobs of the future. To make life easier for staff, HR procedures and processes have been automated and made more efficient. With staff satisfaction rates standing at all time high of 71% and staff loyalty improving, the Future of Work strategy is having a powerful impact.”

Duracell Turkiye

Best Innovation

Commenting on Duracell Turkiye, the winner in the Best Innovation, the chairman of the judges said:

“Duracell Turkiye is a powerhouse of innovation that has recently introduced some amazing new products such as its Duracell Optimum range of batteries that last 30% longer. It has also come up with several other ground-breaking initiatives including its new baby secure technology that covers lithium button cell batteries in a harmless bitter coating that stops youngsters from swallowing them. Its ‘transform your batteries project into goodness’ is another brilliant innovation that repurposes old batteries into walking sticks for the visually-impaired.”

TEMSA

Best Community Engagement Initiative

Commenting on TEMSA, the winner in the Best Community Engagement Initiative category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to staff at TEMSA, a Turkey-based bus manufacturer, for helping children in disadvantaged areas of the country get access to education through its Dream Partners Association. Originally launched in 2014, it is the first association of its kind in Turkey and run entirely by staff volunteers. It has made a huge contribution to education by improving school buildings, and providing books, equipment and materials for distance learning. TEMSA Dream Partners Association is a brilliant community initiative that is helping disadvantaged youngsters get an education and lift them out of poverty.”

Bombay Palace

Outstanding Personal Achievement

Commenting on Siraj Ali, founder of Bombay Palace, the winner in the Outstanding Personal Achievement, the chairman of the judges said:

“Siraj Ali, based in the West Midlands, is a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist who has a big heart. Over the years, he has built up a portfolio of restaurants, properties and international investments; and his flagship restaurant Bombay Palace in Coventry is renowned for its superb cuisine. On the community front, Siraj Ali provided around 1,000 free meals to healthcare workers during the pandemic and has donated thousands of pounds to local social groups. Congratulations to Siraj Ali for being an outstanding business leader and for being so generous.”

Enerjisa Enerji

Best Innovative and Creative Use of Technology

Commenting on Enerjisa Enerji, the winner in the Best Innovative and Creative use of Technology category, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to Turkey’s leading electricity company Enerjisa Enerji for developing a new training tool for engineers using virtual reality (VR) glasses. Rather than having to go out in the field, engineers can take 12 different courses in acceptance testing of power distribution grid facilities using the VR glasses. So far 140 people have successfully undertaken the training using the new technique. Well done to Enerjisa Enerji for creatively using advanced technologies to develop a new way of training engineers in a faster and more effective way.”

OPET

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award

Commenting on OPET, the winner in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award, the chairman of the judges said:

“Congratulations to OPET, one of the largest fuel distribution companies in Turkey, for encouraging more women to work at its 18,000 fuel stations and fighting the fight for gender equality. The initiative is part of its women’s power project, launched in May 2018, and OPET now has almost 2,000 ladies working at its stations in posts that were traditionally held by men. OPET has made a great start in attracting women into the workplace and helping them become economically active and more involved in society.”

TEMSA

Best Health & Safety

Commenting on TEMSA, the winner in the Best Health & Safety category, the chairman of the judges said: :

“Congratulations to Turkey-based electric bus manufacturer TEMSA for launching its Temsaglik project in May 2021 that provides staff with comprehensive health and wellbeing advice. The service is extended to the families of employees as well to help them become fitter and healthier too. TEMSA has thought of everything and the range of offerings includes advice on diet and fitness, and counselling. There are also sports and social clubs and there’s even a club for children! Showing just how popular Temsaglik has become, almost 40% of staff have joined one of the clubs.”

Enerjisa Enerji

Best Innovation

Commenting on Enerjisa Enerji, the winner in the Best Innovation category, the chairman of the judges said: :

“Turkey’s electricity company Enerjisa Enerji has achieved outstanding new efficiencies with the transformation its Administrative Affairs operations with a new digital platform called AA+ that enables users to access services on one screen. Administrative Affairs manages the company’s facilities, security, catering, travel, fleet and cargo etc. The implementation of the AA+ platform was a massive undertaking that has produced amazing benefits. The platform reduces workload for staff, increases accuracy and strengthens decision making. Congratulations to Enerjisa Enerji for transforming its core operations and introducing new levels of productivity.”