Awards layout for magazine publishing - Small Business Awards 2019 - (AI Global Media)

Image Credit: Š Bitcoin Inc.

2019 Small Business Awards

Also in this Issue:

Blockchain Systems CEO of the Year 2019: Christopher Vanderhorst & Recognised Leaders in Blockchain Systems 2019 We profiled Bitcoin Inc. to discover more about its successes.

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Small Business Awards 2019 - www.cv-magazine.com

Welcome to the Small Business Awards 2019

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Small businesses form the backbone of our corporate landscape despite the trying hardships and obstacles they may face along the path of success! Their continued dedication and innovation is not purely showcased through their size or number of employees but also through the benefits of a tight knit workforce, outstanding customer service and a determination to succeed. The 2019 Small Business Awards will seek out, reward and highlight only the best that this wonderfully vibrant industry has to offer and discards factors which we would consider irrelevant when it comes to running a successful small business!

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Bitcoin Inc: Recognised Leaders in Blockchain Systems 2019 AMG World: Most Innovative Events Company 2019 - UK Powerbox: Best Power Supply Company 2019 - Europe Fashion Design Institut Best Fashion Education Centre - Germany Audeo Fortis Limited: Best SME Business Advisory Firm 2019 - UK Vestergaard & Co: Best Employee eLearning Solutions Provider 2019 - Denmark Brandsavetheworld: Best Boutique PR & Branding Agency – Italy & Distinction Award for Partnership & Event Management 2019 Anwar EL Mezwaghi: Best International Exhibition Organisers – Spain Advisory Group AG: Best Management Consulting Boutique 2019 - Switzerland Album Semiconductors India Private Limited: Best Memory Design Specialists – India & Distinction Award for Physical Implementation Services 2019 BARYA Consulting Services: Best Strategic Management & Leadership Consulting Firm – Afghanistan MPII Innovation Best Practices: Recognised Leaders in Innovation Management 2019 – Canada The Next Level: Best Management & Leadership Consultancy 2019 – Netherlands

22 All Metals Fabricating: Best Sheet Metal Fabrication Company – Texas 23 KEEPER Group: Best Security Systems Distribution Company – Greece 24 The Barbridge Inn: Best Waterside Pub 2019 – Cheshire 25 Kanion Group Company Ltd: Best Air Conditioning Equipment Supplier 2019 – China 26 Most Innovative ICT Consultancy – Uruguay: ITC S.A. 28 G.Engineering Srl: Best Production Equipment Engineering Firm – Italy 29 Insightfully Innovate: Best Innovation Management Agency 2019 - Netherlands 30 Definitely Definitely:

Female Executive Coach Of The Year 2019 32 Hyper Recruitment Solutions: Best Specialist Recruitment Consultancy 2019 - UK 33 Tender Service Group:

Best Tender Information Services Provider 2019 34 Reciprocity ROI:

Best Management Consultancy Firm - Minnesota 35 Best Electromechanical Design & Manufacturing Solutions Provider - Cyprus: A2U Ltd. 36 illuminateBD Industries Ltd:

Best Lighting Supply Company - Bangladesh 37 HDRONES: Most Innovative Drone Delivery Service - France 38 5hort Srl:

Innovation Award in Creative Communication - Italy

, Bitcoin Inc.

Recognised Leaders in Blockchain Systems 2019: Bitcoin Inc. Almost thirty years on from the initial conception of Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s idea for the World Wide Web, bitcoin and blockchain technology represent the next great technical frontier to conquer.

To learn more about this new technology, we profiled Bitcoin Inc. to discover more about its successes, and how it has become a recognised leader in blockchain systems.

Ten years ago, the world was introduced to the first cryptocurrency in the shape of bitcoin. A form of decentralised digital currency that did not have a central bank or single administrator, bitcoin operates as a peer-to-peer electronic money network system. Following its inception in 2009, Bitcoin Inc. was formed in 2011 to promote the widespread adoption of blockchain commodity systems, through encouraging education and participation with cryptocurrencies. For the last eight years, the firm has served both individuals and organisations who want to learn more about this relatively young and exciting technology. Today, it continues to support those who may require specific assistance in capitalising on the opportunities it affords.

Much as the Internet has exploded with popularity thanks to its ingenious innovation and tremendous ease-of-use, Bitcoin Inc. are seeking to do the same thing with blockchain technology. The firm are encouraging businesses and organisations to see it as vastly superior when compared with other systems that fulfil a similar purpose. Blockchain systems have a similar potential to forever change the way in which humans interact digitally, and Bitcoin Inc. are at the forefront of encouraging education about its implementation.

Just one of the driving forces behind Bitcoin Inc.’s success is the technology behind the currency itself. Fundamentally, people value privacy and trust above most other things. The moment either one of those is under threat, people seek out ways of building on and improving the systems that are currently in place. The mastermind behind bitcoin, pseudonymously named Satoshi Nakamoto, created the currency in tandem with blockchain technology. Now Bitcoin Inc. are making sure that the world knows just how valuable it is and why is should be used more widespread.

Highly secure and perfect for cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, blockchain technology represents the future of digital security through a myriad of ways.

Originally intended to timestamp digital documents, blockchain technology makes them almost impossible to tamper with or backdate. Each individual block in the chain is comprised of three core elements; some data, the hash of a block, and the hash of the previous block in the chain.

Blockchain technology is one of the most secure technologies in the world today through these three elements, and a number of security measures. Data can be anything, but the hash is akin to a digital fingerprint which is calculated as the block is being created. By building a new block on the fingerprint of an old block, everything is connected and therefore secure. Should a block be tampered with or changed in any way, the hash of the block is changed and it stands out in the blockchain as being different.

Changing one block makes everything else invalid.

Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto took the idea and applied it to digital currency. Each block contains the data of each transaction, as well as the digital fingerprints of the previous block. Modifying one block in the chain would immediately stand out, so to be effective, a hacker would have to modify almost every block. Whilst some computers could achieve this, blockchain employs yet another security measure: proof-of-work. This mechanism slows down the creation of new blocks, and checks everything is secure in approximately ten minutes.

For a hacker to change every block in a chain would take an immeasurable amount of time, and this deters hackers even further.

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Bitcoin Inc.

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Bitcoin Inc.

However, that isn’t the final security measure for blockchain technology that Bitcoin Inc. are advocating for. Being a peer-to-peer network, everybody who is a part of the blockchain network receives a full copy of the existing blockchain. Each new block that is added must be verified across the network before being cemented into the block. Therefore, for a hacker to implement changes, they would also have to take control of the majority of the blockchain network to approve the changes.

Combined with the block’s hashes, and the proof-of-work mechanism, blockchain technology has become one of the most secure technologies in the world.

In the context of bitcoin, the blockchain is a shared public ledger, and the whole bitcoin network relies on it. Every single confirmed transaction is included in the blockchain, and its integrity is reinforced through cryptography, mathematical proofs that provide the highest levels of security for users and their digital wallets. However, the concept of blockchain technology means it can be customised for use in almost any industry. Where bitcoin uses it to securely keep information on buyers, sellers, and transaction amounts, other industries could use it to hold a wealth of personal data just as securely.

Operating with a mission of raising global awareness around blockchain technology, Bitcoin Inc. is committed to being the leadership that the cryptocurrency sorely needs. With its origins still shrouded in mystery and the identity of creator Satoshi Nakamoto still largely unknown, Bitcoin Inc. was formed to create a governing body that organises the corporate affairs of the commodity itself. Despite having lost many of its leaders over the last eight years, the company reorganised in 2019 and remains a steadfast figure for the development and regulation of intellectual property, products, and services related to bitcoin.

The mission that Bitcoin Inc. continue to fulfil and take responsibility for is not an easy one.

It continues to try and ensure that the future of bitcoin itself and the technology behind it remains profitable, functional, and successful in all jurisdictions, institutions and businesses that could benefit from blockchain technology.

Where Bitcoin Inc. sets itself apart from the competition seeking to capitalise on blockchain technology is in its partnerships. In order for a technology that is designed to increase privacy and trust to succeed, the firm only aligns itself with the most trusted and reliable partners.

By exclusively working with clients who have a proven commitment to the highest levels of privacy, trust and security, Bitcoin Inc. are promoting the participation of future blockchain technology projects across a multitude of industries.

As the world continues to understand new technology, Bitcoin Inc. remains totally committed to promoting the continued education and participation of blockchain systems beyond the mass adoption of current technologies. Rather than remain with outdated systems that do not fully deliver integrity, security and trust, Bitcoin Inc. are wholly advocating for widespread implementation of blockchain technology to guarantee that all manner of clients and users can be safe.

Contact Details Company: Bitcoin Inc. Contact: Christopher Vanderhorst Website: www.bitcoininc.com

Sep19455

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AMG World

Most Innovative Events Company 2019 - UK Small and agile, AMG World has taken the conference world by storm with a pioneering and experimental approach to the traditional conference experience. Let’s take a closer look…

What does AMG stand for?

Inspired by Sir David Brailsford, who is the former Performance Director of British Cycling and current General Manager of Team Ineos, and his belief in Aggregated Marginal Gains, AMG World focuses on striving for excellence in every business process. They believe this is the way for companies to achieve true success and run their conferences to match this. Gone are the days of the typical presentation heavy model, replaced by expert business leaders structuring active conversations on specialist topics and tailoring them according to the objectives of the participants. Working across several different sectors (oil & gas, automation and manufacturing to name a few) means that they have a broad range of events and approaches to offer potential clients.

AMG World pride themselves on creating experiences that are aligned to the unique needs of their customers. The advantage

of this more collaborative approach is that conference attendees can create their own agenda. This allows them to delve into the precise challenges they face and receive specific support from peers, and from experts in that field. While there is still potential for networking and sales opportunities, the focus remains on using the collective talent in the room to discuss and collaborate on any problems that may arise.

This pragmatic approach is intended to provide the necessary tools to meet business objectives and ensure that clients get the information and assistance they require. To maintain the highest quality, each conference is subject to rigorous testing before it even reaches the floor. Customer feedback is at the heart of AMG World’s growth strategy, influencing the design of future conferences.

This is not only to ensure that delegates, sponsors, speakers and partners feel like they have achieved their business objectives but also, so they talk positively about their

interaction with the business throughout the conference lifecycle.

This new conference model is made possible by the fact that AMG World is agile, with no complex, legacy processes to deal with.

Any doubts about the size of the company and its ability to deliver can be assuaged by the experience of the team, many of whom have long and successful histories in the conference business. In addition, a culture of flexible remote working has made for a diverse and global workforce that isn’t limited to those with a London postcode.

AMG World actively encourages the use of new technology if it makes business processes easier, utilising file-sharing sites, collaborative tools and flexible working environments to solve problems. Regular phone calls, meetings and social functions allow the team to connect on a personal and professional level. This collective experience and problem solving reflects how their conferences are run, so they can practice what they preach.

AMG World currently runs several different conferences but aims to have a portfolio of fifty running over the next five years.

While ambitious, it fits with the theme of the company. Continuous innovation, combined with customer centricity is the driving force behind success, and the way in which AMG World operates.

With huge ambition for growth, it’s a good thing that there’s such a dedicated team working towards the same goal. The customer-centric approach to this conference innovation has definitely proven its worth and looks set to expand exponentially. It’s not every organisation that ends up as more than the sum of its parts, but it certainly seems to be true for AMG World.

Contact: Mark Giles Email: mark.giles@amg-world.co.uk Website: www.amg-world.co.uk

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Oct19096

, Powerbox

Best Power Supply Company 2019 - Europe “Increasing competitiveness and simplifying your dealing with power”. This is what Powerbox provides for its customers, and has done so for more than 40 years. Recognised as one of the best power supply companies for 2019 in Europe, we profiled the firm to discover more about their remarkable work.

Established in 1974, Powerbox was founded to provide optimum power solutions for demanding applications. Since then, the company’s product and capability offering, size and experience, and its geographic footprint have grown to it becoming a leader in its field. The continuously growing number of satisfied repeat customers is testimony to an excellent track record of delivering on our promises.

Powerbox is constantly evolving, responding to the demands of a changing world.

However, one constant firmly remains – to provide optimized power solutions for demanding applications.

Improving your competitiveness The power solution chosen for any electronics has an impact on competitiveness. Function and reliability are given basics. Size, weight and audible noise might be important, but cost is always a consideration. Time to market might be critical, yet well executed supply chain management can generate savings. Aftermarket support has a lasting, and a long term impact.

Powerbox’s extensive experience and market awareness makes it simple for clients to explain to the team what exactly it is they need.

Together the firm define which power solution will best serve their clients’ application. This close cooperation continues from conception and design, throughout production, taking in operation, and well into the aftermarket phases of their product life cycle. Additionally, the team at Powerbox will contribute to their clients’ competitiveness all the way.

Making the complex simple Providing optimal power solutions is complicated. If it was simple many more would do it. However, Powerbox makes it

simple for those they work with. With their global presence, the are close to their clients, and their knowledge and experience of working with so many different applications helps to make life easier for them. The Powerbox team can assist at all stages of product development, including evaluation, validation, and specification preparation.

Creating solutions A solution can be anything from a standard off-the-shelf converter, to a complex system featuring multiple standard, semi-custom, and/or full-custom converters, back up, communications, distribution etc., and maybe also embrace a number of value-added services.

The search for a power solution always begins with a review of Powerbox’ standard product offering. Beyond that, the team explore modifying standard units, semicustom and/or full custom design. They lean confidently on over 40 years of experience and application expertise to identify the best means of solving every power conversion challenge. Various value-add services might be added to the product solution. Following this, the team will then help clients to navigate through verification and certification, to the final deliverable.

With more than 3,500 implemented power supply solutions, and three design centers in Europe, Powerbox owns one of the most comprehensive libraries of circuit layouts, specifications, mechanics and specialized expertise. This allows the firm to develop customized and efficient power solutions in a shorter time, reducing Time-To-Market. This also guarantees that their customers receive a product that is both highly competitive and energy efficient.

Caring for our environment Dealing with electronics and the materials

involved, working with power conversion and consumption, Powerbox touches on several of the key issues for taking good care of their world. This is a great responsibility that they take very seriously.

The firm’s contribution includes: Streamlined solutions and lean design using fewer components reduces material used.

RoHS, WEEE and REACH are among the standards governing choice of materials.

High efficiency reduces energy consumption both directly by reducing losses and indirectly by reducing the need for cooling.

Energy efficient transportation and well developed use of online meetings are important elements in our determination to meet or exceed international standards by sustaining ISO-14001 compliance or the equivalent.

Powerbox a global company Since June 2018, Powerbox has been part of the Japanese COSEL group. With offices in 15 countries and a global distribution network, the firm are able to provide localized support to all of our customers – wherever they are located and will continue to do so in the years to come.

Company: Powerbox Web Address: www.prbx.com

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Sep19326

Fashion Design Institut

Best Fashion Education Centre - Germany For those who wish to pursue a career in the fast-paced and competitive fashion market, strong qualifications are a must. The Fashion Design Institut provides its pupils with tailored courses designed to take them to the top of their chosen profession. We profile this revolutionary education provider to find out more about how it is shaping the future of fashion, today.

Since it was first established the Fashion Design Institut has set itself the ambitious task of training the best young talent in the fashion industry.

Today the institute offers its training courses across three topics: International Fashion Design; International Fashion Journalism and Styling; as well as Fashion Marketing and Management.

Guest lecturers like Santo Versace, Angelea Missoni and many others, ensure the awareness of the institute and the supervision of the curriculum. Due to the international contacts of the institute management and the constant adaptation of the syllabus to the requirements of the fashion world and the examination committee, which consists of designers, personnel executives, artists and professors of other universities, over 90% of the graduates from Fashion Design Institut manage to find an employer within nine months.

Such success is incredibly impressive for a small, family-run organisation. Every member of the team is wholeheartedly involved in the institute, and as a result the decision-making processes are very short and mostly met within minutes. The artistic director of the fashion industry is directly benefiting the students, whether it is lecturing the insider or visiting during his worldwide fashion events. As such, students at this unique institute receive top quality support and lessons that will help them to make a real difference in the fashion market.

Alongside providing quality teaching that will drive students to success, Fashion Design Institut is also deeply passionate about making its courses accessible so that students from a variety of economic backgrounds can attend. In order to ensure that talent, not money, is the criteria on which it takes on its pupils, the institute works hard to its fees low because the team are not profit-oriented, and thanks to their contacts they are also able to enjoy support from the wider fashion industry, which recognises the importance of education provides such as this.

Looking to the future, Fashion Design Institut aims to grow and flourish by expanding its base in DĂźsseldorf to welcome even more students. For these new and existing students, the institute will continue to cultivate and expand the worldwide contacts. It will adapt the curricula to the specifications of the industry at short notice and introduce innovations to ensure that it remains a pinnacle of fashion education even as the market evolves and adapts to new developments.

Name: Harald Thomas Address: Oberbilker Allee 282-286, 40227 DĂźsseldorf Telephone Number: +491722923049 Web Address: www.fashion-design-institut.com

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Audeo Fortis Limited

Best SME Business Advisory Firm 2019 - UK Experienced business advisory company Audeo Fortis Limited is committed to providing SMEs throughout the business market with the support they need to flourish. In celebration of the firm’s win in this year’s Small Business Awards we profile it and explore the secrets behind this phenomenal achievement.

Founded by James McMillan in 2017, Audeo Fortis draws on his expertise and passion for making a real difference to SMEs and the lives of their owners.

After all, SMEs can often find it hard to obtain quality, unbiased advice and support that is tailored around their needs. James created Audeo Fortis specifically to help SMEs overcome barriers to business. He only works with clients when he knows that the success they achieve as part of their collaboration will pay his fees, and he works with them to provide true value.

Alongside his work with clients, since the beginning James has donated 10% of his time to pro-bono work in an effort to help improve diversity in the business market.

Today, James understands how to problem solve for SMEs and bring the best of experience that they have taken from the world of the large-corporate. Whilst many might call James’ approach to business ethical, he believes that this is just a fair exchange, and that by supporting other businesses he is helping the wider economy.

When working with any clients, James collaborates closely with them to understand

their needs. As an advisor, he never mandates a course of action, but rather advises the best way to approach a subject and offers impartial support that will drive their client and their business forward.

Such advice has to be ahead of emerging market developments, and as such James is committed to constantly understanding the changes the business space is undergoing.

As a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and registered accountancy practice he is regularly in touch with what’s happening in the wider economy, the industry and also in the business world in general.

Additionally, through his work James spends a lot of our time networking in the business community not just to talk about latest developments but also to keep in touch with best practice and innovation.

This approach ensures that James is always ahead of the latest changes in the market and able to provide cutting-edge support to his valued clients.

Ultimately, Audeo Fortis is on a mission to help small businesses grow through expert consultancy and advice that is integral to their ability to achieve their objectives.

Looking ahead, James is keen for the firm to be recognised as a leader in UK business that offers a unique, personal service, and this will be his core focus as he looks towards a bright future.

Name: James McMillan Address: 10th Floor, 3 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3HF Telephone Number: 01619321470 Email: hello@audeofortis.co.uk Web Address: www.audeofortis.co.uk

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Sep19394

, Vestergaard & Co

Best Employee eLearning Solutions Provider 2019 - Denmark Rapid advancements in both business and technology mean that corporations are having to invest heavily in new courses for staff. Offering clients a full range of training, consulting and off-the-shelf e-learning courses, Vestergaard & Co is a full-service provider of e-learning solutions. Discover their range of products as we learn more about their Scandinavia-wide levels of success.

Working with private companies, public organisations and industry associations, Vestergaard & Co’s ability to swiftly incorporate new industry trends and developments into e-learning resources is just one of the many reasons for its success.

Not only offering the latest knowledge and education for company staff, the firm’s flexibility also allows it to fit the needs of the client into its services, creating unique e-learning resources.

Companies in today’s fast-paced corporate environment have to ensure that all staff are regularly kept up-to-date with industry developments and are able to act on them should they be required to do so.

Vestergaard & Co’s ongoing mission is to deliver e-learning that helps companies achieve this, through engaging and interesting material that leads to staff learning new skills, abilities and goals to meet.

Vestergaard & Co mainly meet this goal through its extensive network of hugely talented employees and suppliers. Creativity begets creativity, and so it takes talented individuals to create cutting-edge courses and solutions that match the target group, depending on the client. It is also vitally important that the firm understand the client, their culture, and their employees, so that the content fits with what they need for their unique requirements.

Upon working with a new client, Vestergaard & Co always undertake considerable

efforts to discover what the client’s needs and wishes are in order to gain an optimal e-learning course or e-learning infrastructure.

That knowledge is ascertained through key meetings, both internally and with the client.

Following those meetings, the findings and suggestions are then presented, making sure that all parties understand one another and are aligned towards a common goal.

As the process gains speed and moves along, constant communication between Vestergaard & Co and the client is a must.

Open channels of communication can help with content adjustment along the way, rather than having to change large bulks in the final stages of development. That way, courses and infrastructure are delivered successfully and on time.

Ultimately, innovation is a huge aspect of Vestergaard & Co’s business, and plays a key role in their enduring success. New tools and technologies are constantly being developed, so for the firm to tap into that is not just helpful, but necessary. Moreover, by visiting exhibitions and spending time at the office researching new technology, the firm can access and develop better e-learning resources.

Of course, the innovation doesn’t lie with Vestergaard & Co alone, but also the clients’ willingness to be adventurous and try new technologies in their e-learning processes.

Without those clients willing to partner alongside the firm and allow their staff to experience new learning, the firm would have great difficulty in integrating new technology so quickly.

During a time where companies are increasingly being told to update their workforce’s knowledge or face being replaced by artificial intelligence, it is refreshing to see Vestergaard & Co turning the tables on technology. Maximising the technological potential, this small Danish firm is instrumental in developing new e-learning resources, helping staff retain their jobs whilst enabling them to be more knowledgeable and efficient.

Company: Vestergaard & Co Contact: Rene Vestergaard Website: https://vesco.dk/

Sep19336

, brandsavetheworld

Best Boutique PR & Branding Agency – Italy & Distinction Award for Partnership & Event Management 2019 Dedicated to making its clients stand out from the crowd, brandsavetheworld is a Boutique PR and Communication Agency for niche brands and talents, designing strategies for individuals and businesses wanting to boost their visibility or enhance their brand positioning. We profile the firm to find out more about how it came to win not one but two of this year’s coveted Small Business Awards.

Thanks to the experience and PR knowledge of its clients, brandsavetheworld is able to offer a wide range of services including brand activation, strategic marketing, project development, event management, PR and press office, influencer engagement as well as social media training and management.

Overall, brandsavetheworld is on a mission to help emerging brands and talents growth by taking their notoriety and businesses to the next level. As part of this mission, the firm’s ambition is to grow by attracting new talents that can help it to expand its portfolio of small and medium-sized companies in the tourism, food, design and fashion sectors.

This comprehensive range of services is offered to clients across the travel, food and lifestyle markets. All of these clients receive the support they need to thrive when they work with brandsavetheworld.

As an expert team of advisors and strategists focused on people, the firm can drive its clients towards meaningful engagement and long-term growth and success. The firm works with clients to develop a collaborative partnership with them, becoming a valued source of advice on a variety of issues. These include helping them to highlight and sell services and products through high-quality, unconventional and integrated marketing and communications solutions.

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Alongside brandsavetheworld, the firm also boasts two spin-off projects: Travel Hashtag the first Italian annual conference-event concerning Tourism and Communication, and CV Start, a HR start-up providing personal jobbing services. Both of these brands have achieved a disruptive impact on the market over the years. The firm’s challenge for the coming years will be to manage their growth and development and ensure that this helps both clients and brandsavetheworld itself to prosper.

Company: brandsavetheworld Name: Nicola Romanelli Headquarter: Milano (Italy) Web Address: www.brandsavetheworld.com

Oct19242

, Ambar Connect S.L.

Ambar Connect S.L.: Best International Exhibition Organisers - Spain Based in Madrid, Ambar Connect is a small company doing a big job. One of the leading International Relations and Events Organiser companies in Spain, it has always strived to punch above its weight. We decided to have a closer look at the company and spoke to Anwar El Mezwaghi, Director and General Manager, to discover more about their award-winning services and honed expertise.

A company based in one place might not seem very international, but Ambar Connect seems determined to buck the trend. Successfully hosting several international conferences between the culturally disparate Middle East and Europe, while working as part of a larger group that is specifically designed to facilitate global working might seem like a lot on their plate, but for Ambar Connect, it’s just what they do.

For Ambar Connect, these large projects aren’t just about the income, it’s about creating an event that can be sustained and continued smoothly. For them, a conference isn’t just a one-off event, but a meeting that can and should be carried on beyond the conference walls. The secret to this is based in responsibility, transparency, initiative and flexibility. The latter are major strengths of being a small business, agile enough to meet expectations as opposed to enforcing aspects of a conference not desired by the attendees.

According to Anwar, the aim of Ambar Connect is to eventually have a brand that is “globally recognised”, and while it certainly works across borders currently, there is still progress to be made. This future success is set to come by paying close attention to all parts of a project and ensuring that all of these are of excellence. This goes from the original conception of the event all the way to the end of the project, and the aftercare that follows.

The use of technology here is essential, especially when handling matters on an international scale. Connecting with clients world-wide, especially marketing to a global audience, is key and the use of data centrebased technology keeps details secure and the company running smoothly.

It can be very difficult to keep a small business small, especially after so many successful events. The need to expand, to increase services, to use larger spaces is palpable. To Ambar Connect, the small business structure they have is a blessing, and often they have found that it is healthier to push themselves as a small business first that seeks to operate in larger and larger areas.

This small-scale approach allows for a depth of consideration that does the business a great deal of credit. Acting as a cultural bridge between the Middle East and Spain is no mean feat. While the people behind Ambar Connect are highly experienced, it’s the team culture of honesty and communication that pulls everything together. Keeping the balance between the different cultures, working on different projects in difficult countries could be a recipe for disaster. A great deal of though and research goes into the various perspectives that make up the teams, and this knowledge and general awareness feeds into the events that Ambar Connect hold.

This work definitely pays off and has fed into a successful series of large events that only looks set to grow as time goes on. Currently acting as a strategy partner to Alimnetaria 2020, the fourth largest food exhibition in the world, in Barcelona. This hopes to bring together participants from all parts of the world to contribute and seems ready to be an inspiring event.

The work of Ambar Connect is very important to international relations, and as a company, they know the value of what they do intimately.

This awareness of the delicacy of their events, combined with a determination to punch above their weight, has proven to be a winning combination that sets Ambar Connect up for even greater things.

Contact: Anwar EL Mezwaghi Company: Ambar Connect S.L. Email: anwar@ambarconnect.com Website: www.ambarconnect.com

Oct19097

, Advisory Group AG

Best Management Consulting Boutique 2019 - Switzerland As Forward-thinking consultants, Advisory Group prides itself on creating significant added value for its clients. We caught up with Managing Partner, Dr Wladimir Kovacic, to find out more about their best in class services and expertise.

“Our mission is to support our customers by creating innovation and growth alongside realizing new quality and efficiency goals and developing new avenues of business and investments by employing our knowledge on capital and management,” said Dr Kovacic, Managing Partner of Advisory Group. His company, a small management consulting boutique firm in Switzerland, uses its size to its strength. Able to move agilely from project to project, they’ve developed a large portfolio of high-quality projects for major players like Volkswagen and HSBC and various so called “hidden champions” companies in their industry. This move is deliberate on their part. ‘We believe to achieve this mission is only possible by being independent and not under the pressure of quarterly results or revenue targets.’

The range of clients that Advisory Group consults for is impressive. Mixing between Top Tier global and local Financial Services Institutions, Insurance Companies, Automotive and Manufacturing Corporations is no mean feat. This is especially true when each has its own industry specific demands and challenges. “We work with all clients who want not to hide from the future but want to face and define it,’ says Dr. Kovacic.

‘In partnership with our clients we develop solutions with the goal of improving the client’s business and returns. We work in small teams and become an integral part of our client’s enterprise and consequently work to achieve the defined goals.”

This is done by designing and implementing strategic change initiatives, transformations and critical business and IT alignment programs. It’s not only by connecting with projects that Advisory Group becomes close

to a client. It also has financial stakes in proceedings. “On a regular basis we share in our client projects, our client risks,” says Dr Kovacic. “In this relationship we often work with fixed-price agreements and our fees are regularly linked to our clients expected results.” There are not many consulting companies that would take that level of risk on a project. We can do this because of our deep project expertise, “can-do” mentality and effective methodology-based approach.

It’s this trust that Advisory Group is willing to engender in its clients that brings that back as loyal customers again and again.

Ultimately, this interaction with clients is deeply important to Advisory Group. ‘We constantly challenge each other to provide the best possible service for our clients.

Furthermore, we believe in long-term client relationships and long-term employee relationships.” This deeper relationship allows for conversational shorthand and a deep understanding of where each client is coming from. There is no handing around which can lead to lapses of information. Asked what sets them apart from other consultants, Dr. Kovacic says that “we are always able to deliver what our concepts are promising and that we are very effective, in collaborating with our clients to deliver the defined and measurable project results. As a result, our clients really enjoy working with us.”

Looking forward, we have a lot of innovative ideas but there aren’t any static plans to expand the business. “We are excited about the future and passionate to shape it. We see ourselves as an exclusive boutique, with no pressure for growth,” says Dr Kovacic.

“We like to continue growing in quality not in quantity as we love our business and the client projects we do.” This commitment to

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clients and ensuring the best possible service for each one is characteristic of the company.

For some, growth would be crucial to managing more and more clients. For Advisory Group, they’re determined to serve the people they have already as best they can.

The future for Advisory Group looks bright.

They are dedicated to providing a bespoke service for its clients that can revolutionise how their business operates. It truly is bespoke too, being institutionally set on engaging with getting the best possible solution for clients. It’s the sort of company where large scale expansion could reduce the intention of the organisation to keep their uniqueness and characteristics.

Founded in 2005, Advisory Group has become a tremendous success over the last fourteen years indeed. Through a passionate pursuit of their values they have and will continue to develop innovative and effective consultancy solutions for their clients.

Contact: Dr Wladimir Kovacic Company: Advisory Group AG Website: http://www.advisorygroup.ch/en/index.html

Sep19449

, Best Memory Design Specialists – India & Distinction Award for Physical Implementation Services 2019

ALBUM

Semiconductors Album Semiconductors is a growing design services company focused on end-to-end design. Establishing themselves as one of the best memory design specialists in India, we discover how the firm go the extra mile for their clients to ensure the end result exceeds every expectation.

Founded in May 2015 by Dr. Sudhir S. Moharir and Mr. Vasudev Nese Chaya, Album Semiconductors began its journey with a vision to contribute significantly to the semiconductor design industry. Since then, the firm’s journey has been steady and focused around developing their expertise.

Today, Album Semiconductors mission is to make their customers successful by accelerating their memories, SOC designs and IPs, whilst minimising their costs and risks. By analysing their customers’ needs, the team at Album Semiconductors develops a solution which will help to achieve competitive cost, quick time to market with high quality. Alongside this, they make it a point to understand individual customer’s needs, evaluate options and propose alternative solutions.

© Dr. Sudhir S. Moharir - Album Semiconductors India Private Limited

Album is a growing design services company focusing on Semiconductor Industry. With deep domain expertise and experience of working on advanced technology nodes, they offer services within the following areas: • Memory Design and Layout (SRAM, ROM, MRAM, etc.)

• RTL Design and Verification (IP & SoC) • Design for Testability (ATPG, Scan Insertion, PSV) • Physical Implementation (PD, STA, etc.)

• STD Cells and Analog Design and Layout The past year has been a year full of countless accomplishments for the firm. From substantially growing in their headcount to the number of clients they are working with, increasing their yearly revenue and even the number of projects they have delivered, the team at Album Semiconductors has also diversified in multiple domains of the semiconductor industry.

Workplace recognition and revenue growth are not coincidental, instead they are a reflection of their belief that treating employees well is a good business. Employee satisfaction and development are no longer only a good investment in future, but have become a necessity for any business. This realisation has become a key driver of innovation in the organisation, and as such has become a core focus for the firm to have complete engagement with their employees.

With such huge investments being made on the employees, retaining them is one of the top priorities for Album Semiconductors’ HR. As such, the firm have a number of initiatives to not only retain them, but to keep them highly motivated.

© Mr. Vasudev Nese Chaya - Album Semiconductors India Private Limited

Looking ahead to the end of 2019 and what lies in the pipeline for 2020, Album Semiconductors wants to build on this incredible momentum they currently have, and double both their revenues and head count. In addition to this, the firm also plan on trying to obtain more ODC projects in the upcoming year.

One of the primary goals for the firm going forward is to grow their global footprint, as well as support projects across the world; in US, UK, Malaysia, Israel and Taiwan. Ultimately, the end goal for Album Semiconductors is to become an end-to-end systems design service provider for connected devices/ memory world.

Contact: Dr. Sudhir Moharir (CEO) Company: Album Semiconductors India Private Limited Address: 2nd Floor no. 9/2 Coronet Greens Commercial Building, Opposite Bellandur Police Station, Ambalipura, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore- 560103 Telephone: +91-9731052770 Web Address: www.albumsemi.com

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Sep19555

BARYA Consulting Services

BARYA Consulting Services: Best Strategic Management & Leadership Consulting Firm - Afghanistan Established in 2012 and located in the nation’s capital of Kabul, Afghan strategic management and leadership consulting firm BARYA focus on developing long-term strategic growth and competitiveness for their clients. Working tirelessly to ensure that all clients get the very best consulting services they deserve, find out why this firm’s award-winning success has seen them recognised in CV’s Small Business Awards 2019.

For businesses today, sustained growth over long periods of time is hugely beneficial to securing success and continued good practices. Afghanistan-based consulting firm BARYA is privileged to have worked with clients from every sector and industry, from individual clients to large corporations, their services are customized as needed. Helping these clients grow and dominate their sector, the firm aid companies in developing relevant strategies and policies, standard operating procedures, building their personnel and corporate capacities, and designing services and products to improve their businesses.

Working under the vision of “Simplifying Success” for their clients, BARYA’s mission to bring the best global practices of management and leadership adapted for the needs of local businesses. Following the war and devastation that has ravaged the country for so long, the firm believe that Afghanistan needs effective management tools, leadership practices and individual capacities in order to break the vicious cycle of war, poverty and under-development.

Recognized as the first P.M.I Registered Education Provider in Afghanistan, BARYA is breaking new ground across Kabul and the country as a whole. The company provide certification training in project management, risk management, agile, and change management, as well as maintaining an active training portfolio where they provide customized corporate and individual capacity building services. All of the designed training programs are based on globally-recognised certification training and aimed at educating all manner of participants in best practices.

A most impressive fact is that many of the P.M.I-certified project management professionals currently working in Afghanistan have previously taken part in BARYA’s training sessions for their PMP examination preparation. Another of the firm’s key components for developing solutions is looking at the best practices of other companies in similar fields across the globe, and, by using extensive research tools and case studies, adapt and integrate their findings into intervention strategies.

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Also in the training and development portfolio, one-to-one and group leadership sessions and workshops are held with executives of corporate sector as well as with directors of development sector to work with them for positioning their respective organizations for a long term success, sustainability and growth in our volatile and changing environment.

For clients of consulting services today, feeling included has to be a primary offering of any service. If a client doesn’t feel included during the development, testing, and eventual application of any proposed solution the chances of failure increases and successful change seems challenging.

BARYA is dedicated and committed to the customisation of every solution to the exact needs of a client, including them at every stage of working toward a solution. We believe inclusion nurture a sense of ownership and increases chances of successful change implementation and transition.

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In order to ensure that every solution offered is truly customised to the clients’ needs, the majority of the firm’s time is spent understanding the causes behind the issues.

With a keen understanding of client’s issues, the solutions become more refined and more in the hands of the client who will eventually implement them. BARYA always encourage client ownership and empowerment, believing that the level of value delivery for the client should increase as the consulting firm’s presence decreases.

Understanding that employees at a consulting firm drive success forward through their interactions with clients, BARYA constantly invest in their employees personal and professional growth. Whether it be through periodic trainings, sponsoring university education, providing them with opportunities to propose and deploy their own solutions, or always encouraging a sense of involvement, employees are central to the success of the business.

Moreover, technology is increasingly integral to any business and is becoming an increasingly vital element at every stage of the service delivery. As such, in their trainings, the consultants incorporate technological solutions in their traditional classroom sessions. Participants can access online content where they are exposed to material from other sources as well as can access case studies or attempt real-time tests.

Technology integration varies according to the proposed solutions, but could include data analysis and representation tools, simulations

BARYA Consulting Services

and scenarios, as well as communication technologies and reporting tools. As we work on development of every solution, identifying key technologies that could enhance the impact and value of these solutions are also critically analysed and adapted.

Constant improvement in designing and deploying innovative services and solutions is critical for a consulting firm, if they are to propose such innovative solutions to their clients. Ultimately, that is what BARYA is doing, offering clients excellent solutions to all manner of corporate, private and public problems across the country.

Contact Details: Company: BARYA Consulting Services Contact: Abdul Wahid Sahak Website: barya.af | Email: info@barya.af Phone: +93-20-251-252-1 // +93-744-713-700

Sep19335

, MPII Innovation Best Practices

Recognised Leaders in Innovation Management 2019 - Canada Integrated Innovation Best Practices© (Meilleures Pratiques d’Innovation Intégrées©) MPII is designed to increase management and sales capacity and therefore assure support for growth to be world-class competitive companies. We profile the firm to find out more about how it came to win one of our coveted Small Business Awards for 2019.

Created by Francine Masson E.M.B.A., MPII draws on her expertise and business acumen to drive itself and clients towards success.

An entrepreneur, lecturer, author and innovation expert, she has the expertise to lead the company to success. A second generation of entrepreneurs, Francine rose through each level in the family business to then create and direct her own enterprise, to later sell it before joining the Canadian Technology Network as expert advisor, an initiative of the National Council of Research of Canada. She created the MPII in 2010.

With wide-reaching global expertise and a strong background in business, Francine holds an MBA in Technology Management with an Executive-MBA from Paris-Dauphine in France, a minor in East-Asian studies (Japan) and a Bachelor Degree in Marketing Management from HEC Montreal.

With over 12 years of experience in business management and international negotiation, and 22 years in consulting with innovative companies, she has designed and led several workshops and presented over 100 conferences on topics related to innovation management, ecosystem innovation, value proposition and other related topics.

During her career she has provided innovation consultancy services to more than 1250 small and medium sized businesses.

Thanks to this expertise, over the years Francine has developed a proprietary MPII innovation management model based on the best world-class practices, thus harmonizing the different services of a company and developing their untapped potential.

Today, she and her team at MPII work with a range of senior decision makers, strategic planners and government managers open to new idea or challenged by innovative projects.

The firm’s clients range from Start-ups to 50M$+ companies, but what unites them all is the exceptional service they receive when they work with Francine and her staff.

After all, Francine has developed MPII to be a world-class process, incorporating major trends in managing innovation from every continent, complemented by the first KPI Innovation dashboard and a Global Impact Suite of Tools to support introductory sales.

These innovative solutions offer an itinerary and develop a common collaborative dialogue within the organization, designed to help companies do a critical selfassessment of their general innovation capacity and plan strategically.

Looking to the future, MPII has a vision to keep one step ahead of the heard: stay alert and informed, whilst at the same time working closely involved with its clients on various continents. Innovation will always be the firm’s driving force, as it is programmed into the company’s DNA, and as such Francine and her team have a bright future ahead.

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Company: MPII Innovation Best Practices Name: Francine Masson Address: Montréal, Qc, Canada Telephone Number: 15149759737 Web Address: www.mpii.ca

Sep19396

, The Next Level

Best Management & Leadership Consultancy 2019 - Netherlands The Next Level has a solid, proven track record as an international management consultancy.

In celebration of the firm’s win in this year’s Small Business Awards, we profile it to showcase how it is helping companies throughout the corporate market to improve their leadership and culture.

Founded 16 years ago by Erik Hiep MBA, the Next Level has since flourished thanks to its experience in the field of management and leadership consultancy. The business draws on its extensive market expertise working with international management teams & boards. Erik has worked on a wide variety of assignments in more than 28 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. He is also an associate professor at IE Business School in Madrid.

Managing partner Liesbeth Pruijs, MBA is a seasoned coach and consultant, with extensive experience in working with senior management and executives. Today, she motivates, inspires and is able to obtain maximum value out from individuals and teams. Most of all, Liesbeth has always felt comfortable in demanding and challenging environments where there is a strong need for vision, strategy and leadership.

The Next Level is in the business of building winning cultures. They make sure business leaders are able to engage their people to win in the marketplace and create “raving fan” client relationships.

To ensure success The Next Level focuses on three areas working with clients: 1. Energy & Drive: the Next Level start by engaging the top team, working to invigorate the key people immediately.

Together with them, they design the Change Journey and engage the rest of the organisation.

2.

3.

Team & Trust: the Next Level works on team and trust with the Executive Team and a selected bigger group of senior managers. Trust fuels selfconfidence, individual creativity and resourcefulness.

Lead & Win: the Next Level works with clients to set up both the MT and the bigger group for winning. They need to feel that their Leadership is effective and has impact. Nothing inspires more than getting results!

In 2018, Erik interviewed former UK Prime Minister David Cameron live on stage during the Breaking Barriers Summit in front of a 2000+ audience. Such an achievement shows the firm’s dedication in helping drive businesses to greater success throughout the corporate landscape.

Ultimately, the Next Level’s core goal is to improve management and leadership qualities and to turn organizations into high performing teams. This will remain central to the firm’s ongoing success as it continues to focus on creating results its clients can be proud of.

Company: The Next Level Name: Erik Hiep Visiting Office: WTC Schiphol Boulevard 305, Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, The Netherlands Address: P.O. Box 310, 2200 AH Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands Telephone Number: +31 628597969 Web: www.thenextlevelnow.com www.linkedin.com/in/erikhiep

Sep19466

, All Metals Fabricating

Best Sheet Metal Fabrication Company - Texas A family owned and operated company might not seem that unusual, but All Metals Fabricating has been going for over 65 years, with over 40 of those under the Thrailkill family.

Eager to find out more on the back of their deserved success in the 2019 Small Business Awards, we asked Lance Thrailkill about the secrets to this company’s enduring growth.

Beginning in 1953 as a sheet metal fabrication company, All Metals Fabricating has grown to offer a range of different services able to support customers from initial concept to final assembly. Some people would be happy to provide specific aspects of a project, but Lance tells us how he and his team “pride ourselves on partnering with our customers and providing turnkey solutions for them. We don’t just build their parts, we prefer to partner with them in the design stage to help enhance their products for manufacturability.”

This flexibility allows for a range of different projects to be undertaken, with parts built and undertaken for virtually every industry. By continually investing in new equipment, All Metals Fabricating is at the forefront of technological progress, constantly keeping abreast of all the latest developments. While automation is used and heavily invested in, this is not at the cost of the workforce which remains strongly involved in the process.

Ultimately, the use of automation allows the firm to improve efficiency and capacity over the competition. Combining that with a workforce that is committed to quality and continual improvement is a potent formula indeed and serves to distinguish All Metals Fabricating.

“I attribute our success to taking care of our employees, and therefore they take care of our customers! One of our slogans is that our employees are our family, and our customers and vendors are our partners. Viewing and treating our customers and vendors as partners has proven to be a great long-term business strategy that has resulted in us having many of the same customers and vendors for over 30 years.”

This focus on making All Metals Fabricating a company that serves its employees had led to a loyal workforce that will go above and beyond for its owners. Certainly, Lance would argue that the culture in the company is “very much a family atmosphere with a very strong work ethic and a “whatever it takes” to get the job done with excellence attitude!” This investment in building experience means that the average member of the team has been with the company for fifteen years and has gained a wealth of knowledge. This knowledge serves through every step of the process, from client consultancy to final assembly of a project.

Lance points out that that they are active throughout and as a company, they “ask questions instead of making assumptions.

It is critical that we understand their expectations on the front end, so that we can meet and exceed their expectations on the back end.” This thoughtful approach means that the customer can be assured of exactly what they will get from AMF. With ISO 9001:2015 certified processes built into the systems of production, there is a clear quality standard at which Lance and his team must operate. Currently, this is set to allow for potential AS9100 certification, which would further open the market of aerospace and defence to All Metal Fabricating.

Continually looking forward and exploring new avenues of business is a major factor in the success of All Metals Fabricating. Lance observes that they “do invest in internet marketing to ensure that we are getting new opportunities and growing”. With a highquality service and products, it is no wonder that AMF continues to expand.

All Metals Fabricating plays the long game, and it’s paying off. Now comfortably and steadily growing, they have the opportunities

22 Corporate Vision - Small Business Awards 2019

and resources to handle whatever a client might require. The loyalty earned from their employees, through constant and careful investment, means that they are equipped with an experienced workforce that is allowed to flourish. Serving both employees and employers allows both the chance to do their jobs without worry and for All Metals Fabricating to continue to serve its customers with excellence.

Name: Lance Thrailkill Company: All Metals Fabricating Email: lance@ametals.com Telephone: 001 9727471234

Oct19296

, KEEPER Group

Best Security Systems Distribution Company - Greece In an age where digital crime and cyber-theft is on the rise, it can be easy to forget about physical security. Protecting real-world assets is just as important as remembering to install anti-malware on a computer, if not more so. Now in their tenth year, Greek firm KEEPER Group are a distributor of security systems, serving both Greece and Cyprus. We profile the firm to learn about the award-winning work that has seen them recognised in Corporate Vision’s Small Business Awards 2019.

What began as a humble business in 2009 with just three family members, has since come through the incredibly rocky Greek financial crisis to now include more than thirty-five people in a 1200 square meter office space just to the center of Athens. A decade on from the business’ founding, KEEPER Group have remained true to their one mission; to distribute and provide integrated security systems to professional installers all over Greece and Cyprus, making it easy for every client to find the necessary equipment for every installation.

Boasting a team of highly-experienced technicians, the firm’s work goes well beyond simply providing the right security systems for their clients. Staff at KEEPER Group will also provide every piece of necessary technical guidance and support, from design to implementation of a security system installation. With a dedicated twentyfour-hour central monitoring station, the surveillance of the installed security systems and many other client security systems can be watched and trusted.

KEEPER Groups’ depth of knowledge surrounding the products that they distribute is just one of the many ways they continue to stand out against their competitors. Thanks to their unparalleled familiarity with their products, the firm can offer pre-sales support to clients, which includes marketing and engineer training amongst other forms of sales support.

Endeavouring to offer a complete client satisfaction experience, staff take care to ensure that everything from pre-sales to post-sales support is done with excellence, integrity and honesty.

Once the project is underway, KEEPER Group work collaboratively with all parties to ensure that the solution is tailor-made, and addressing the needs and requirements of the end user. By making sure that the solution deals with the exact specifications of the client and nothing more, expenditure can be kept to a minimum with rapid return on investment, resulting in a great experience for the client and an enhanced reputation for the firm.

Dealing primarily with technology, remaining up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry is nothing less than a necessity for KEEPER Group. With such a myriad of security technologies available to clients, including CCTV, alarms, door phones, and all manner of fire safety tools, being up to

date with one branch of technology simply isn’t enough. The team are constantly aware of developments within video, auditory, and sensory technology to ensure their products are some of the best in the industry.

Continuing their dedication to ensuring the security of local markets across Greece and Cyprus, the firm are also looking to expand and grow into new areas and territories.

Focused keenly on continuing their mission to become Greece’s main influencer of security technologies, services and solutions, the future of KEEPER Group is set to be as secure as their services.

Company: KEEPER Group Contact: Voukalis Antonios Website: www.keeper.gr

Sep19444

, The Barbridge Inn

Best Waterside Pub 2019 - Cheshire Idyllically situated alongside the Shropshire union canal, the Barbridge Inn is a public house offering fresh food produce to both local customers and canal trade. Recognised on multiple occasions for their divine food and welcoming team, we profile The Barbridge Inn to discover more about how they became one of the best waterside pubs in Cheshire for 2019.

Since they opened their doors alongside the Shropshire union canal, the Barbridge Inn have always upheld their belief in fresh food, which has been predominately sourced from local vendors for their quintessentially classic British food, but with a contemporary twist.

Using top of the line kitchen equipment, the talented culinary team at the Barbridge Inn are able to provide a faster service, without impacting the quality of the dishes produced.

In addition to this, the award-winning public house also has an online booking facility for customers to use, as well as a strong social media presence to interact with.

As a whole, the Barbridge Inn is -of coursenot a firm, but instead more of a family.

Each member of the team is a flexible in their working hours and abilities, as well as always ready to help, regardless of the task.

Alongside this, each member of the team is provided with all of the essential tools to help them do their job, and go the extra mile for customers.

Enabling the establishment to improve their service and the products they offer, The Barbridge Inn team always takes into account customer feedback. Then, once a month, the team meet up to see the various ways in which they can improve the Barbridge Inn experience for their customers. For example, when the establishment introduces new foods onto the menu, they always ask for customers for their opinion on the dish, as well as feedback on ways to improve.

Fundamentally, the close-knit team at the Barbridge Inn will continue to source fresh produce from other local businesses to use

in each one of the meals they create for customers. In addition to this, one of the other exciting plans which the Barbridge Inn team also have for the future is that they hope to grow via the canal trade, providing a local pub for the new housing development, which has been built close by. Ultimately, the future looks bright for the fine establishment as they hope to continue delivering an outstanding service, accompanied with

24 Corporate Vision - Small Business Awards 2019

an array of delicious dishes for the many customers who dine at Corporate Vision’s Best Waterside Pub 2019 – Cheshire.

Contact: James Perrins Company: The Barbridge Inn Address: Old Chester Road, Nantwich, CW5 6AY Telephone: 01270 28327 Web Address: www.thebarbridgeinn.co.uk

Oct19370

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Kanion Group Company Ltd

Best Air Conditioning Equipment Supplier 2019 - China When it comes to keeping cool, it’s essential to find the best of the best. In China, the clear first choice in the Kanion Group of Companies, with their exceptional options to suit any situation or circumstances. We profiled this company to find out more about their award-winning work.

Based out of South China, the Kanion Group is a specialised, high-tech enterprise focused on the field of home appliances.

The aim of the company is to produce high quality products with cuttingedge technology in the production line. The company makes all sorts of air conditioning unit, from window to portable to wall split, each adapted to match the stringent regulations set by different countries. This approach allows Kanion products to be a global range, adapting its products to a country’s specific circumstances.

The global nature of Kanion’s products requires a special sort of approach to business. Not only does their superb service team operate 24/7, to reflect the needs of their clients no matter where or when in the world they are, but a great deal of research is done into matching legal requirements and needs. This means that the company have gained useful and in-depth knowledge on the different markets that they deal in. With a department focused on communication and marketing, Kanion can offer clients guidance and wisdom in penetrating specific markets and establishing a presence. This gives Kanion a huge advantage over other companies as it can offer clients more than just a new product. The market analysis team gathers all the information needed to keep Kanion at the top of the international stage, covering every aspect of the marketing machine from new technological advances to the release of the final product.

With the market analysis team’s eye on technological advances, it’s no surprise that this too forms the baseline of Kanion’s

success in the marketplace. Being thoroughly engaged in the sector, Kanion is a company that has always adopted new things, no matter how costly it appears to be in the beginning.

This business savvy has allowed Kanion to be at the forefront of technological thinking, and able to offer the best solutions when the right time comes. Assisted by their established R&D department – run in cooperation with other players in the field – Kanion does not follow the direction of the rest of the industry but takes steps forward whenever possible. This sharing of research reflects the internal culture of the company as a whole.

By gathering information and distributing it effectively, success or serendipity, failure or fault, the company can learn from these experiences and grow together.

While environmental issues have become more prominent to consumers again, Kanion have already begun the process of refocusing their processes on environmental requirements. Happily exceeding the basic requirements of environmental legislation and

aiming for the top end of these regulations, Kanion employ third-party organisations to ensure that their products are as efficient, high-quality and environmentally friendly as possible. This is done to the point of discontinuing products that, while successful, are technologically out of date. For Kanion, the focus is always on looking forward at what will be coming next, not what was successful before.

It can be of no surprise that Kanion have earned this award. It is a testament to their forward thinking, their marketing prowess and their technological know-how. As a producer of air-conditioning units, there is none finer, and we are sure that Kanion will use its considerable research and eye to the future to ensure that it remain the best in the business.

Contact: Ken Fung Contact number: +86 137 6044 7912 Email: kanion@kanionco.con Web Address: www.kanionco.com/en/

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Oct19202

ITC S.A.

Most Innovative ICT Consultancy - Uruguay By every consideration, ITC SA is the largest consulting firm in Uruguay. It has achieved enduring success by combining the talent of its consultants with a honed experience in best management practices, utilising technology to respond to customer needs with effective and innovative solutions. Whilst it is true that innovation comes in all shapes and sizes, sometimes it’s better to go with the undisputed experts.

“We integrate technology and consulting services, innovating with organizations to achieve their objectives. We contribute to ANTEL internationalisation and to national IT companies. We integrate technology: we integrate knowledge.”

This mission statement reflects the overwhelming ambition of ITC. Being owned by Antel, Uruguay’s state-owned telecommunications company, lends ITC a long history of involvement in the area of ICT. Ultimately, Antel is a technology leader in Latin America and the Caribbean, and ITC always aims to match its parent company’s work and lofty expectations. In this, ITC specialises in providing a plethora of consulting services, professional advice and technical assistance in telecommunications, information technology, and strategic management.

Dedicated to the development of large projects related to information technology, telecommunications, strategic planning, and project management, ITC have successfully managed projects that represent important challenges for the governments of the region. Apart from their clear experience in the public sector, ITC sees the first step towards the successful completion of a project as aligning to customer expectations, understanding their needs and adapting to the way they work.

Secondly, ITC work to identify success milestones, keeping in mind the quantity, quality and time of deliverables. This system of ensuring client engagement with the process means that all parties have a high involvement with the project.

This allows mistakes to be noticed more

quickly, problems to be solved more easily, and ultimately the direction of the project to undergo continual affirmation assuring a satisfactory conclusion for the customer.

Responding to customer needs is critical to the company and ensuring the quality of service throughout a project’s various steps (planning, execution and control) is key. There is also an emphasis on the protection of a company’s intellectual property, ensuring that it remains confidential. This is, at the end of the day, key for work that is undertaken for part of a public body. By safeguarding this aspect and pushing customer response to make sure that everything is up to standard, ITC is confidently able to say that it meets its ambitious vision. Certified in ISO 9001’s quality management system, ITC is able to give an international standard to which it adheres. All strategies and processes are

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based on these standards and mean that ITC can expand outward into other markets if it wants to.

Holding a competitive position in the national market, mainly at a government level, ITC are already recognised internationally as telecommunications and cybersecurity experts. This is due in part to their rigorous policy of review and improvement. Not content to rest on their laurels, ITC work on a policy of constant development, and integrate its customers and suppliers into this too. ITC optimise its internal processes by adapting them to the best practices recommended by reference standards. This is helped by the inclusion of clients within the work processes and promotion of knowledge transfer. It means that all parties are working from the same page, trying to do the same thing - improve their companies.

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Keeping on top of technological updates is naturally key to a company of ITC’s nature. This is done through a ‘Technology Watch’ process, which entails gathering information for the company on various developments going on in the world. The main purpose of this is to promote new technological developments within the firm and see how they could potentially feed into the organisation as a whole.

Based on collaborative and flexible team working, the challenge is to promote a suitable environment for the personal and professional development of staff.

There is an approach of openness and clear communication between the various levels of the organisation. It allows for a range of perspectives and opinions to be found. This means that instead of working in a company-oriented way, staff are able to commit to the objectives of the client and find the solution that best suits them.

The trust and experience of ITC in their consultants and their technical knowledge is a considerable strength. The staff are solidly trained and experienced in project management, experts in processes improvement and technology integration.

It is through allowing their experts to work

Most Innovative ICT Consultancy - Uruguay

somewhat autonomously, that ITC are able to achieve such good results. All these skills position ITC as a very well competitive company, which stands out for its flexibility and adaptation to customer needs.

As a company that uses innovation as a cornerstone for its work, ITC`s innovation process is inspired on the London Business School methodology. This methodology is based on the importance of innovation as a primary means of driving growth, creating wealth, improving well-being and solving many of the most common problems: only by developing new solutions can new problems be solved. They resource these ideas as well as putting out entrepreneurial energy to generating and scaling new ideas. The promise is that the investment will create a real impact in the development of new products and services and improvement on all the operational processes, providing evidence-based insights and strategies to all those who drive innovation.

Looking forward, ITC are committed to maintaining its status as the most innovative consultancy organisation in Uruguay. It aims to achieve this through working together

with companies that are in the process of adapting to this new digital-first world. This continuous growth will be realised through the continuous development of businesses both in Uruguay and abroad. Already, ITC has developed and collaborated on numerous public and private projects in Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Paraguay.

All said and done, the innovative qualities of ITC mean that there is no better company in the region to turn to for work on ICT systems. Thoroughly dedicated to integrating technology and integrating knowledge, it certainly look set to succeed for the foreseeable future.

Contact: Marcelo Erlich Website: https://itc.com.uy/

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G.Engineering Srl: Best Production Equipment Engineering Firm - Italy Located along the route that runs from Turin to Modena, G.Engineering is located at the beating heart of Italian car manufacturing. With its roots firmly planted in excellence in design and engineering, it can be of no surprise that this boutique company has applied its inimitable talents to other markets and industries. We caught up with this young firm to find out how they grew into such a successful business.

Originally set up in 2012 as a single client business – with Ferrari as the sole client – G.Engineering has grown massively from its humble beginnings. Only seven years later, this engineering firm serves an array of clients across multiple industries, including Maserati, FAAC, Yaskawa, CNH, AVL, and of course its first and most loyal client, Ferrari itself.

Focused on engineering design, G.Engineering has not only expanded its client base, but the range of services on offer.

Originally, the firm focused on the engineering of specialised chassis and bodywork. Now, having conducted further research and

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invested carefully, G.Engineering can offer its clients the option of project engineering services, manufacturing of technical equipment, as well as manufacturing and logistics-related consultancy services. The nature of the business means that a great deal of research and development is conducted throughout the year. This expansion in the services on offer is how G.Engineering has been able to appeal to organisations ranging from automatic door manufacturers to robotics engineers. The choice of clients is carefully considered, with potential projects brought before the board for discussion. This top-down approach to project management means that high-level figures are chosen to follow a project through its development to provide consistency.

Striving to exceed customer expectation, G.Engineering have a team of feasibility experts look at each project, and how best to offer a state-of-the-art solution, on time and on budget.

Looking ahead, the future seems bright for this engineering firm. With plans to expand into global markets and new industries, intelligent investment has set G.Engineering on a course of continuous growth. The money will be fed into expanding the array of services on offer and therefore the base of customers using them. The adoption of Industry 4.0 guidelines has led to a number of changes within the company. Now interconnected with the internal management system, Industry 4.0 has guided the direction in which investments are made, along with an increased focus on innovation. Currently, involvement with the local Universities

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“It is this sort of forward thinking that has made such a success of G.Engineering.” of Turin and Modena is key, but recently, the execution of internal 4.0 courses for innovation has been another factor in the movement of the company. It is this sort of forward thinking that has made such a success of G.Engineering.

It is clear that thinking ahead has been the true victory of G.Engineering, and the secret of its undeniable success. Having grown considerably since its humble beginning, there are a number of paths that could be taken at this point. At this point, G.Engineering has outgrown the limitations of being just an engineering consultancy for a car company. It’s a thriving firm in a diverse market, and are focused solely on future development. Going forward, the team will continue to strive for excellence in the years to come.

Contact: Fabio Sarale Web Address: www.gengineeringsrl.it/en Telephone: 00390119539989

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Insightfully Innovate: Best Innovation Management Agency 2019 - Netherlands For innovators and inventors in the world today, it is no longer simply enough to have a great idea and the passion to make it happen. Project teams fail for a number of reasons, but not achieving insight into market needs and lacking enough understanding of what it takes to launch a new product is a vital aspect. Offering both practical support as well as insight, discover how one management agency in The Netherlands have seen award-winning success for their work in helping those projects come to life.

The birth of a new idea is beautiful, and everybody loves having them. But taking an idea to the next level and seeing it become a reality can become tricky for those who do not quite understand the complexities and requirements of launching a new product. Dutch firm Insightfully Innovate offers unparalleled knowledge of the innovation process that goes well beyond the classical approaches of technical product development and staged project management processes.

Instead, the firm incorporate new and insightful knowledge regarding innovation from fields such as communications and human psychology.

Insightfully Innovate is the brand for the services provided by industrial innovation expert Leo Smit. Boasting more than thirty years of experience across a variety of roles in R&D, product development, and communication, Leo has been helping with creating new business ventures and seeing them through for much of his life. Founded in 2016 as a stand-alone company, Leo’s brand works together with partners and dedicated clientteam members to help clients grow through innovation.

Way of Working – Connecting Left and Right Brain Drawing on his real-world experience of applying agile methods to develop new businesses, Leo has cultivated an incredibly successful way of working with both real world start-ups, as well as incubator and venture teams in large corporate organisations. Insightfully Innovate focusses on creating a strong alignment between establishing a winning value proposition, developing a product and building the brand.

By marrying together, the technological aspects of product development with the emotional aspects of negotiation and communication, the firm is helping its clients in a unique way, unlocking growth-speed in an unparalleled way.

Support is key in any endeavour, and it is no different for new business ventures.

Insightfully Innovate provides this support, either alone or with its partners, which has been tailored towards the individual needs of the client. It can take the form of workshops, company presentations, project management, or staff coaching, but

one thing is certain; Insightfully Innovate will always be on hand to offer whatever fits best with a client’s needs. “Innovation takes much more than just technical product development; it’s the fusion of rational intelligence with human emotion” says Leo. “The marriage of science and art is what’s really needed to successfully deliver new winning product offerings.”

Leo and his teams continue to distinguish themselves from their competitors by seamlessly integrating this synthesis of indepth technical skills, and soft marketing and communication skills. A key symbiosis that is necessary for the commercial success of any project, Insightfully Innovate see past the need for one or the other, and include them both at every stage. Where some products pride themselves on being technically brilliant, they may lack the knowledge of the market. However, some may be exactly what the market needs, and yet fail to deliver on a technical level. Not for Leo and his teams.

A truly perfect partnership of insight and innovation, Leo continues to masterfully position his brand as one of the best innovation management agencies in The Netherlands today. Insightfully Innovate brings both the market wisdom and technical proficiency into a fantastic fusion that is helping bring brilliant ideas to life in remarkable ways.

Contact: Leo Smit Website: www.insightfullyinnovate.com

, Jaimie Sarah:

Jaimie Sarah: Female Executive Coach Of The Year 2019 Coaching and consulting are crucial in the pursuit of corporate excellence. Enabling and empowering individuals to fulfil their potential through bespoke programmes can lead to impressive results. Working with business executives to help them become their best selves, Definitely Definitely is a boutique coaching and consulting company run by Jaimie Sarah.

To find out what has made her into the Female Executive Coach of the Year 2019, we caught up with Jaimie and learned more about her firm’s fantastic work.

Executive coaching can take many forms, but often with the same goal; to help clients increase their resonance, impact, and fulfilment. Working with everyone from multinational corporation CEOs to start-up founders, Jaimie Sarah provides private programmes, weekly online training, and in-person communities to drive growth for growth-focused clients. Fully aware of the link between personal and commercial growth, Jaimie’s coaching through her firm Definitely Definitely focuses on transforming people first, and the business results soon follow. During our chat with her, Jaimie revealed exactly what she thought were the driving reasons behind her success.

By listening to her community and her clients, Jaimie is able to consistently deliver on what they want and need more than anything else.

Getting to the crux of an issue and offering bespoke solutions is an amazing way of helping people realise their true potential, as well as fighting mediocrity and mundanity.

However, those deep connections and great relationships don’t come easy. Jaimie talked us through her onboarding process for any

“I have always believed in cultivating great relationships and connecting deeply with people - long before I became an entrepreneur. I get to the heart of who people really are, what matters to them and what’s in the way very quickly. This is very disarming and magnetic, and makes people very curious as well as feeling truly ‘seen’, which is unfortunately quite rare in this world. Also, I’ve listened deeply to what others have said about their challenges, concerns and how they really want to feel and operate, and designed content and programs to help them with these exact things.”

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new client, and why it is vitally important that all bases are covered.

“Before we begin working together, they fill out a lengthy questionnaire that enables them and I to evaluate exactly where they’re at right now, as well as where they want to be. I design a bespoke program for them accordingly that is a mixture of practical strategic and tactical work, deep mindset work that rewires both the

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Jaimie Sarah: Female Executive Coach Of The Year 2019

conscious and unconscious mind, reflective practices, and personal transformation. If any component were missing, the outcome would be lesser.”

Coaching has become an increasingly competitive market in recent years, with more and more coaching firms offering services that claim to breed success. Involved at every stage of the journey, whether directly or indirectly, Jaimie’s services ensure clients feel cared for and worked alongside whilst on the journey to success. Jaimie talked us through how Definitely Definitely has set itself apart from the competition.

“I really believe in the personal touch and in slowing down and being very present with whoever is in front of you in a given moment.

In a world filled with information overload, over-attachment to outcomes, and overpacked schedules, being a human being who is very present with others is a very easy way to set yourself apart.”

Jaimie further explained that rather than dealing with a brand, it is important that her clients deal with her directly. More than just a business, Jaimie and the team at Definitly Definitely are encouraging people to be personal, connected and together in working towards success.

“Whether a client is working with me live, enjoying a pre-recorded program or working with a member of my team, people don’t buy from my business, they buy from ME. They buy my energy, my curiosity, they buy how I’ve shown up for them when we’ve connected - be it in person, online or on the phone, whether via a public talk, a private conversation, or via a simple message exchange. They buy how I make them feel (important, valuable, and infinite), regardless of the level of product they are buying, and they buy my mission and what I’m committed to helping them create for themselves and for the world.”

Ultimately, Jaimie and her team at Definitely Definitely are doing so much more than it may first appear. As we concluded our time with Jaimie, she signed off by telling us about the firm’s continuing mission.

“My mission - our mission - is to transform the consciousness of CEOs globally, and through doing so, to help them to make better, smarter and more grounded decisions that are more sustainable for themselves, their people, their customers and the world.”

Helping CEOs and corporate executives become the best versions of themselves, the world is benefitted from clarity of thought and business intelligence afforded by Jaimie and her outstanding team of coaches and consultants.

Company: Definitely Definitely Contact: Jaimie Sarah Website: www.jaimiesarah.com

“I really believe in the personal touch and in slowing down and being very present with whoever is in front of you in a given moment.

In a world filled with information overload, over-attachment to outcomes, and overpacked schedules, being a human being who is very present with others is a very easy way to set yourself apart.”

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Hyper Recruitment Solutions: Best Specialist Recruitment Consultancy 2019 - UK Science and technology continue to be two of the most innovative, life-saving, and genius industries in the world today. Helping ensure that they remain that way is Hyper Recruitment Solutions (HRS), a specialist recruitment consultancy that is dedicated to the sciences. Supporting great scientists with their careers in creating life-changing tech and medicines, discover how the firm have been recognised as one of the UK’s best for specialist recruitment in 2019.

Founded in 2012 by biochemist Ricky Martin in partnership with Lord Alan Sugar, HRS operates with a simple and uncompromising vision; to provide a recruitment service which changes and saves lives.

With offices strategically located throughout some of the United Kingdom’s biggest cities, the firm has positioned itself as an awardwinning and highly-compliant specialist recruitment consultancy that is dedicated to the science and technology sectors. To name but a few, HRS work with specialist sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cell and gene therapy, clinical research, and fast-moving consumer goods.

Offering a range of permanent, temporary, and contract staffing roles throughout the country, HRS’ focus is squarely on supporting those industries and sectors that are committed to making the world a better place to live in. Whether clients are developing new technologies or revolutionary new drugs, the firm provides a service to areas which impact everyone.

In 2012, Ricky was chosen to appear on the BBC’s hit show The Apprentice, where he subsequently won the attention of Lord Sugar.

Now, thirteen years later, he is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and Chair of the UK Life Sciences committee for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

But Ricky’s determination to help people and change lives through technology and healthcare remains stronger than ever before.

Surrounded by a team of enthusiastic and motivated individuals at HRS, Ricky and his recruitment consultancy business have continued to go from strength to strength.

Having led various science and recruitment committees, Ricky is always networking with business leaders and speaking to industry professionals about the evolution of technology. A former biochemist himself, Ricky understands how to leverage that technology evolution into HRS’ processes. Not content to put something in just because it is shiny and new, the firm will always strive to make sure that new technology complements and enhances existing services in a way that ensures ongoing work is not disturbed.

Where HRS’ true expertise lies, is in researching, sourcing, and successfully implementing best-in-class industry experts into roles where they can thrive, whilst helping make society a better place. A key element of the firm’s continued success lies at its head, in founder Ricky Martin. Since his graduation from Cardiff University in 2006 as a biochemist, Ricky has found himself with an unquenchable desire to work with the life sciences sector.

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Being a people-centric business, HRS knows that its success comes from within. In order to generate a competitive edge, the firm only employ people it believes to be “life-changers”.

These life-changers often take the form of high-potential graduates who truly care about making a difference in the world, and are looking for support through their journey into recruitment. Utilising innovative hiring methods such as escape rooms, the firm can identify the right candidates through competence, behaviours, and attitude towards problemsolving and collaboration. By hiring competitive and purpose-led people, HRS mirrors that ethos and becomes even more driven in its pursuit of making the world a better place.

Looking to the future, Ricky and his team at HRS are not content to stand still and rest on their laurels. Instead, the firm is aiming to build on what it already does extremely well.

By working with awe-inspiring scientists that create life-saving medicines and life-changing technologies, the team’s ambition goes well beyond their own careers. It is about more than finding the right job, or the right person, or furthering a career in recruitment. It is about the patient, and ensuring that they have the best possible chance of living a full life because the right scientists were in the right place at the right time. That is the mission that HRS are so successfully fulfilling as a beacon of selfless care for all the world to see.

Company: Hyper Recruitment Solutions Contact: Ricky Martin Website: www.hyperec.com

, Tender Service Group:

Tender Service Group: Best Tender Information Services Provider 2019 For businesses and companies entering the public contract bidding arena for the first time, tenders can prove to be a daunting thing. However, there is a wealth of analysis and information out there to help, in the form of Tender Service Group. To find out more about what the firm does, we caught up with board member Heinz Derndorfer who shared the firm’s secret to success.

“Our ambition at Tender Service Group is to help our customers win tenders. Our recipe for our clients’ success is offering Europe’s largest tender database, individual search profiles plus high-quality customer care so that our clients only receive those tenders that are valuable to their business. And our tender reports give them the background information to setup a successful bidding strategy.”

Bidding for public contracts continues to become an increasingly competitive market, with more companies entering the bid writing process every year. On hand to help companies stand out is Tender Service Group, offering tender information services to fourteen countries in Europe since 2001, and all over Latin America since 2016. During our interview with board member Mr Heinz Derndorfer, he shared with us the mission and purpose of the firm since its inception.

“On the one hand, we inform companies who want to bid for public contracts about their new tender opportunities, which saves them a lot of time. Whilst on the other hand, we provide insights into markets and competitors’ bidding strategies by analysing the results of millions of tenders every year.”

Each year, the firm receives approximately seven million notifications about public and private tenders. It is this breadth of information that has led Tender Service Group to provide Europe and Latin America with the most comprehensive database for tender information services. Mr Derndorfer talked us through exactly how the database helps clients with their tender needs.

To ensure that every client gets the best possible information regarding tender services, the firm has developed a new Tender Reporting Service. Through this, companies can understand which tenders offer the highest chances of success, as well as how competitors tackle similar tenders with pricing strategies, and what tenders will be published over the coming months. In his role as board member, Mr Derndorfer knows exactly who Tender Service Group is aiming to help, and shared the details with us.

“We focus on customers with high quality expectations and/or specific, individual needs.

Everything we do is set up in a way to cater to this group of companies – whether it is our customer service, our very complex, custommade search profiles, a high granularity of our tender database, etc. Many of our competitors go for a mass-market-approach, focusing on simple, automatic solutions, which can also be commercially successful but not so much within our target group.”

As technology plays such a key role in what Tender Service Group offers to its clients, remaining up-to-date on the latest technology is a must. But rather than simply implement the latest technology simply because it is the latest, the firm also focuses on what matters most; ease of use for everyone involved.

Mr Derndorfer talked us through finding the

balance between innovative new technology that attracts new developers, and maintaining existing software for easy use for clients and employees alike.

“We have our own software development department that created, maintains and enhances our web applications based on feedback and ideas from our customers and employees. On the other hand, our IT team is very open to new technologies in order to attract skilled software developers.”

“We focus on customers with high quality expectations and /or specific, individual needs.”

Ultimately, the future for Tender Service Group remains one focused on growth without compromising on what has made it so successful so far. The firm remain as committed as ever before to understand exactly what clients need with regards to tender information, before delivering on those needs with corporate aplomb.

tender-service.com We help you win new contract opportunities Contact: Heinz Derndorfer Website: www.tender-service.com

, Reciprocity ROI:

Reciprocity ROI: Best Management Consultancy Firm - Minnesota With roots in the Marine Corps, it’s no wonder that this successful consultancy firm delivers exceptional service to all its clients. The lean-but-keen team at Reciprocity ROI provide a welldesigned and innovative approach to ensuring that every aspect of a business is operating at maximum efficiency. We took a closer look at their award-winning success to see what we could glean from their exciting approach to business.

There’s a lot in a name, and Reciprocity ROI makes it incredibly clear to potential clients what they consider important.

Without reciprocity, relationships cannot exist. Without a return on investment, a business cannot survive. This belief drives every decision at Reciprocity. Since 2016, this technology firm has specialized in creating and executing revenue generation, operational efficiencies and product development and strategy. For this talented team who advise numerous businesses, the necessity and value of strong and effective partnerships cannot be overstated.

seeing enough revenue, Reciprocity can build on that revenue, executing a marketing strategy. Running the sales and marketing efforts of a business allows companies to focus on providing their best possible core services. This is crucial to business success, especially in a competitive industry like technology. Companies not only need to create an innovative product, it must be better than the market alternative.

At Reciprocity, the first step with any new client is to understand intimately the business they are managing. While dedicated to generating revenue, this can only be done if the basis of the business is fit-for-purpose. Focusing on the areas of technology, sales, finance and administrative affairs, the Reciprocity team can quickly get up to speed with where a business really is strategically and operationally.

Always keeping at the forefront of the industry, Reciprocity has participated in a number of panels alongside high-profile organizations like the FBI and Fortune 500 companies like Land O’ Lakes. This builds on the belief that the best experts are constantly educating, with team members required to pursue education or PR opportunities like panels and podcasts.

It helps to expand an already considerable network and praises the company’s profile.

The continuous innovation that sets Reciprocity apart from the rest is only possible thanks to continuous learning followed by continuous application.

Once this has been done, Reciprocity can begin its work in earnest, setting expectations and mapping out recommendations to meet them. Working across the tech industry has given Reciprocity a tremendous amount of experience growing concept businesses, some going from zero revenues to running at a profit within a month of engagement. Once

A great help to businesses is the incredibly lean nature of Reciprocity, allowing for low overheads and cost-competitive revenue solutions in very short periods of time. All vemployees are expected to participate like leaders taking full responsibility for any action or inaction. Ensuring that the staff at Reciprocity are equipped with all the necessary

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skills to achieve at the highest level is also critical to this business’ success.

Currently, Reciprocity is a partner company with two other divisional firms. When operating alongside these firms – the Valerity Group and Cugini Engineering – clients are able to access a full-suite of technical services in software engineering, cyber security, systems integrations and product hardware. In the future, the firm intends to expand geographically, already building relationships in Europe, Mexico, Canada and Western USA. Built on good business practice and strong relationships, it’s not surprising that Reciprocity has been able to craft such a successful corner in the market of business management consultancy. Offering strong relationships, bespoke advice and a complete service to clients when combined with partner companies, there’s clearly more than one reason to employ the services of Reciprocity.

Contact: Paul Claxton Company: Reciprocity ROI Web Address: www.reciprocityroi.com Telephone: 0017633074269

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Best Electromechanical Design & Manufacturing Solutions Provider - Cyprus Rapid evolvement in the high-tech and electromechanical industries can often leave companies scrambling to keep up with the latest developments. The mission of Cypriot firm, A2U Ltd is to become the design and assembly house of choice for companies.

We profiled the firm to learn more about its success as the best electromechanical design and manufacturing solutions provider in Cyprus.

When innovative solutions and tight deadlines are of the utmost importance, having a trusted partner who can deliver single components through to full turn-key solutions is imperative. A2U is that partner for clients , offering innovative and bespoke solutions in design, development, distribution, manufacturing, and integration for the electromechanical and high-tech industry. Through multiple disciplines, the firm offers extensive support to clients looking for any kind of technical solution. In constantly growing the organisation and investing in design and assembly facilities, the team at A2U have ensured that they are always on hand to help.

By offering a blend of multiple disciplines within the design and manufacturing process, the team offer enormous flexibility, high quality products, and aggressive timelines to any client, be they a high-tech major player, or independent start-up. A2U’s flexibility means that as well as remaining agile to changing requirements, there is no minimum order quantity. Clients can order single prototypes, or mass production assemblies, and everything in between. For more urgent projects that require a faster turnaround, the team work hard to ensure that everything is on time according to the clients needs, without compromising on the quality of the finished product.

Interacting with clients every step of the way is core to the service provided by A2U. The multinational team is made up of experts from a variety of industry backgrounds, culminating in a unique and creative workforce. Even the environment itself is kept fun and dynamic, enabling the staff to provide creative and dynamic solutions to the market. Every member of the team is highly trained and focused on a desire to lead the market in quality. That quality can clearly be seen in the personalised support that every client receives.

Through its own team of experts, A2U offer a wide variety of design services catering to the electromechanical industry. Whether seeking full system design, or specialist individual solutions, the expert team can help create any unique solution. Operating as an independent contract manufacturer, A2U assures its clients that each fully comprehensive solution can be tailored to the client’s specific requirements.

Whether you require single cable assemblies of full box builds A2U bring the market knowhow and technical understanding necessary to support solutions across all sizes and shapes.

Serving multiple industries, such as medical,

“A2U’s vast experience & in-depth knowledge support on time & on budget delivery.” industrial automation, security, telecommunications and commercial applications A2U’s vast experience & in-depth knowledge support on time & on budget delivery.

Upon completion of the solution itself however, the support from A2U does not end there. The team are fully-equipped to continue supporting the client in any way they may require. From comprehensive testing to full implementation and continued on-site support, the firm’s client service consistently goes well above and beyond the call of duty to help clients with every aspect of their partnership with A2U. Above all, A2U is a solutions provider.

Through every phase of its in-house developments and key partnerships with clients, the firm brings innovative technological solutions to a rapidly changing market whilst supporting every client requirement. From conceptual design through to full turnkey operationsand implementation, the firm’s ingenuity and technological innovation stand it apart from the competition in remarkable fashion.

Contact: Anthony Goard Email: info@a2-u.com Website: www.a2-u.com

, illuminateBD Industries Ltd:

illuminateBD Industries Ltd. Best Lighting Supply Company - Bangladesh To anyone who has used their services, it’s clear that illuminateBD Industries Ltd are the light at the end of the tunnel. Able to provide innovative solutions to the matter of lighting in a variety of situations, this company delivers its customers with truly outstanding products with amazing customer service. We profiled them to find out more.

Founded in 2009, this Bangladesh-based supplier of lighting solutions has earned an incredible reputation for them-selves in the industry.

Intimately aware of the role that lighting plays in perception and sensation, illuminateBD offers clients a comprehensive turnkey solution to any of their lighting needs. With multiple projects in the pipeline, this is a company that has grown quickly for several reasons.

When clients come to illuminateBD, they don’t just get a standardized solution. Any recommendations are truly bespoke to the situation, based on a free lighting consultation by a member of the team. From this, clients can receive the full benefits of Managing Director and CEO J. A. Bhuyan’s significant experience.

This expertise goes from the installation of a lighting system to its commissioning, also allowing for the complete automation of lighting and electoral equipment control through voice, app or touch panel. Working alongside clients to provide a bespoke solution, illuminateBD really work hard not just to meet their desires but exceed them.

The service that illuminateBD provide is to match the standards expected by their high-end clients. Not just having to match domestic exp-ectations, but international ones, illuminateBD have made steps to guide the market forward. Acting as official representatives for OSRAM GmbH, a leading lighting manufacturer renowned for its energy efficient products, has allowed illuminateBD to easily stock these modern products. Learning from 30 years of experience with OSRAM GmdH, illuminateBD can now give its customers long-life, ecofriendly and energy-efficient solutions that can help ease ever-increasing pressure on the national grid.

Not just of considerable benefit to the environment, the careful use of different lights can make a huge difference to the environment they are placed into. illuminateBD is the beginning of a revolution in the way that lighting is used across the spectrum, promising to apply successful Western techniques to the projects they are involved with in Bangladesh.

The overuse of fluorescent and incandescent lamps is put aside as expertly trained lighting consultants find the perfect light from a selection of 10,000.

This cutting-edge approach is of considerable interest to clients, the implementation of which is the customer’s main attraction. Gained through regular trips abroad, learning how international businesses approach the matter of lighting, the best and most appropriate advice can be adapted for the domestic market.

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What is learned from these expeditions is brought back to Bangladesh, to be taught to the workforce in illuminateBD’s in-house college. illuminateBD’s college is the main way of communicating a consistent company message between employees, with regular workshops taking place to share information, problems and queries. Like all companies, it can be a challenge to understand what the customer really wants but understanding this is key to the continued success of illuminateBD. Getting busier daily, this innovative and modern approach to lighting seems to be paying off for illuminateBD. With a succession of projects in the pipeline, just waiting to be managed, it seems that expansion is inevitable for this relatively new company. Answering the call from clients for an approach more akin to international expectations, illuminateBD have certainly made light work of exceeding expectations.

Contact: Javed Ahamed Bhuyan Company: illuminateBD Industries Ltd. Web Address: www.illuminate-bd.com Telephone: 00881975100400

, HDRONES

Most Innovative Drone Delivery Service - France: HDRONES Since the turn of the century, technology has evolved at an increasingly rapid rate. Newlydeveloped designs and machines are becoming increasingly commonplace in both business and social life. A key development has been the introduction of drones. Whilst used for a myriad of purposes, innovative French firm HDRONES has been recognised for using them in delivery services. Discover more about this technologically brilliant and ingenious French firm as we take a closer look.

In 2015, young Parisian entrepreneur Alexandre Conflitti began with only an idea. Fast forward more than four years to the end of 2019, and the idea has grown into HDRONES, a firm dedicated to introducing delivery drones across France in multiple industries. While Amazon uses delivery drones for them products, HDRONES wants to make available them services to all companies wishing to have a delivery service by drones in their sectors activities, the firm has big plans for the introduction of delivery drones into more than just retail.

The unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, industry itself will reportedly be worth upwards of €100 billion in 2020, making now the ideal time to be involved in one of the next decade’s proprietary technologies. For Alexandre and the team at HDRONES, the aim is to reconnect with the essence of innovation in order to use these delivery drones to improve and simplify the lives of everyday people. Whether there is a mechanic in need of parts, a mother who want to treat her family to a takeaway, or a sick elderly person who requires life-saving medication, HDRONES are working to realise a vision of a world where everyone can be delivered to.

During the firm’s initial implementation of its new delivery drones, it will predominantly focus on food, pharmaceuticals, retail, and logistics.

HDRONES are committed to ensuring that everyone who orders gets the delivery they deserve. For example, food will be delivered hot, and in less than twenty minutes from being completed. Medicine and life-saving organs will no longer be hindered by urban mobility issues such as traffic lights and jams, meaning patients can get access to treatment that much quicker.

More than just committed to introducing new technology for the sake of innovation, the team at HDRONES are keen to see businesses and organisations across France and the wider world grow. The firm’s delivery drones can help clients in more ways than simply delivery.

Clients can generate more profits through the optimisation of delivery means, whilst also being able to deliver 24/7.

Just how much better are delivery drones that regular delivery services? Early tests have shown the drone to be up to three times faster that current means of delivery in urban areas, thanks to their ability in avoiding traffic issues currently plaguing city centres.

Also, HDRONES’ delivery services are more ecologically-friendly, being powered only by electricity and therefore not contributing to congestion. Finally, Alexandre and the team have designed the drones in unique ways to ensure that the propellers, and the cargo, are totally protected.

Currently, Alexandre and the team here at HDRONES have partnered with more than thirty firms across Paris and beyond. More and more companies are beginning to recognise just how technologically-superior the firm’s delivery drones are, and with it becoming a very wealthy market indeed, there has never been a better time to partner with HDRONES. For the firm itself, the future has never been brighter. Thanks to Alexandre’s innovative thinking and determination to succeed, HDRONES has done just that. Under such wise and creative leadership, the firm will continue to thrive in an industry that has not been short of remarkable advancement in recent years.

Company: HDRONES | Website: h-drones.com Contact: Alexandre Conflitti

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5hort Srl:

Innovation Award in Creative Communication - Italy: 5hort Srl Providing true innovation in an industry that has become stagnant, Francesco Gori was concerned that agencies had reduced creativity to a commodity. If all businesses were communicators, creators and innovators, then the words would lose meaning and value. Establishing his own creative company, under the notion of ‘short’ – a discipline of simplification – Francesco has seen 5hort go from strength to strength. Offering clients more than an ineffectual message, we took a look at his award-winning firm to find out more.

Founded in 2012, it has not taken 5hort long to establish itself in the industry as a company dedicated to the implementation of integrated campaigns and contents strategy for international brands. This is only a small part of what this company has to offer, however. What set, and continues to set, 5hort apart from other creative communicators is its approach to communicating with clients and their audiences.

5hort’s mission is simply defined: Reduce to Innovate. A study of the brain informed the 5hort team that content truly designed and optimized for short attention spans must be eight seconds long. This is how long it takes to find an answer on Google or buy something on Amazon. It’s also why we put aside those tasks that are longer and more complex.

This heady mix of neuroscience and advertising has led to the creation of a whole new disci-pline, that of ‘short’. From the start-point of simplification, 5hort transforms large data into ‘short’ information that can be understood and processed. Simplifying everything down as much as possible allows for cleaner, clearer, simpler content that is a real innovation in how the creative communications industry operates.

The concept of ‘short’ is a potential revolution in the realm of creative agencies, enhancing company resources, increasing innovation capacity without impacting on workflows.

Making the most of the latest technologies is a fundamental part of the ‘short’ innovation process, which begins by simplifying complex data, tools and scenarios and making them understandable and usable for all. Thanks to a long creative experience with international brand and digital agencies, 5hort has a large network of partners that allow its hard-working team to stay on top of the newest technologies and able to create the optimum short team for each project.

With an eye on keeping ahead of the technological game, 5hort has released four apps that create value through brevity.

Each has a different purpose and effect on a business. N.E.O. (Neuro Engine Optimization) analyses existing content, making it more relevant to the ‘short’ brain. shortThinking connects a creative and specialist to quickly bring knowledge, identity and needs to the surface rapidly. shortDesign transforms new benefits into short contents, processes and products, while shorTest™ launches and tests new solutions with a real target.

These apps have been created using the

38 Corporate Vision - Small Business Awards 2019

knowledge gained during 5hort staff’s considerable advertising experience. This experience taught the team that creative skills, ‘short’ formats and digital tools are not only applicable to communication projects, but to the improvement of learning and innovation processes, in which resistance to change is notoriously high.

The challenges facing an innovative company are not akin to those facing other businesses.

While facing competitors in terms of results, with advertising and marketing agencies also able to offer integrated campaigns, these companies do not offer real innovation.

Any innovation on their part is limited to technology upgrades, not a real creative experience. This unique position in the market does create its own difficulties with a lack of interlocutors in the industry limiting collaboration and learning experiences.

The team at 5hort want to share the ‘short’ culture as widely as possible. It’s an eminently scalable model, applicable across the creative industry. It’s a bold maneuver to try and totally reinvent something that has satisfied clients, but 5hort has taken an approach that combines the best of both worlds into something truly exceptional. Making things simpler is more challenging than it appears.

It’s why when the people of 5hort make it look easy, it simply shows off their incredible ability.

Contact: Francesco Gori Company: 5hort Srl Web Address: www.5hort.it/web/ Telephone: 39 380 4566739

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