The National Business Awards in partnership with Orange has revealed the 2012 winners, at the gala dinner hosted by Sky News presenter Jeff Randall. Organisa- tions from across the private, public and third sectors triumphed, including Trunki, Marks & Spencer and London Early Years Foundation.
Recognising excellence, innovation and ethics in UK plc, the eleventh annual National Business Awards were opened with a video address from the Prime Minister, which highlighted Government support for British business. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander also ad- dressed the 1200 business leaders that attended the event, whilst Olympian Jessica Ennis wowed the crowd with her story of determination and success. Other influential at- tendees included Sir Roger Carr, Chairman of Centrica and President of the CBI and Chair of Judges, Baroness Virginia Bottomley.
Prime Minister David Cameron described British busi- ness as being in a ‘global race’ and commented: “It is people like you who are helping us lift our economy out of a very difficult time and who’ll help make sure that Britain doesn’t just compete in this global race, but really thrives in it. I want to thank-you for everything you’re doing and I want to congratulate everyone for being recognised at the National Business Awards.”
Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury said: “The Government is delighted to support this year’s National Business Awards. As a celebration of the very best in British business, they are a valuable opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of UK com- panies – from micro businesses to multi-nationals – in achieving the success which drives economic growth.”
Phil Smith, CEO, Cisco UK and Ireland was honoured with the prestigious Orange Leader of the Year Award, an award decided by a combination of public vote and a ballot from a panel of 35 senior executives from across the business community. Kate Swann, CEO, WH Smith received the Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business for her distinguished career leading retail businesses and turning round WH Smith’s fortunes.
Joseph Joseph was crowned the BlackBerry Growth Strategy of the Year winner, with Ella’s Kitchen, produ- cers of organic baby and toddler food being awarded the 3i International Growth Business of the Year. Regis- tered charity, London Early Years Foundation won the Transformational Change of the Year award for turning a vulnerable charity into a financially secure social en- terprise.
Martin Stiven, Vice President of Business at EE, the com- pany that runs Orange and T-Mobile and EE, the new superfast 4G brand, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. The entries are truly remarkable and demonstrate the considerable breadth of inspirational companies that we have in Britaintoday. They are shi- ning examples of how industry champions are pushing this nation forward with bold innovation and impres- sive leadership, both of which we believe strongly about at EE.”
Alex Evans, Programme Director of the National Busi- ness Awards said: “Attracting household names, and those aspiring to be; the National Business Awards are the accolade of choice for those seeking the highest recognition – whether it’s to attract talent, investment, new customers or media attention.”
www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk
The National Business Awards supports Help for Heroes, a charity that offers support and advice for wounded soldiers.
