Burgess Hill-based International Logistics Group was last night (17 March) named Business of the Year in the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2011. Courier, fulfilment and freight forwarding company ILG was chosen by the judges as the large business or organisation that has most enhanced the reputation of the Gatwick Diamond as an important business centre on a regional and national basis.
ILG also won the Award for Customer Delight, for ‘going the extra mile’ to ensure « consistent customer satisfaction » and create a “wow” factor.
International Business of the Year is Haywards Heath-based digital theatre designer Global Immersion, which was said to have best demonstrated international business credentials and agility by developing export/import markets or establishing international collaborations/partnerships to sustain turnover or increase profitability.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel, with Sir Trevor McDonald as guest presenter.
Jeremy Taylor, chairman of the judges, said: “Recognising and rewarding business innovation and success is at the heart of these awards. The aim is to raise awareness of entrepreneurship and business excellence and to help showcase business talent in the Gatwick Diamond region. The winners can be justifiably proud of their achievements.”
Business Person of the Year was Justin Acres of Crawley-based Clearwater People Solutions and Small Business Person of the Year was Andrew Hookway of Haywards Heath-based IT firm Extech. They showed a clear vision for their business future and that they are committed to growing their businesses, it was said.
Crawley holiday firm Tui won the Award for Corporate Responsibility while the Felbridge Hotel & Spa won the Place to Meet award.
Car dealer Lifestyle Europe, which has outlets across the region, won the Award for Developing People for Business Success while waste management business Sweeptech Environmental Services, of Hassocks, took the Award for Innovation and Technology.
Anthea Rossouw, founder of the Dreamcatcher Foundation, who arranges community based tourism to help alleviate poverty in South Africa, was named the Diamond Green Champion for her commitment to minimising the impact of business activities on the environment.
Sustainable transport firm easitNETWORK was given the Green Award for Travel and Transport while Crawley-based Virgin Atlantic Airways got the Green Award for Recycling.
And Crawley’s K2 Leisure Centre won the Green Award for the Sustainable Workplace.
Graduate of the Year was Laura Evans of Brighton-based web designer Makemedia.
The awards were organised by Cadia, the Gatwick Diamond Business Association.
Source: http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/south-east/49422-/
