WINNERS 2004

Published on Monday 14 February 2005 15:21

MOST ENTREPRENEURIAL YOUNG COMPANY

IT company Adventi, formed two years ago to provide technical support for small firms, picked up the award for most entrepreneurial young company. Managing director Graham Bucknall said: "It’s a well-worn clich, but this award is for all the guys back at the office. In time, I hope we can lose the young tag, but I want to ensure we remain entrepreneurial."

E-BUSINESS AND INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Defence group BAE Systems Avionics bagged two awards, for e-business and innovation and technology. Patrick Browne, the firm’s public affairs manager, said: "This is a testimony to the achievements of the workforce at Crewe Toll. They have put a great deal of effort into both categories, and these awards reflect all their hard work."

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Dalkeith-based Netherfield Visual, which makes showcases for museums, secured the award for international business after winning a 500,000 contract to fit out Bill Clinton’s presidential library. Managing director Jim Stewart said: "We have to thank Midlothian Council and Scottish Enterprise for their help and support over the last four years."

EXCELLENCE IN SKILLS AND LEARNING

Montpeliers, the cafe bar chain established 11 years ago, raised a glass after receiving the award for excellence in skills and learning. Training director Ruth Wither said: "It’s been hard work to achieve this, because high-quality training is not prevalent in the hospitality industry, but that hard work has now paid off."

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

Credit Capital Union won the business in the community award for its approach to responsible lending and support for those suffering from debt problems. Chief executive Marlene Shiels said: "We are hoping this award will allow us to reach an even greater number of people, as we can really make huge differences to people’s lives."

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Bar operator Saltire Taverns secured the customer service award, and managing director Billy Lowe said: "The vital element in our success is the continued support we get from the people of Edinburgh, and indeed across Scotland. The award also recognises the hard work put in by our 370 staff."

BEST PERFORMING BUSINESS WITH LESS THAN 25 EMPLOYEES

Edinburgh conference and events company Elle Events, founded by Joanna Minchella and Valerie Horne, was named best performing company with less than 25 staff. Ms Minchella said: "We trebled our turnover within our first three years and are confident of achieving a 35 per cent increase in turnover this year. Being named one of the best performing businesses of the year is the icing on the cake."

BEST PERFORMING BUSINESS WITH MORE THAN 25 EMPLOYEES

Internet and telephone bank Intelligent Finance pocketed the title of best performing business with more than 25 staff. Jillian Torrance, who works in the bank’s call centre and was chosen to accept the award, said: "This is a great accolade given we’re less than three years old, and it is a testament to the staff and their loyalty."