KINGSPAN NAMED TOP BUSINESS AT CHAMBER AWARDS

KINGSPAN INSULATION of Pembridge, Leominster, took the top accolade of Business of the Year 2008 at last night’s Chamber Awards ceremony (Thursday 5 June).

Businesses from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were honoured at the event - the highlight of the business calendar – held at Eastnor Castle in Ledbury.

Now in their seventh year, the Chamber Awards are organised by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire to celebrate business success and achievements in the two counties.

Kingspan took the coveted title in a record-breaking year for entries, doubling last year’s tally. 

Kingspan are the world’s leading manufacturer of rigid phenolic and rigid urethane insulation, specialising in the solution of insulation problems and offers one of the widest ranges of insulants available from any UK manufacturer. 

Following an intense and rigorous judging process lasting two months, the judges named Kingspan as the Chamber’s Business of the Year, as a company that demonstrates an “enormous all-round professionalism in the way the company conducts its business, coupled with a major desire to improve environmental performance of the business and its products.” 

Besides this, the company has extensive involvement within the local community, making significant efforts to reduce the impact of its presence in the rural location. 

John Garbutt, Marketing Director of Kingspan Insulation Ltd, said, “This is absolutely wonderful – to be recognised by our peers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is important.  I have the utmost respect for all the finalists tonight, Kingspan has involvement with a lot of the companies here.  In fact we are currently working with fellow Business of the Year finalist Wiggly Wigglers.

“Kingspan is very proud of its involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, there is just so much going on in business across these two counties.” 

There was success in Herefordshire too, for MilSys (UK) Ltd of Rotherwas, who were named International Business of the Year, Peter Prosser Hairdressing of Hereford, named Employer of the Year, Architype of Hereford, named Green Business of the Year and Westons Cider, who won the Award for Excellence in the Food and Drink Industry. 

The full list of winners across the ten categories is:

·Business of the Year - Kingspan Insulation Ltd, Pembridge

·Business Start-Up of the Year, sponsored by Advantage West Midlands - Be Eco UK, Worcester

·Small Business of the Year, sponsored by University of Worcester Business School –

      Postcode Anywhere, Worcester

·International Business of the Year, sponsored by Kingspan Insulation - MilSys (UK) Ltd, Rotherwas

·Employer of the Year, sponsored by LSC - Peter Prosser Hairdressing, Hereford

·Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Link - Postcode Anywhere, Worcester

·Green Business of the Year, sponsored by Worcestershire County Council - Architype, Hereford

·Community Enterprise Award, sponsored by Sanctuary Group - Borrowers Toy Library, Malvern

·Award for Excellence in the Food and Drink Industry, sponsored by Worcester News & Hereford Times

      Westons Cider, Much Marcle

·Chamber Member of the Year, sponsored by Nexus Creative - Clare Carpenter Recruitment, Worcester

Chief Executive of the Chamber Mike Ashton said, “It has been a fantastic evening, truly celebrating business success. 

“The Awards process has recognised the high level of quality businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  We’re extremely pleased to congratulate all the winners tonight.  Competition was extremely fierce, and the impartial and rigorous judging process left nothing to chance, so their success is all the more impressive.

“Congratulations to Kingspan Insulation, rightly flying the flag for business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire – not only a huge commercial success but one with social and environmental awareness right at the heart of its’ business.

“The Chamber Awards is about celebrating the best of the best in business across the two counties.  Supportng the talent and goals of business people on our patch is really what the Chamber is here to do, and we’re proud to be able to showcase their achievements here tonight.”

·A raffle and auction to raise money for The Prince’s Trust raised a fantastic £8330.00 on the night.  Chairman of the Trust John Leftwich said, “The Prince’s Trust is thrilled to be part of such a successful evening.  Successful for the many businesses represented, successful for the Trust, and successful for the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

·Justin Chieffo, Director of Be Eco UK Ltd, said, “This is awesome!  This was seriously just an idea twelve months ago, and we have put in so much hard work to make it happen. I must thank my wife Michele who has been incredible.  The Chamber has been invaluable throughout this process – Nick Corley and Linda Smith in particular have been wonderful, and I must thank Peter Jones [of Dragon’s Den] for his support.  It just goes to show what can be achieved with hard work, a few breaks and dedication – anyone can do what we have done.”

·Managing Director of Postcode Anywhere Guy Mucklow, said, “This is just fantastic – to be nominated for two awards and to win both!  It truly is a team effort and I wish we could have all the team up on stage with us to collect the awards!  It’s exciting to get this recognition locally, but this award really is for the wonderful team we have.  They have worked their socks off, literally, and when we moved offices last Saturday each and every member was there voluntarily to help with the move – that speaks volumes.  It’s wonderful that they have proved externally what a good job they do, and to have that external recognition for all their hard work.”

·Mike Moran, Managing Director of MilSys, said, “We are absolutely delighted!  This award is testament to a simply fantastic team effort.  We have brought an international client with us tonight, who helped start our international business in 2005 with a small order for £5,000.  Last year his order was for £3 million.  I’m so glad they can be here to share our celebration.”

·Sue Rogers, Lead Officer at Borrowers, said, “This is just fantastic that a voluntary sector company has held its own against such amazing companies in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  All the finalists deserved to win this award.  Companies in the voluntary sector really are making a difference to people’s lives and this is testament to the fantastically hard work of the team around me over the past 8 years.”

·Peter Prosser, Owner of Peter Prosser Hairdressing, said, “This is bloody amazing! Thank you so much to the Chamber.  This couldn’t have been possible without the huge support from all our staff.  What a wonderful way to celebrate our 10^th birthday, and to thank them for all their hard work in getting the business to the success it is.”

·Jonathan Hines, Managing Director of Architype, said, “We are absolutely delighted, and is indicative of the hard work put in by the team over many years.  We’re thrilled and proud to be putting green issues on the map.”

·David Griffiths, Operations Director of H Weston & Sons, said, “We are absolutely over the moon.  I have worked at the company for 29 years, and it’s fantastic to get this recognition for Westons.  We are delighted that a company with its roots and heritage in this county has been successful within its community.  Not only that but we have taken our name right around the world.”

·Clare Carpenter, Director of Clare Carpenter Recruitment, said, “This is really, really wonderful.  I feel very honoured to be presented with this award.”

FIRST RATE COMPANIES HONOURED IN HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE

BUSINESSES from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were honoured last night (Thursday 5 June) in the highlight of the business calendar – the Chamber Awards 2008.

Winning companies represented a wide range of business sectors, from all across the two counties, and took to the stage to receive their accolades at the event, held at the stunning Eastnor Castle in Ledbury. 

Now in their seventh year, the Chamber Awards are organised by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire to celebrate business success and achievements in the two counties.

The coveted title of Business of the Year went to Kingspan Insulation of Pembridge, near Leominster, the world’s leading manufacturer of rigid phenolic and rigid urethane insulation. The company specialises in the solution of insulation problems and offers one of the widest ranges of insulants available from any UK manufacturer. 

Following an intense and rigorous judging process lasting two months, the judges considered Kingspan to be the Chamber’s Business of the Year, demonstrating an enormous all-round professionalism in the way the company conducts its business, coupled with a major desire to improve environmental performance of the business and its products.  Besides this, the company has extensive involvement within the local community, making significant efforts to reduce the impact of its presence in the rural location. 

2008 saw a record-breaking number of entries, doubling last year’s tally.  The full list of winners across the ten categories is:

·Business of the Year - Kingspan Insulation Ltd, Pembridge

·Business Start-Up of the Year, sponsored by Advantage West Midlands - Be Eco UK, Worcester

·Small Business of the Year, sponsored by University of Worcester Business School –

      Postcode Anywhere, Worcester

·International Business of the Year, sponsored by Kingspan Insulation - MilSys (UK) Ltd, Rotherwas

·Employer of the Year, sponsored by LSC - Peter Prosser Hairdressing Ltd, Hereford

·Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Link - Postcode Anywhere, Worcester

·Green Business of the Year, sponsored by Worcestershire County Council - Architype, Hereford

·Community Enterprise Award, sponsored by Sanctuary Group - Borrowers Toy Library, Malvern

·Award for Excellence in the Food and Drink Industry, sponsored by Worcester News & Hereford Times

      Westons Cider, Much Marcle

·Chamber Member of the Year, sponsored by Nexus Creative - Clare Carpenter Recruitment, Worcester

Chief Executive of the Chamber Mike Ashton said, “It has been a fantastic evening, truly celebrating business success. 

“The Awards process has recognised the high level of quality businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  We’re extremely pleased to congratulate all the winners tonight.  Competition was extremely fierce, and the impartial and rigorous judging process left nothing to chance, so their success is all the more impressive.

“Congratulations to Kingspan Insulation, rightly flying the flag for business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire – not only a huge commercial success but one with social and environmental awareness right at the heart of its’ business.” 

·A raffle and auction to raise money for The Prince’s Trust raised a fantastic £8330.00 on the night.  Chairman of the Trust John Leftwich said, “The Prince’s Trust is thrilled to be part of such a successful evening.  Successful for the many businesses represented, successful for the Trust, and successful for the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

·John Garbutt, Marketing Director of Kingspan Insulation Ltd, said, “This is absolutely wonderful – to be recognised by our peers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is important.  I have the utmost respect for all the finalists tonight, Kingspan has involvement with a lot of the companies here.  In fact we are currently working with fellow Business of the Year finalist Wiggly Wigglers. Kingspan is very proud of its involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, there is just so much going on in business across these two counties.” 

·Justin Chieffo, Director of Be Eco UK Ltd, said, “This is awesome!  This was seriously just an idea twelve months ago, and we have put in so much hard work to make it happen. I must thank my wife Michele who has been incredible.  The Chamber has been invaluable throughout this process – Nick Corley and Linda Smith in particular have been wonderful, and I must thank Peter Jones [of Dragon’s Den] for his support.  It just goes to show what can be achieved with hard work, a few breaks and dedication – anyone can do what we have done.”

·Managing Director of Postcode Anywhere Guy Mucklow, said, “This is just fantastic – to be nominated for two awards and to win both!  It truly is a team effort and I wish we could have all the team up on stage with us to collect the awards!  It’s exciting to get this recognition locally, but this award really is for the wonderful team we have.  They have worked their socks off, literally, and when we moved offices last Saturday each and every member was there voluntarily to help with the move – that speaks volumes.  It’s wonderful that they have proved externally what a good job they do, and to have that external recognition for all their hard work.”

·Mike Moran, Managing Director of MilSys, said, “We are absolutely delighted!  This award is testament to a simply fantastic team effort.  We have brought an international client with us tonight, who helped start our international business in 2005 with a small order for £5,000.  Last year his order was for £3 million.  I’m so glad they can be here to share our celebration.”

·Sue Rogers, Lead Officer at Borrowers, said, “This is just fantastic that a voluntary sector company has held its own against such amazing companies in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  All the finalists deserved to win this award.  Companies in the voluntary sector really are making a difference to people’s lives and this is testament to the fantastically hard work of the team around me over the past 8 years.”

·Peter Prosser, Owner of Peter Prosser Hairdressing, said, “This is bloody amazing! Thank you so much to the Chamber.  This couldn’t have been possible without the huge support from all our staff.  What a wonderful way to celebrate our 10^th birthday, and to thank them for all their hard work in getting the business to the success it is.”

·Jonathan Hines, Managing Director of Architype, said, “We are absolutely delighted, and is indicative of the hard work put in by the team over many years.  We’re thrilled and proud to be putting green issues on the map.”

·David Griffiths, Operations Director of H Weston & Sons, said, “We are absolutely over the moon.  I have worked at the company for 29 years, and it’s fantastic to get this recognition for Westons.  We are delighted that a company with its roots and heritage in this county has been successful within its community.  Not only that but we have taken our name right around the world.”

·Clare Carpenter, Director of Clare Carpenter Recruitment, said, “This is really, really wonderful.  I feel very honoured to be presented with this award.”

WORCESTER BUSINESS LEADS AWARDS CELEBRATIONS WITH DOUBLE SUCCESS

Worcester business Postcode Anywhere led the Chamber Awards 2008 celebrations last night (Thursday 5 June) with a deserved double success. 

Named both Small Business of the Year, sponsored by University of Worcester Business School, and Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Link West Midlands, Postcode Anywhere took two of the ten awards at the event, held at Eastnor Castle in Ledbury.

Postcode Anywhere are a web services company based in Hallow, Worcester, and following an intense and rigorous judging process, the judges considered the company to come out top against fierce competition in both categories.  The judges noted particularly both an outstanding profit performance and turnover increase in a short period of time, an innovative approach to business whilst led by a passionate management team nurturing all levels of staff through an abundance of opportunities.

Managing Director of Postcode Anywhere Guy Mucklow, said, “This is just fantastic – to be nominated for two awards and to win both!  It truly is a team effort and I wish we could have all the team up on stage with us to collect the awards!

“It’s exciting to get this recognition locally, but this award really is for the wonderful team we have.  They have worked their socks off, literally, and when we moved offices last Saturday each and every member was there voluntarily to help with the move – that speaks volumes.  It’s wonderful that they have proved externally what a good job they do, and to have that external recognition for all their hard work.”

Businesses from all across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were honoured at the Chamber Awards 08, with winning companies representing a wide range of business sectors, from all across the two counties.

Now in their seventh year, the Chamber Awards are organised by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire to celebrate business success and achievements in the two counties.

The coveted title of Business of the Year went to Kingspan Insulation of Pembridge, near Leominster, the world’s leading manufacturer of rigid phenolic and rigid urethane insulation. The company specialises in the solution of insulation problems and offers one of the widest ranges of insulants available from any UK manufacturer. 

2008 saw a record-breaking number of entries, doubling last year’s tally.  The full list of winners across the ten categories is:

·Business of the Year - Kingspan Insulation Ltd, Pembridge

·Business Start-Up of the Year, sponsored by Advantage West Midlands - Be Eco UK, Worcester

·Small Business of the Year, sponsored by University of Worcester Business School –

      Postcode Anywhere, Worcester

·International Business of the Year, sponsored by Kingspan Insulation - MilSys (UK) Ltd, Rotherwas

·Employer of the Year, sponsored by LSC - Peter Prosser Hairdressing Ltd, Hereford

·Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Link - Postcode Anywhere, Worcester

·Green Business of the Year, sponsored by Worcestershire County Council - Architype, Hereford

·Community Enterprise Award, sponsored by Sanctuary Group - Borrowers Toy Library, Malvern

·Award for Excellence in the Food and Drink Industry, sponsored by Worcester News & Hereford Times

      Westons Cider, Much Marcle

·Chamber Member of the Year, sponsored by Nexus Creative - Clare Carpenter Recruitment, Worcester

Chief Executive of the Chamber Mike Ashton said, “It has been a fantastic evening, truly celebrating business success. 

“The Awards process has recognised the high level of quality businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  We’re extremely pleased to congratulate all the winners tonight.  Competition was extremely fierce, and the impartial and rigorous judging process left nothing to chance, so their success is all the more impressive.

“Congratulations to Kingspan Insulation, rightly flying the flag for business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire – not only a huge commercial success but one with social and environmental awareness right at the heart of its’ business.” 

·A raffle and auction to raise money for The Prince’s Trust raised a fantastic £8330.00 on the night.  Chairman of the Trust John Leftwich said, “The Prince’s Trust is thrilled to be part of such a successful evening.  Successful for the many businesses represented, successful for the Trust, and successful for the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

·John Garbutt, Marketing Director of Kingspan Insulation Ltd, said, “This is absolutely wonderful – to be recognised by our peers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is important.  I have the utmost respect for all the finalists tonight, Kingspan has involvement with a lot of the companies here.  In fact we are currently working with fellow Business of the Year finalist Wiggly Wigglers. Kingspan is very proud of its involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, there is just so much going on in business across these two counties.” 

·Justin Chieffo, Director of Be Eco UK Ltd, said, “This is awesome!  This was seriously just an idea twelve months ago, and we have put in so much hard work to make it happen. I must thank my wife Michele who has been incredible.  The Chamber has been invaluable throughout this process – Nick Corley and Linda Smith in particular have been wonderful, and I must thank Peter Jones [of Dragon’s Den] for his support.  It just goes to show what can be achieved with hard work, a few breaks and dedication – anyone can do what we have done.”

·Mike Moran, Managing Director of MilSys, said, “We are absolutely delighted!  This award is testament to a simply fantastic team effort.  We have brought an international client with us tonight, who helped start our international business in 2005 with a small order for £5,000.  Last year his order was for £3 million.  I’m so glad they can be here to share our celebration.”

·Sue Rogers, Lead Officer at Borrowers, said, “This is just fantastic that a voluntary sector company has held its own against such amazing companies in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  All the finalists deserved to win this award.  Companies in the voluntary sector really are making a difference to people’s lives and this is testament to the fantastically hard work of the team around me over the past 8 years.”

·Peter Prosser, Owner of Peter Prosser Hairdressing, said, “This is bloody amazing! Thank you so much to the Chamber.  This couldn’t have been possible without the huge support from all our staff.  What a wonderful way to celebrate our 10^th birthday, and to thank them for all their hard work in getting the business to the success it is.”

·Jonathan Hines, Managing Director of Architype, said, “We are absolutely delighted, and is indicative of the hard work put in by the team over many years.  We’re thrilled and proud to be putting green issues on the map.”

·David Griffiths, Operations Director of H Weston & Sons, said, “We are absolutely over the moon.  I have worked at the company for 29 years, and it’s fantastic to get this recognition for Westons.  We are delighted that a company with its roots and heritage in this county has been successful within its community.  Not only that but we have taken our name right around the world.”

·Clare Carpenter, Director of Clare Carpenter Recruitment, said, “This is really, really wonderful.  I feel very honoured to be presented with this award.”

AWARDS SUCCESS IS A REAL TOY STORY!

Malvern business Borrowers Toy Library is celebrating success after being named the Community Enterprise of the Year at the Chamber Awards 2008 last night (Thursday 5 June). 

Borrowers Toy Library’s core business is a toy and play resource lending service, and it was the company’s ‘can do’ attitude, coupled with significant development, that led to the company’s success against fierce competition in the category of Community Enterprise of the Year, sponsored by the Sanctuary Group. 

The rigorous judging process lasted two months, and ultimately the judges recognised the “highly effective use of limited resources, robust planning processes and a very strong day to day leadership with a desire to make a real difference.” 

Sue Rogers, Lead Officer at Borrowers, is leaving the company today (Friday) and said, “This is just fantastic that a voluntary sector company has held its own against such amazing companies in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  All the finalists deserved to win this award.

“Companies in the voluntary sector really are making a difference to people’s lives and this is testament to the fantastically hard work of the team around me over the past 8 years.”

There was more success in Malvern as Festival Housing were honoured as Highly Commended in the Employer of the Year category, sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council. 

Businesses from all across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were honoured at the Chamber Awards 08, with winning companies representing a wide range of business sectors, from all across the two counties.

Now in their seventh year, the Chamber Awards are organised by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire to celebrate business success and achievements in the two counties.

The coveted title of Business of the Year went to Kingspan Insulation of Pembridge, near Leominster, the world’s leading manufacturer of rigid phenolic and rigid urethane insulation. The company specialises in the solution of insulation problems and offers one of the widest ranges of insulants available from any UK manufacturer. 

2008 saw a record-breaking number of entries, doubling last year’s tally.  The full list of winners across the ten categories is:

Business of the Year - Kingspan Insulation Ltd, Pembridge

Business Start-Up of the Year, sponsored by Advantage West Midlands - Be Eco UK, Worcester

·Small Business of the Year, sponsored by University of Worcester Business School –

      Postcode Anywhere, Worcester

International Business of the Year, sponsored by Kingspan Insulation - MilSys (UK) Ltd, Rotherwas

Wait is nearly over for Chamber Awards finalists

It’s just one week to go until the prestigious Chamber Awards ceremony 2008, and Worcestershire finalists are ready and waiting to hear who will walk away with the coveted awards on the night. 

Rabjohns and Be Eco of Worcester, as well as Postcode Anywhere of Hallow and Oakland International of Redditch, are just four companies flying the flag for Worcestershire across the ten categories, whilst Central Roofing, Wiggly Wigglers and Kingspan Insulation all of Herefordshire are fighting it out to be named Business of the Year. 

The ceremony, which was a sell-out over two weeks ago, will be held at Eastnor Castle, Ledbury on Thursday 5 June. 

Chamber Chief Executive Mike Ashton said, “This is an exciting time as we’re nearly there.  Myself and the team are very much looking forward to showcasing the best of the best businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire at Eastnor Castle. 

“The standard of competition has been remarkably high, and judging has not been easy.   This is such a special event bringing together 500 of our local entrepreneurs, business professionals and industry leaders on the night to hear who will be crowned winners.”

A thorough judging process produced a shortlist of three or four finalists in each category, with a fairly even split between Worcestershire and Herefordshire companies. 

Look out for news on Friday 6 June of who walked away with the top awards on the night!

THE FINALISTS:

Business of the Year

• Central Roofing
• Kingspan
• Wiggly Wigglers

Business Start-Up of the Year, sponsored by Advantage West Midlands

• Be Eco UK
• Cherington HR
• Chessgrove Swim

Small Business of the Year, sponsored by University of Worcester Business School

• JMDA (John Martin Design Associates)
• JSC Rotational
• Postcode Anywhere

Awards Sell-Out!

The Chamber Awards 08 is a sell-out, the chamber have confirmed this week.  All tickets have been sold to the prestigious ceremony which will be held at Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, on Thursday 5 June.

Showcasing cutting-edge businesses, the black-tie event will bring together 500 local entrepreneurs, business professionals and industry leaders on the night to hear who will be crowned winners

Following record-breaking entries, the judges have shortlisted three or four finalists in each category, before the winners are revealed on the night. 

Lars Tharp, renowned author and broadcaster, is the official Guest Speaker for the event, which will include a Charity Auction to raise money for The Prince’s Trust, before the night ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the Castle’s beautiful lake.

The Chamber would like to thank all the current event sponsors for their support at the Chamber Awards 2008: University of Worcester, Advantage West Midlands, Business Link, Kingspan Insulation, LSC, Worcestershire County Council, Nexus Creative, Sanctuary Group, Worcester News & Hereford Times, Richard Weaver Photography, Orphans Press, Pebble Creative Design, Flights Orchard Organics and Harrison Clark.

Look out for news on Friday 6 June of who walked away with the top awards on the night!

RECORD ENTRIES AS CHAMBER FINALISTS LINE UP

The Awards, run by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire, celebrate the very best in business across the two counties and bring together over 500 people on the night at the business event of the year to be held at Eastnor Castle, Ledbury on Thursday 5^th June.

The previous record for entry numbers was smashed at the entry deadline back in March, clearly reflecting both the attraction of the event itself, but most importantly the breadth of quality businesses in the two counties. 

The short-listing panel – made up of an external adjudicator, a representative of the category sponsor and a Chamber employee – completed a thorough judging process to list the three finalists for each award. 

Event organiser Naomi Rusher commented, “This really was an extremely tough decision across all the categories. I can vouch that most of the decisions were deliberated over hours of discussion – it was so difficult in two of the categories that  the judges had to shortlist four businesses.

“We’d like to sincerely thank every business that entered the Awards.  The quality of entries is testament to a thriving business community and we’re very much looking forward to a fantastic event on June 5^th.”

There can only be one winner in each category, which 10 of these 32 companies will take away the coveted Chamber Awards in 2008?

THE FINALISTS:

Business of the Year

• Central Roofing
• Kingspan