Wirral Business Awards 2017

BUSINES S AWAR DS 201 7 WIRRAL

Welcome

Asif

Chair

Hamid MBE

Wirral Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to the Wirral Business Awards 2017. This is a night businesses come together, network, celebrate success and most of all sit back and enjoy themselves. The awards are the culmination of the great work our businesses have carried out and this fantastic competition showcases just some of the many businesses bringing national and international success.

The businesses here in the final clearly reflect our sector diversity, a diversity which has gained Wirral a reputation of excellence and one which not only innovates but supports success. You will see the tremendous work of our finalists and appreciate why we host the Wirral Business Awards.

Paula Basnett CEO

Wirral Chamber

of

Commerce

This evening, we highlight the finalists in each of the ten award categories and announce the winners. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution and support made by all our partners and sponsors, particularly our headline sponsors Russell Taylor Group and Progress to Excellence Group, together with our reception sponsor Typhoo Tea.

From the Wirral Chamber of Commerce board and staff, good luck to all finalists and enjoy your evening.

Paula Basnett

The Wirral Business Awards were established to celebrate the outstanding performances and results by Wirral businesses and our Chamber members.

Year on year, the competition has grown both in its stature and in the quality of applications received from businesses. This year I am pleased to say that we had a record number of award entries which gave our judges a very difficult task in choosing the winners.

There are many ways to achieve business success, so I am pleased that Wirral’s enterprise and innovation can be rewarded in the Wirral Business Awards 2017.

Wirral is home to many successful businesses, both new and established, small and large, and it is their commitment to succeed that is making a real difference to the local and national economies.

On behalf of Wirral Chamber of Commerce can I thank everyone who entered the awards and to the wider business community for their continued drive and inspiration in making Wirral a successful location for business.

Asif Hamid MBE

Menu & Evening Schedule

6.30 pm

Drinks Reception - Sponsored by Typhoo Tea

7.20 pm

Wirral Business Awards 2017 Introduction

Hosted by Chris Maguire, Editor, BusinessCloud

Welcome

Paula Basnett, CEO, Wirral Chamber of Commerce

7.30 pm

Starter

Chicken 'Caesar’ salad, pressing of chicken, crisp ham, Parmesan custard, shrapnel & charred gem

Cave aged feta, fresh melon salad, cracked pepper syrup, toasted pumpkin seeds, Anardana and pomegranate (V)

Newcomer of the Year

Rising Star Award

Business of the Year (under 11 employees)

Main Course

Roast medallion of Welsh beef loin, slow braised short rib juices, horseradish mashed potatoes, baby roots

Portobello mushroom pithivier, horseradish mashed potatoes, baby roots, parsley relish (V)

International Trade Award

Business of the Year (11-49 employees)

Customer Service Award

Dessert

Warm sticky toffee pudding, butterscotch sauce, clotted cream, sugared dates & honeycomb

Sustainability Award

Business of the Year (50+ employees)

People Development Award

Business Person of the Year

Outstanding Business of the Year Award

Charity Ra e

10.00 pm

Closing Remarks

Asif Hamid MBE, Chair, Wirral Chamber of Commerce

10.15 pm

Live Music and Networking 12.30 am Last Orders 1.00 am

Carriages

Headline Sponsor

Russell Taylor Group

Russell Taylor Group operates from its headquarters in Bromborough and across the UK from strategically located branches and on-site operations. The Group has ambitious growth plans, having already established a sister recruitment business in 2011, and recent significant acquisitions.

It has established credentials in ever increasingly diverse sectors and skills, covering engineering, construction, manufacturing and logistics. With loyal and dedicated professionals providing a full recruitment service, covering search, technical contractor resourcing, on-site supply chain and interim management.

Based on data for the first quarter of this year, it is well on track for a turnover of more than £150m, with turnover for the core Russell Taylor operation double that of 2016 and 20 times greater than when it moved into Riverside Park seven years ago. During this period, full-time staff has increased from less than 20 to over 200 and are currently servicing more than 800 clients in the UK.

This growth in business means that the Group is now payrolling around 10,000 temporary workers on a weekly basis across its sectors, along with a record number of permanent placements within the company's continually expanding client base.

There are some exceptional businesses this year across all categories proving that Wirral has some of the UK’s most dynamic companies, not only putting the region on the map as a major industrial and commercial force but also contributing on a huge scale to the local economy. I wish all of them the best of luck on the night which will be a chance to celebrate the best of Wirral businesses.

Ben Russell, Chief Executive

www.russell-taylor.co.uk

Headline Sponsor

Progress to Excellence Group Ltd

Progress to Excellence Group is a proud Wirral-based company with subsidiaries covering numerous industries including training, education and safety services.

The group is headed up by Sandra Kirkham who uses her strong Wirral connections, along with a genuine passion for helping others, to give back to the local community. They also support charities and community groups as well as mentor others to grow their own companies. This ethos is embedded into each of the companies under the Group umbrella.

Progress to Excellence Ltd is the largest of the subsidiaries and delivers high quality apprenticeship and training programmes throughout the UK. Progress Schools is a national organisation of independent secondary schools providing supportive and inspirational teaching to 13-16 year olds at Key Stages 3 and 4 to ensure positive progression and readiness for further education, work-based learning or employment.

Veritas Safety Services deliver health and safety training, compliance training and management training, while Prepare to Achieve supports training providers in apprenticeship environment offering business consultancy, Internal Quality Assurance and End-point Assessment. Sandra Kirkham said, “Progress to Excellence Group is proud to be a headline sponsor for the Wirral Business Awards 2017, I am delighted to support this event which recognises the amazing entrepreneurial activity that makes Wirral a fabulous place to work and do business”.

www.ptoelearning.co.uk/progress-group

We are delighted to be a Headline Sponsor for the Wirral Business Awards 2017. The decision was easy and based on the principle that Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Progress to Excellence Group jointly recognise the importance of applauding individuals and businesses that continue to impact on our long-term regional economic success.

Sandra Kirkham, Managing Director

Event Sponsors & Partners

Typhoo Tea Ltd Drinks Reception Sponsor

Typhoo Tea have been flying the flag for Great British Tea since 1903 and are proud to be one of Britain's best loved brands.

They take their pick of the best crop, so you have all the ingredients you need for a perfect cup of Typhoo. Not only do they make the perfect cup of tea, they are working in associating with Rainforest Alliance™ using tea from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms that have environmentally and socially responsible practices. Typhoo Tea comes from all over the world and helps support a healthier planet and improved quality of life for farming communities.

www.typhootea.co.uk

Let’s Go!

Design and Print Partner

Let’s Go! Design & Print is an offshoot of Let’s Go! Publishing who have been producing local, targeted magazines in Wirral for ten years. The design and print business has grown organically from producing effective and dynamic marketing copy and brand identities for their large base of magazine advertisers. Utilising all the skills gained in magazine publishing, Let’s Go! can uniquely provide creative copy writing, editorial and proofing services alongside branding, design and print requirements, all at unrivalled value.

www.letsgoprint.co.uk

Mills Media

Creative

AV Partner

Mills Media Group is unique in the world of visual communications, combining creative skills and specialised equipment under one roof. Supported by the latest digital technology, graphics and video facilities, it provides an unrivalled service to public and private sector clients, together with major blue chip organisations and specialised small companies serving niche markets. Mills Media is committed to supplying a professional, cost effective service to the visual communications industry, giving support to the sales and marketing activities of its clients.

www.millsmediagroup.com

Judging Panel

Paula Basnett (CEO, Wirral Chamber of Commerce)

With great experience in supporting economic development in Wirral, Paula brings drive and determination in creating services, encouraging growth and economic prosperity. Never one to stand still, she has been at the forefront of many successful business initiatives, ensuring her team work closely with Wirral’s business community. By using her leadership qualities and vast experience for the benefit of the Chamber, Paula leads by example and ensures the best business support services are available at all times. The driving force behind the growth of Wirral Chamber of Commerce, she has led on introducing training programmes, new international links and the development of the Pacific Road Business Hub.

Chris Fry (Partner, KPMG in the UK)

Chris is a senior corporate tax partner and the Liverpool office senior partner. He has worked with clients from a wide range of sectors, which includes fast growth companies, family businesses, private equity backed companies and smaller listed vehicles. Chris joined KPMG in 1997 and currently works with Warburtons, Pets at Home Group, The Travel Corporation, and Nichols plc. Chris has a particular specialism in property companies (Emerson Group/Langtree) and also providing tax advice for companies undertaking M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) and restructuring activity.

Ben Miller (Partner, DLA Piper)

Ben has extensive knowledge of pensions law and acts mainly for employers and pension scheme trustees, but also provides advice to pension providers (eg providers of SSASs and SIPPs). He advises on all aspects of scheme mergers, reconstructions and wind-ups, and handles pension aspects of company acquisitions and disposals. Heavily involved with private finance initiatives, he is also experienced in pensions litigation, including internal dispute resolution procedures, pensions ombudsman complaints and representative actions at the high court. Ben also advises on all legal aspects (including documentation) relating to SIPPs.

Alan Evans (Strategic Commissioner for Growth, Wirral Council)

Responsible for the delivery of the Council's Economic Growth Strategy, Alan oversees the Borough’s major regeneration schemes, as well as the development of the Visitor Economy. He is heavily involved in the development of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and currently represents Wirral on the Board of Regeneration Directors. Alan sits on the Board of Wirral Chamber of Commerce and various other organisations across the City Region. Over the years he has gathered a wealth of experience in supporting the creation of key initiatives which will be of benefit to Wirral and its businesses.

Award Finalists and Sponsors

Newcomer of the Year

Hygienic Innovations

Roberts Snack Shack

Sure Solutions

Three Dimensional Training Limited

A business within its first year of trading which has demonstrated strong management and leadership skills resulting in a sustainable business.

Sponsored by

Stiebel Eltron UK provides innovative technology to heat homes, conserve energy and reduce bills. For over 8 decades, across 72 countries, it offers products and services of exceptional quality with a focus on protecting the environment. With an unbeatable breadth of green technologies they design systems specifically to suit your project. www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk

Rising Star Award

Katherine Spaughton (Jackson Lees Group)

Claire Statham (Joanne Finnerty Recruitment)

Jennifer Foulds (Passport Language Solutions)

Tom Barbat (Vigo IT Solutions)

An individual whose attitude, approach and impact has delivered excellent results and customer service during the year, marking them out as a star of the future.

Sponsored by

Young Chamber bridges the gap between education and employment, benefitting both young people and local businesses. The initiative provides opportunities to explain about the qualities and attitudes employers look for in their future employees. www.wirralchamber.co.uk/Services/Young-Chamber/

Business of the Year (under 11 employees)

Blackberry Grove

Gud Design

Red Apple Education

Vigo IT Solutions

A business providing an outstanding product or service, but also an excellent place to work, in addition to contributing to the Wirral economy.

Sponsored by

The Sheds at Pacific Road is a co-working space, providing desks in an open-plan shared facility for creative collaboration, as well as private office space ideally suited for freelancers, entrepreneurs, sole-traders and small businesses. The Sheds has been shortlisted in the “Inspired Spaces North 2017” initiative organised by Prolific North. www.pacificsheds.co.uk

Award Finalists and Sponsors

AEV Ltd

Paragon Scienti c

Regal Wholesale

Tranmere Rovers FC

Business of the Year (11-49 employees)

hi-impact consultancy

Hoist UK

Horner Downey & Company

Plus Point International Trade Award

This award recognises the achievements in international trade resulting in substantial growth in overseas earnings and in commercial success.

Sponsored by

Peel Group creates environments where businesses and people can thrive, and is at the forefront of the Northern Powerhouse agenda with regeneration and job creation at the heart of the organisation. It owns and operates the Port of Liverpool, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Wirral Waters and Liverpool Waters.

www.peel.co.uk

A business showing impressive financial figures, strong and steady profit, sustainability, future growth, understanding of markets and responding to change.

Sponsored by

McEwan Wallace are the largest firm of chartered accountants and business advisers in Wirral Its specialist divisions of tax planning, payroll, wealth management and business development also carry out regular reviews of each of its clients business, ensuring they are aware of any new opportunities available.

www.mcwallace.co.uk

Customer Service Award

(Public Vote)

Auger

Inteb Managed Services

LBW Chartered Accountants

The Light Cinema

Companies which have shown demeanour and actions in excellent customer service and demonstrating exceptional care ethos in exceeding customer expectations and innovation.

Sponsored by

TCC provides high quality services to a continually growing client portfolio, partnering many well-known blue chip companies. It now includes a growing number of large national companies in its client base including River Island, Superdrug, Argos and the BBC. Its success is reflected in its Kingsgate development at Twelve Quays in Birkenhead.

www.tcc.co.uk

Award Finalists and Sponsors

Sustainability Award

B&M Waste Services

Brooklet Farm & Livery

Floral Pavilion

Stiebel Eltron UK

Business of the Year (50+ employees)

Capital Reinforcing Ltd

CPL Training Group

Russell Taylor Group

Typhoo Tea Ltd

People Development Award

AF Global

Capital Reinforcing Ltd

Cirrus Purchasing Ltd

Unilever

Recognises an organisation demonstrating outstanding achievements and exceptional behaviour towards the environment, local community, their people and supply chain.

Sponsored by

Every day, around the world, people reach for Unilever products. Its brands are trusted everywhere and, by listening to the people who buy them, it has grown into one of the world's most successful consumer goods companies. In fact, over 150 million times a day, someone somewhere chooses a Unilever product.

www.unilever.co.uk

An outstanding performance by a business or organisation with exceptional financial returns, strong growth, market leadership and a plan for a sustainable future.

Sponsored by

NW Systems Group is a leading provider of high-performance security systems that deliver real business impact. From consultancy through to successful delivery, it has a proven record in the design, installation and maintenance of CCTV and network-based security solutions. NW Systems works closely with customers, providing wide ranging technical and consultancy services.

www.nwsystemsgroup.com

An organisation demonstrating the most commitment in developing its workforce through training and development programmes (including apprenticeships).

Sponsored by

Established in 1956, B&M Waste Services is a family-run business, employing over 200 local people. They offer Carbon Neutral and Recycling-led Waste Management solutions to businesses in Wirral and across the UK. As well as a trade waste and recycling collection, they offer secure shredding services and hazardous waste disposal.

www.bagnallandmorris.com

Award Finalists and Sponsors

Business Person of the Year

Keith Taylor (AF Global)

Joanne Finnerty (Joanne Finnerty Recruitment)

Mark Sweeney (Plus Point)

Ben Russell (Russell Taylor Group)

An outstanding individual that demonstrates initiative, drive and leadership to their business, bringing financial and non-financial gain to the organisation through their hard work.

Sponsored by

Outstanding Business of the Year Award

www.smylies.com

Sponsored by

Smylies is a UK leading supplier of wholesale food and drink products to retail groups, supermarkets, distributors and independents all over the world. The family run business offers a complete chilled and frozen food export service. Awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade, which highlights their commitment to International wholesale food distribution.

Judges have selected one winner from all award entries as an organisation demonstrating achievements above and beyond those of other organisations.

A new vision for Wirral regeneration has been launched by Wirral Council. Wirral Growth Company is a new way to deliver regeneration through a joint venture with a leading development and investment partner with the skills, track record and resources needed to drive future growth and prosperity. The creation of a joint venture property company –Wirral Growth Company – will bring new expertise, new ideas and new investment to Wirral. www.wirral.gov.uk

Charity Raffle

Wirral Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that its Charity of the Year for 2016/2017 is Autism Together. Autism Together is an award-winning charity dedicated to improving the lives of people of all ages with Autism. Established for nearly fifty years, it has become one of the country’s leading providers of services and support to people and families who are affected by autism.

Company

Christian Smith Photography

Contessa Hotels

Let’s Go Design & Print

Lois Malloy Hair Beauty & Holistic Emporium

Mere Brook House

No. 1 Mostyn Square

PlayFair Events

Shootin Boots

Stena Line

The Contact Company

Wirral Life

Donation

Two hour commercial photography session

One night stay for two in a Classic Room with full English Breakfast at any Contessa Hotel

5 Social Media Adverts designed, 500 flyers or 500 business cards printed

£100 Hair and Beauty services voucher

Overnight stay for two people including breakfast

3 course meal for 2 people with a bottle of wine

Four ball in 2018 PlayFair Events Calendar

Signed and framed 2017 Everton Football Shirt

A return trip for a car and 4 passengers on any Irish Sea Route

Dinner for 4 people at eastZeast, Liverpool

Full page advert or editorial

TAKE A SELFIE!

Wirral Business Awards 2017 is a great event, so relax and enjoy the evening. We have placed a number of selfie sticks on the tables around the marquee, feel free to use and take some fun photos of yourself, your staff or guests. The best selfie from the evening will win a bottle of champagne. To enter, please tweet @WirralAwards your picture using #wba17.

About Us

Wirral Chamber of Commerce drives business growth and competitiveness locally, nationally and internationally for its members and the wider city region. By promoting Wirral as a vibrant and attractive environment for business growth, it ensures it is recognised for investment, job creation and economic prosperity.

Wirral Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in:

Developing an effective public - private partnership stimulating business growth and employment opportunities;

Delivering activities, guidance, workshops and events supporting business development;

Providing quality, flexible managed workspace to accommodate indigenous, new, expanding and inward investment projects;

Generating revenue to be reinvested to support business growth;

Developing extensive networks for business interaction locally, nationally and internationally;

Achieving operational excellence.

www.wirralchamber.co.uk

@Wirral_Chamber

Wirral Chamber of Commerce is accredited by The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), a network with Accredited Chambers in every nation and region of the UK, and in key markets worldwide. BCC is a voice for British business and a leading commentator on the UK economy, drawing on a powerful network that represents business interests in Westminster, Brussels, and in every part of the UK.

Wirral Chamber of Commerce

Wirral Chamber of Commerce Membership

Wirral Chamber of Commerce works with industry leading businesses and organisations to provide members with exclusive services helping businesses grow and save money.

Each Chamber member has a dedicated Relationship Manager to ensure support is available in providing updates on initiatives, events, training, business workshops and other opportunities.

Through British Chambers of Commerce accreditation, Wirral Chamber of Commerce has grown its partner benefits, offering valuable resources and unparalleled support helping your business to gain a competitive advantage in becoming more successful.

Chamber Legal & HR Advice

24/7 365 days telephone advice from experianced consultants.

Chamber Merchant Services

£1000 in your pocket if Handepay cannot SAVE you money.

Chamber Roadside Assistance

As a Chamber member you save up to 63% off AA business breakdown cover.

Chamber Business Healthcare Plan

Helping you and your employees stay healthy, happy and at work

Chamber Courier Services

Half price discounts for members in the initial year of exporting with DHL.

Chamber Foreign Exchange Benefit from free foreign exchange health check and market beating exchange rates.

Chamber Primary Health Plan

Health cover at a price that really works for your business.

Kingsbridge Insurance

Kingsbridge Insurance provide members with bespoke and innovative insurance solutions.

Chamber Energy Solutions

Free energy health check and pre energy tariffs for Chamber members.

CPL E-Learning Courses

CPL provide members with bespoke online training courses

Our membership is made up of many different business sectors and organisations - large and small - all serving a diverse of industrial and commercial markets. By joining like-minded business people and organisations you will be making a real difference and have opportunities to influence decisions affecting businesses.

Patrons

Chamber Patron membership is designed for a limited group of companies to work in partnership and enhance their profile to the benefit of our wider membership.

Through demonstrating commitment in supporting local businesses, a Patron will be able to access and network with politicians, senior business figures and interact with other Chamber and Patron members. Importantly, Patrons will add a strong support presence to the lobbying and representational activities of Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Wirral Chamber of Commerce Patrons

Strategic Partnership

Strategic members access the benefits of primary membership, and also play a vital role investing in and supporting the work of Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

They are at the heart of local sector development and a crucial sounding board for the Chamber's lobbying activities.

Wirral Chamber of Commerce Strategic Partners

Facilities

Wirral Chamber of Commerce provide high quality, managed office space and associated facilities to support and encourage investment, employment and the growth of business in Wirral. We offer a flexible range of office and event space ideal for business, social and community use.

The Sheds at Pacific Road is a supportive and affordable co-working space for new and existing businesses to flourish. We have also introduced The Enterprise Hub, where a programme of support, mentoring and advice for would-be new businesses enables entrepreneurs to turn their start-up ideas into viable and sustainable businesses.

Egerton House lies at the centre of Birkenhead’s commercial zone. This iconic and popular building boasts superb facilities with views across the Egerton Dock towards the Liverpool skyline.

The Lauries is centrally located in Birkenhead, providing office, meeting, function and conference space. It is a versatile facility and with recent improvements it is now an attractive environment for both business and social use. This now includes @142thelauries –a new bistro facility enhancing business, social, community and public offer.

To find out more about office, conference, seminar or event availability at any of our facilities please contact Jamie Harrison on 0151 650 6940 or info@wirralchamber.co.uk

Training

During 2016, Wirral Chamber of Commerce became an approved centre for management qualifications backed by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This gives Chamber members and Liverpool City Region businesses access to highly respected management qualifications.

As one of 600 CMI Approved Centres worldwide, our training courses and leadership development programmes have undergone rigorous evaluation to meet quality standards across a wide range of criteria. We currently offer CMI Level 3 and CMI Level 5 qualifications for first line managers and middle/senior managers and leaders.

Bespoke Training

In addition to the CMI qualifications, we offer a bespoke training package which covers a wide range of topics. We will work with you to identify your training needs and design a training programme specifically to meet those needs. This has greatly benefited those businesses where we have designed a bespoke package in that we have been able to develop their staff using specific examples and scenarios that are pertinent to their business.

Acknowledgements

Wirral Business Awards would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and other organisations. We would like to thank the following for their services in helping to organise the Wirral Business Awards 2017.

Awards Proform and Peninsula Nameplates

Catering Horseradish

Design and Print

Let’s Go! Design and Print

Entertainment The Trunk Monkeys

Event Host Chris Maguire, Editor, BusinessCloud

Floral Displays

Gin Miniatures

Festival Flowers, Oxton

Wirral Gin

Photography Christian Smith Photography / Graham Maddrell

Silent Auction Carita Services

Stage Presentation and AV Mills Media Creative

Table Favours

The Canadian Cottage

Venue Thornton Manor

Website Maxweb Solutions

Interested in joining Wirral Chamber of Commerce? Contact a member of the team. info@wirralchamber.co.uk

@Wirral_Chamber

Wirral Chamber of Commerce

The Lauries, 142 Claughton Road

Birkenhead, CH41 6EY

0151 650 6940

www.wirralchamber.co.uk