Businesses around the country gathered at the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) annual Chamber Awards yesterday evening (Thursday 28 November) for the announcement of this year’s national winners.
Now in their 16th year, the awards are a highlight of the business calendar, recognising the key role that local firms play in driving the UK economy. The winners were announced at a gala event held in the picturesque venue at Tobacco Dock, London.
Representing the two counties on the national stage was arrangeMY, Bishop Fleming, DRPG, Environmental Management Solutions, Indra Renewable Technologies Ltd, Level Peaks Associates, Malvern Panalytical Limited and OLPRO.
The Chamber would like to congratulate Bishop Fleming, who were awarded the Workplace Wellbeing Award along with being named Business of the Year 2019 – the leading award of the evening. The judges praised the Chartered Accountants for utilising cutting-edge technology to deliver accounting, tax, corporate restructuring and advisory services that have enabled its clients to achieve their business goals.
Bishop Fleming Chair, Ian Smith, commented: “I am over the moon that we have been recognised as 2019 Business of the Year, along with our Health and Wellbeing programme, which was designed and implemented by our Bright Futures cohort of young professionals, has got national recognition.
“To have so many quality finalists from Herefordshire and Worcestershire shows what amazing places our counties are for business and what a great Chamber we have supporting us.”
Chief Executive of H&W Chamber, Sharon Smith, said: “On behalf of the Chamber, I would like to congratulate all of our eight national finalists and of course, the winners of the evening, Bishop Fleming.
“It is fantastic to see Member businesses on the national stage in London, highlighting the fantastic work that companies in the area do. The awards truly accentuate what a thriving area the two counties is for doing business.”
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce was also named a finalist in three categories in the national awards, including; Chamber of the Year, Excellence in Membership Services and Excellence in International Trade.
The shortlisting followed a successful year for the Chamber as it continues to support a growing number of companies from across the counties, work closely with local organisations to guide businesses in the countdown to Brexit and the continued acknowledgement from accreditations like the Investors in People standards and the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Although unsuccessful in our bid this time round, it is still a great honour to be named a runner up in these prestigious awards and have the hard work of the team highlighted on a national stage.
OLPRO, Indra Renewable Technologies Ltd and Malvern Panalytical were all announced as runners up in their respective categories, adding to the success businesses from Herefordshire and Worcestershire received on the evening.
OLPRO’s Managing Director Daniel Walton commented: “It was great to have been shortlisted this year and to compete against the really big brand names that we want to be seen on the same level as. It is also fantastic for the team to have their hard work recognised in a national awards programme.”
The Chamber would like to wish congratulates to all winners of the evening and looks forward to the Chamber Business Awards next year. Applications for Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards 2020 will open on Friday 24 January. To find out more information, and how to apply, please contact awards@hwchamber.co.uk.