Businesses throughout the UK came together for the Chamber Business Awards to celebrate outstanding success in business and recognise the achievements of regional Chambers.
Returning for its 14th year, the annual award ceremony is a showcase event in the national business calendar that highlights ‘the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities’.
Norfolk based firm epos now were crowned regional winners in the East of England, receiving the ‘Commitment to People Development’ Award and were shortlisted as a finalist at the national awards ceremony.
Double winners AnyJunk received the coveted Business of the Year title and ‘Best Use of Technology’ award for their innovative use of technology to change the productivity and efficiency of the waste disposal industry.
Commenting on this year’s awards, Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“I never cease to be surprised by the innovation and ambition of UK companies, and the contribution firms of every size and sector make to their local communities.”
The full list of winners were:
· Best Use of Technology – AnyJunk, a London based bulk waste collector for business and homes, is using technology to change the productivity and efficiency of the waste disposal industry
· Export Business of the Year – Linwoods, a bakers and health food business based in Armagh, has made excellent use of consumer and market research and sells its products to retailers in over 30 countries
· High Growth Business of the Year – ICON Aerospace Technology Ltd, a world leader in highly engineered polymer-based products for aerospace and defence applications, has increased turnover by 30% and created 150 jobs in less than two years
· Excellence in Customer Service – Stockport Homes, delivers affordable housing and accommodation solutions, and has driven customer satisfaction through the implementation of a Continuous Improvement Framework
· Small Business of the Year – DNA Worldwide, providers of DNA, drug and alcohol testing, has used state of the art technology to develop a range of new services, and has ambitious plans to expand
· Commitment to People Development – Manchester & Cheshire Construction Co. Ltd, has shown impressive commitment to the training and development of staff, participating in 252 training days last year
· Business and Education Partnership – Ahead Partnership, based in Leeds, has worked to address the soft skills gap, and brings together teachers and employers to create bespoke programmes of learning
· Best Use of Social Media – JC Social Media Limited, began trading from a spare bedroom in Birmingham in 2011, and use social media to help clients connect with new customers, gaining 28.9m impressions for over a four-month period for a client’s event
· Health and Wellbeing – Flynn, a building and maintenance business based in Northern Ireland, developed a ‘Boost’ initiative to improve moral, mental wellbeing and communication
· Chamber of the Year – Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, has grown by 11% in the last three years and worked closely with other chambers in the region to share best practice
· Excellence in International Trade – Northamptonshire Chamber (incorporating Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce) offers members a wide portfolio of services relating to trade, including International Trade Forums and regular workshops
· Most Effective Campaigning – North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, has shown determination and a dedication to the local business community in its campaign for energy exploration in the county
· Excellence in Membership Services – Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has grown by 12% over the last two years, and an impressive 20% of Staffordshire’s workforce are in membership
