Around 300 business representatives from across the county gathered for a gala dinner, at the Savill Court Hotel in Windsor Great Park on the 2nd April, to learn the names of the 2008/2009 Surrey Business award winners.
The awards were presented by BBC presenter and Surrey resident, Nicholas Owen, and the event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, as well as nine of the county's mayors.
Big winners of the night were Johnston Sweepers, over one hundred years old and the world's leading manufacturer of outdoor surface cleansing equipment, which was named Surrey Company of the Year.
Manny Sawhney from Asperion Hillside was named Surrey Business Person of the year, having impressed the judges with his passion and dedication to his business.
Other winners on the night included PNPR, Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex, The Cookie Man, TheAlloy, The Lightbox, Surrey Waste Management, IDBS and Europa Technologies.
Organisers of the Surrey Business Awards reported that over 200 entries were received to arrive at a shortlist of 27 companies for 11 coveted awards.
Michael Price, chairman of the judges, thanked all the entrants and sponsors and commented: "Since the Surrey Business Awards were launched four years ago, it has grown in popularity and stature and I believe we now have the most successful business award scheme in the county.
"Despite the adverse economic pressures currently facing Surrey, businesses continue to thrive and make a major contribution to the UK economy. I know the judges would agree with me in saying how impressed they were with the high standard of entries this year.
"We should remember that the recession will not last forever and in these difficult times it is even more important to celebrate success. We have been delighted with the response to this year's scheme and believe we have a very worthy list of winners. Congratulations to all!"
For more information or press ready images, please contact:
Fiona Graves/Hannah Carter
Midnight Communications
Tel: 01273 666 200
Email: surrey@midnight.co.uk
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Notes to editors
The scheme is supported by some of the county's leading companies including Surrey County Council, Barlow Robbins LLP Solicitors and the Institute of Customer Service South West Trains. The sponsors were this year joined for the first time by Royal Mail and HSBC.
Surrey Business Awards Winners 2008/09
Marketing Award - Sponsored by Midnight Communications
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Bradley Dyer Group
- Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex
Best Employer Award - Sponsored by South West Trains
Winner:
- Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex
Runners-Up:
Creative Industries Award - Sponsored by Business Link, University College for the Creative Arts and Surrey Economic Partnership
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Big Yellow Feet Ltd
- BOILEROOM
Business Waste Minimisation Award - Sponsored by Surrey County Council
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Allianz Insurance
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd
Leisure and Tourism Award - Sponsored by Visit Surrey
Winner:
Runners-Up:
Customer Service Award - Sponsored by Barlow Robbins LLP Solicitors and Institute of Customer Service
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Barnett Hill
- P & P Glass Ltd
Innovation in Business - Sponsored by Royal Mail
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Innovate Services Ltd
- PNPR
International Business Award - Sponsored by HSBC
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Johnston Sweepers Ltd
- Quest Worldwide
Small Business Award - Sponsored by Surrey Mirror
Winner:
Runners-Up:
Surrey Business Person of the Year - Sponsored by Surrey Life
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Kate Craig-Wood - Memset
- Warren Vick - Europa Technologies
- Mark Eaton - Amnis
- Kate Lester - Diamond Logistics
Surrey Company of the Year - Sponsored by Deloitte & Touche LLP
Winner:
Runners-Up:
- Aquilaheywood
- Elliott Thomas Ltd
- Innovate Services Ltd