National Business Award finalists revealed
THE northern finalists of the National Business Awards have been announced, with more than 60 businesses shortlisted in the north and Northern Ireland.
Made up of nine categories, finalists will now be preparing to make their presentations before a judging panel in June.
Among the contenders are recruitment company boss Jo Sellick founder of the Sellick Partnership, who is in the running in the entrepreneur of the year category, while St Helen’s-based Elite Telecoms is shortlisted in several categories.
Paul Tollet, vice president of business, Orange UK said: “Nobody can doubt that this is an extremely difficult period for commerce, however, The National Business Awards provides the opportunity to revive some confidence in UK business through the recognition of our most talented organisations and individuals.
“This year’s finalists clearly demonstrate the resilience, adaptability and success needed to drive the economy forward.”
Philip Forrest, chairman of judges at the awards, said: “Without exception all had forecast a level of growth for the coming year which appears to indicate that even in the prevailing market conditions, well run, professionally operated organisations are able to develop and implement effective success strategies.”
Last year’s winners included Merseytravel, Sheffield Forgemasters International, Bardsley Construction and Cattles Invoice Finance.
The 2009 winners will be unveiled at a gala award dinners at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate hotel on July 9.
Norht West finalists and the categories are:
The Orange Best Use of Technology in Business Award
Spartasoft, Manchester
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Michael Conway, Quayside Clothing, Manchester
Jo Sellick, Sellick Partnership, Manchester
Matt Newing, Elite Telecom, St Helen’s
Chris Jordan, Cabfind Liverpool
Oliver Cookson, Myprotein.co.uk, Manchester
The Business Innovation of the Year Award
GB Group, Chester
Quick Holding Bolton
Spartasoft, Manchester
The Customer Focus Award
Chess Telecom, Cheshire
Liverpool City Council, Liverpool
QVC, Liverpool
TouchStar Call Centre Software, Manchester
UKFast, Manchester
The Growth Strategy of the Year Award
Elite Telecom, St Helen’s
IKnow UK Ltd, Preston
Knowsley Lift Services, Liverpool
Mobica, Wilmslow
The Business of the Year Award
Elite Telecom, St Helen’s,
Spiritel Plc, Wigan
The Employer of the Year Award
British Independent Utilities, St Anne’s
The Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year
Cabfind Liverpool
Myprotein.co.uk, Mancheste,
Cumbrian Cottages, Carlisle
Event Marketing Solutions, Cheshire
Human Recognition Systems, Liverpool
Imerja, Manchester
Place Group Manchester
Quayside Clothing Limited, Manchester
The Health, Work & well-being Award for Small Business
Chess, Alderley Edge, Cheshire
BNS Nuclear Services (Manchester)
