Member Article

Winners announced for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards 2019

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce held its highly anticipated annual dinner and awards last night, which celebrated Liverpool City Regions’ business leaders and innovators in an inspiring ceremony held at Anfield, the iconic home of Liverpool Football Club.

Sponsored by Turkish Airlines and hosted by Victoria Grimes, reporter and presenter at BAFTA-winning ITV Granada Reports, the Liverpool Chamber Awards was a celebratory evening that recognised the organisations and individuals who encapsulate the responsible business agenda, while contributing to the dynamic and sustainable economic growth of the city region.

Among the winners were construction and waste management firm, The Carroll Group, software development consultancy, Mashbo, rail transport providers TransPennine Express and Merseyrail, waste incineration specialists Inciner8 and James Battle, who took home two awards including the Local Hero Award and another for his business, Nationwide Management Services. Clarke Energy won the prestigious Chairman’s Award.

Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said:

“We have an abundance of outstanding businesses and leaders in the Liverpool City Region and it was a struggle for all the judges to narrow down the winners, who represent those individuals and businesses who are making a real impact in their respective communities, as well as creating economic growth. The real change makers who are shaping the city region for the better.

“It is important to commend the achievements of all of our nominees and our local business community more generally. The Liverpool Chamber Awards recognises those dynamic businesses who make significant economic and societal impacts in the city region.”

The full list of winners:

• The Carroll Group - Responsible Employer of the Year Award
• Nationwide Management Services - Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award
• TransPennine Express and Merseyrail - Equality & Diversity Award (joint winners)
• Inciner8 - Exporter of the Year Award
• Mashbo - Digital & Technology Award
• James Battle - Local Hero Award
• Clarke Energy - Chairman’s Award

Ends

Notes to editors Full details of the winners:

The Carroll Group won the Responsible Employer Award, sponsored by SP Energy Networks Stephen Stuart, director of SP Energy Networks said: “The Carroll Group demonstrated a wide range of important initiatives, including promoting fairness and equality in the workplace, particularly women in the industry and The Carroll Group’s involvement in local and wider community is exemplary, with considerable support for Liverpool Pride, which included company logos with pride colours, and donating rainbow hi-vis to the construction industry. The business truly values its staff, holding employee workshops, covering anything from career development to CV and job interviews to lunch and learn sessions. Lastly, but not least, the business is committed to reducing its environmental impact, recycling 99.6% of their waste during 2018/2019.”

Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by SSC Safety Support Consultants went to Nationwide Management Services David Anderson, chairman and founder SSC Safety Support Consultants said: “James Battle and his team at Nationwide were worthy winners of this award. The business supports employees ensuring that all aspects are covered from mental health, rehabilitation and gym memberships, to training courses and staff development. Staff are also encouraged to give back to the local community with charitable initiatives, such as renovating the Golden Gloves Boxing Gym in Toxteth and providing meals for children during the summer holidays.”

The Equality and Diversity Award, sponsored by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce went to TransPennine Express and Merseyrail jointly Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce commented: “We had two excellent nominations for this award - both from the rail industry and both demonstrating a creative approach to engaging internal staff to realise their full potential and the customers and communities they serve. This year therefore we have decided to present the award jointly to TransPennine Express and Merseyrail. “We were particularly impressed by the initiatives to provide opportunities for jobs and training in the industry to people in disadvantaged communities, particularly young people, supported by strong development programmes like TransPennine Express’ “Make the Grade”. Celebrating diversity within the organisation was also a key theme and we were particularly impressed by Merseyrail’s “Inclusive Me” programme.”

Inciner8 won the Exporter of the Year Award, sponsored by Liverpool John Lennon Airport Following a comprehensive award entry that truly impressed the judges, Inciner8 demonstrated a commitment to further expanding its international business, while continuing to benefit the Liverpool City Region as a successful local employer. Paul Staples, operations director at Liverpool John Lennon Airport said: “This local company is an international leader in its field and is playing a vital role for communities across the world, while simultaneously investing in the business and its employees, with a new customer service focus now driving more international business.”

Mashbo won the Digital & Technology Award, sponsored by CGI for their work on “Rental process automation for HMO and students lettings market” Paul Buxton, CGI UK vice president for north & utilities said: “Mashbo scored extremely highly against the key criteria. All contestants showed innovative ideas that challenged the status quo, but Mashbo’s main differentiator was the fact they managed to quantify the project’s scalability and demonstrable success, identifying potential future applications in other industry sectors.”

James Battle, managing director of Nationwide Management Services won the Local Hero Award, sponsored by The University of Liverpool Management School, for the impressive reach, range and impact of his work with, and considerable investment in, Liverpool’s most vulnerable people Professor Julia Balogun, dean of the University of Liverpool Management School and The Brett Chair in Management said: “In driving forward his ambitions, James engages with his employees and other stakeholders, leading them to achieve additional outcomes. James’ commitment, creativity and energy in supporting these groups demonstrates how a local business can create valuable social change in our communities.”

Clarke Energy took home the coveted Chairman’s Award, which recognises those businesses who have made a significant contribution to the local economy, as well as demonstrating a commitment to both their staff and the communities in which they operate. Neil Ashbridge, chairman of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce said: “Clarke Energy is an exemplar across so many areas of business excellence, including international trade, environmental innovation and technology, creating economic growth both locally and overseas, whilst demonstrating that people are at the heart of the success of any organisation.

“The Chamber is proud to have Clarke Energy as a Strategic Partner and we look forward to working with them in 2020, to support their ambitious programmes and the wider contribution they make to the city region.”

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