TEAM AWARD SPONSORED BY
Winner of the Business Management Team Award, sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, was Maidenhead’s SDL, a leader in global information management systems.
The award was presented by Robin Barnes, regional director RBS, to SDL’s Sophie Hurst, director of global corporate communications (main picture), who told the audience that having the right team in place and developing their talent was one of the keys to the company’s success.
SDL provides clients with a range of translation and content management solutions which enables them to engage with their customers in areas such as brand awareness, sales and after sales support, across different languages, cultures and channels.
In the 20 years since it was founded, the company has grown to become the world leader of global information management solutions, achieving revenues of £203.5 million in 2010. Over that period it has made a number of strategic acquisitions and invested in new technologies.
Its customers include 42 of the top 50 global brands in the world, with 90% of revenues derived from businesses outside the UK. It supplies technology to 80% of the world’s freelance translators, giving it unparalleled access over the localisation supply chain.
SDL now employs more than 2,000 staff in over 60 offices in 35 countries, many recruited from local communities, and its strong corporate social responsibility programme
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – DECEMBER 11/JANUARY 12
includes a donation of £250,000 a year to the SDL Foundation charity, providing support for disadvantaged communities around the globe.
Hurst said: “We are very good at having a vision for the future and sticking to it. We plan our strategy three to five years in advance, which enables us to pre-empt what our customers will want.
“By the time customers need something, we are already working on it, providing integrated solutions which add real value and solve their business needs. Listening to and understanding our customers is fundamental.”
In particular, she said, many years ago SDL had recognised the potential for growth in the internet, especially its impact on global markets and in helping businesses reach those global markets.
One such example is the still relatively untapped Asian and Far East markets, where internet – and particularly mobile usage – is set to grow rapidly in the coming years. Coming up with solutions which will help customers embrace the changes and get the most out of the opportunities available is at the heart of SDL’s business.
Hurst continued: “It’s also about operational efficiency and execution, not just having the creative ideas. It’s about delivery and making things happen, which is one of our strengths. At the same time, we continue to hire and develop our staff, making sure we can grow their talent and ensure we get the best out of them and their skills.”
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND
Robin Barnes said: “RBS would like to congratulate the management team of SDL plc for being the winner of this year’s award. The judges were highly impressed with the qualities of their leadership in developing a company- wide culture where everyone is engaged to play their part for the better of the business. This is clearly demonstrated in their expertise of perfecting and delivering the successful integration of key acquisitions, ultimately strengthening both brand and global presence alongside their strong technical DNA.
“We would also like to congratulate and thank all our finalists for the quality of their entries in what was again an incredibly close run decision, speaking volumes for the importance of businesses here in the Thames Valley.”
In second place was Leasedrive, the largest privately-owned vehicle management provider in the UK. The award was presented to Roddy Graham, commercial director (pictured top right). Third place went to full-service marketing agency Eclipse Marketing, with the award being presented to David Pickering, chairman and managing director (bottom right).
Highly commended were Junction Solutions, GCS Recruitment and Centrix Software.
www.businessmag.co.uk
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