KNOWSLEY BUSINESS AND REGENERATION AWARD 2011 - WINNERS

                              Celebrating Knowsley's Business and Regeneration Successes

Knowsley showcased its business and regeneration community at an annual awards ceremony held on Friday evening, where businesses were recognised and awarded for their success and positive contributions to the borough's economy.

Cllr Dave Lonergan Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said, "The evening was a huge success and was a reminder of just how diverse a range of successful businesses we have in Knowsley. It has been another really challenging year for business so it was extremely encouraging to hear about some of the ways in which our local businesses have managed to adapt and thrive. In fact, since 2008 and the start of the economic downturn, there has been £1.1bn of investment in the borough, a phenomenal achievement and testimony to Knowsley as a location." 

 

		Pictured here from left to right: Sheena Ramsey-Chief Executive Knowsley Council, Leader Cllr Ron Round, Neil Roscoe-Jaguar Land Rover Halewood , Mike Harden-Deputy Chief Executive Knowsley Council and Cllr Dave Lonergan-Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills.     Further Photographs of Winners

Neptune Developments were the main sponsors of the ceremony. Steve Parry, Managing Director said, "When Neptune was offered the opportunity to be the main sponsor it was an easy decision for us to make. This week we commenced work on our first project here in Knowsley. The redevelopment of the former Ravencourt District Centre in Halewood. I’m sure over the course of this evening we will hear of many fantastic examples of business confidence and leadership. Indeed it is such confidence and leadership that encouraged Neptune to invest in the borough and I must say the support, commitment and enthusiasm of the Council has been unwavering – so much so that I hope our development in Halewood is the first of many and the start of a long and fruitful relationship with Knowsley."

 

Winners of the 2011 Knowsley Business and Regeneration Awards are as follows:

 

Knowsley Business of the Year

Sponsored by Knowsley Council

Jaguar Land Rover Halewood was crowned Knowsley Business of the Year. After an exceptionally busy 12 months, with the start of production of the new Range Rover Evoque, and the 250,000th Freelander 2 produced, they have recruited over 1,500 people directly into highly skilled jobs, and an additional 700 jobs have been created in the local supply chain.

 

Business Person of the Year

Sponsored by Neptune Developments Ltd

and

Employer of the Year

Sponsored by King Construction

GETRAG FORD Transmissions won 2 awards. Bob Taylor was presented with Business Person of the Year after driving the business forward with his people skills and technical and business expertise.  Last year, he led his company’s most successful ever launch with the introduction of a new £100m production facility. Getrag were also presented with Employer of the Year after putting their employees at the heart of everything they do. Key initiatives included a custom design course around product technologies and behaviours, a sponsored apprentice scheme, a graduate support programme, and a 'geared for health' employees lifestyle support programme.  

SME of the Year

Sponsored by GETRAG FORD Transmissions                                                                

Tuff X Processed Glass have seen demand for their products soar over the last twelve months. So much so that the company relocated to bigger premises in Knowsley, which will create 25 new jobs. At the forefront of innovation, they have a track record for using new technology in product development and been involved in a number of recent high-profile developments including Liverpool One.

 

Low Carbon Economy Award

Sponsored by Keepmoat Homes                             

QVC were clear that they needed a new approach to waste for both environmental and financial reasons. In the final quarter of 2010 the company set themselves an aggressive target of no waste going to landfill by January 2011 and this was achieved. As a result, they have put together new practices, new equipment and training to deal with waste and more energy efficient operations on site. The exceptional results – recycling streams increased by 42%, the tonnage of general waste produced down by 30%, energy consumption cut by 10% and carbon emissions reduced by 545 tonnes.

 

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by Knowsley Chamber

Euroliters were recognised for their continued growth driven by export markets. Wiith 85% of its product exported and its core market in Germany, Portugal, Italy and Spain they have recently expanded into Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Its workforce is set to be increased with the recruitment of a further six employees in the coming months. The business’s exports have increased from a turnover of £2.5m in 2004/5 to a forecast of £8.5m this year

 

Knowledge Economy Award

Sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover Halewood  

ColorMatrix Europe Ltd have been established in the borough for over 17 years now, with their premises expanding in that time to keep pace with the company’s growth. The company has subsidiaries in Russia and Holland and its workforce of 120 will soon grow to nearer 150. Recognised with three Queen’s Awards for Export, this business remains at the forefront of innovation and has developed plans to further expand its Knowsley site, following a recent million pound investment to create a global technology centre.

 

Regeneration Award

Sponsored by Plus Dane Group

Villages Housing Association have embarked on a 5 year programme to improve the quality of accommodation and to improve the community facilities and services available to local residents. They received the award following a £5.5m multi-storey investment in Stockbridge Village, delivered on time, within budget and has achieved its key objectives.

Excellence in Customer Service

Sponsored by Barclaycard                

Maureen Ashcroft was the winner of the Excellence in Customer Service Award after a dedicated career in supporting others. Most recently Maureen demonstrated her commitment to customers through the support she provided to 28 families affected by the flooding following the water pipe burst in Huyton. A colleague describes her as “professional, hardworking and respected” and always willing to go that extra mile to ensure an excellent service is given to customers.

 

Visitor Economy Award

Sponsored by SSE Contracting

This has been a milestone year for The National Wildflower Centre, as it marks its tenth anniversary. Once again, it’s attracted thousands of visitors through the doors and in 2011 it’s received plaudits, praise and promotion everywhere from the national press and Radio Four to a Shaun the Sheep Facebook page. It’s achieved another Gold Green Tourism Business Award and maintained its visitor attraction quality assurance standard.

 

Best Housing Scheme of the Year

Sponsored by Villages Housing Association    

 

Keepmoat Homes has successfully redeveloped part of North Huyton, with more than 200 derelict properties cleared and crime and anti-social behaviour reduced. In their place a mixed and sustainable community, made up of social rented homes, properties suitable for the elderly, shared ownership and rent-to-buy units. The community has been consulted at every stage from the initial masterplanning to helping to customise their homes. The scheme has brought genuine improvements to the local area, both socially and economically.

      

Corporate Social Responsibility

Sponsored by British Gas

Barclaycard were recognised for their committment to supporting a range of local initiatives, with staff volunteering their time to raise funds and donate goods for the benefit of the community.  They have supported the Mayor's Charity for many years. As well as raising money, they have community programmes in place which help local students prepare for the adult world of work.

 

Congratulations to the winners, we would also like to congratulate the businesses who made the Awards shortlist:-

Knowsley Housing Trust, Plus Dane Group, Duncan Gibbins Solicitors, Dairy Crest, Nurock Mixers, Elixir Foundations, British Gas, Blends, Sandfield Natural Play Centre, Acorn Farm, Knowsley Hall, Mark Shrimpton (Villages Housing Association), Sue Roscoe (QVC), Ben Donnelly (Elixir Foundations) and Bert Bourchier (B & B Hygiene).

 

A special thanks goes to Barclaycard for their kind donations to the Mayor's Charity, in excess of 3,000 was raised on the night, with donations from local businesses  Matalan, Chill Out Spa, Bargain Booze, Premier Asphalt, Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park and Jaguar Land Rover Experience. 

 

A charity auction in honour of local MP George Howarth's daughter who passed away raised over £1,200 for a Diabetes Charity. A big thank you to King Construction who kindly donated 4 tickets with hospitality for the forthcoming Liverpool V QPR game.

 

A final thank you goes to all of our sponsors: