Somerset Business Awards 2012 finalists announced

Oct. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- Sponsors of the Somerset Business Awards, along with other respected individuals from the Somerset Business community, were given the task of visiting the shortlisted companies to select the finalists in each category. Judges were tasked with looking at each component of the businesses and rating them against the criteria for individual awards.

A total of 14 categories were open to Somerset businesses of all shapes and sizes and from every sector. Year on year, the number of quality entries increases and this year has been no exception. Categories have been hotly contested with particularly high interest in the ‘Business of the Year’ categories and the Albert Goodman Family Business award.

Jason Rigby, Managing Director of Taunton Fabrications, a finalist for the Business of the Year 6-50 Employees Award, said, “We’ve always followed the Somerset Business Awards with great interest and seen some excellent local companies gain due recognition for their efforts and this year we decided to enter as we had a great story to tell. Trading conditions are tough and activity in the construction industry over the last two years has reduced by over 15 per cent, but through innovative and careful planning we have increased our turnover by over 35.5 per cent, in that same period. Our policy is to always look for opportunities and adopt a positive attitude and being selected as one of the finalists really helps to reinforce that approach”

Jenn Chidley, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce – the Somerset Business Awards’ organisers – is delighted with the results for 2012 and comments, “This year there has been 20 per cent more entries and it is fantastic to see so many businesses have such passion to drive their business forward. The finalists have something very special about them, so well done to them all! The standard was exceptionally high this year and we are all looking forward to celebrating the finalists’ success at the awards ceremony evening in November.”

The finalists are listed below in alphabetical order:

New Business of the Year Award
Blackdown Shepherds Huts
Step Success
Vintage Fair Arts Café

New to Somerset Award
LiteTile Ltd
M5 Glass Centre
Prolift Access Ltd

Service Excellence Award
Cooper Associates Ltd
Myakka Ltd
Thorne Segar

Best Exporter Award
Hilton Herbs
SCM Handling Ltd
Unwin Safety Systems

The Albert Goodman Family Business Award
Gadsby
Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre
South West Peninsular Training

Skills for Growth Award
3 Dimensions Care Ltd
ADPR Limited
BAM Construction Ltd

Charity of the Year Award
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Stand Against Violence
St John Ambulance

Collaborative Innovation Award
Gary Gabriel Associates
Gerber Juice Co Ltd
Futures for Somerset

Marketing and Promotion Award
Hall of Names Europe
Higos Insurance Services Ltd
Hilton Herbs

Energy Efficiency Award
Powrmatic Limited
Thorney Lakes Caravan and Camping Park
Yarlington Housing Group

Business of the Year 0-1 Employees Award
Eternity Crystal LLP
Hall of Names Europe
The Langport Leveller and Somerton Sentinel

Business of the Year 2-5 Employees Award
PardoesBevins Human Resources Limited
Plum Communications & PR Ltd
Rubix Solutions UK Ltd

Business of the Year 6-50 Employees Award
Evosite Ltd
Taunton Fabrications Ltd
Unwin Safety Systems

Business of the Year 51+ Employees Award
Clarke Willmott LLP
Radstock Co-operative Society
Yarlington Housing Group

All of the finalist companies have been invited to the prestigious black tie gala dinner and prestigious awards ceremony, whichwill be held on 16November at the Somerset County Cricket grounds in Taunton.  

One of the most important dates on Somerset businessperson’s calendar, the Somerset Business Awards recognise business success, adding credibility and achieving publicity for the winners.The annual Somerset Business Awards are organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commercein conjunction with Albert Goodman, the main sponsors, and a wide range of individual award sponsors.