for a full report on the winners visit businessawards.co.uk Charity of the Year


WINNER: SpecialEffect Based in Oxfordshire, the company adapts technology to enable severely disabled people to use computers and IT to communicate and play games – “people with physical disabilities have lives beyond simply ‘being disabled’ and want to enjoy themselves”.


What the judges said . . .


“Instead of using judges’ comments around outstanding achievement, innovative fundraising, empowerment of people and sustainability that the charity demonstrates, we think it is better to sum up the very essence of this year’s winner with eight short words from one of its beneficiaries… ‘Thank you for giving me my life back’.”


. . . and the winner


CEO Dr Mick Donegan: “This is a brilliant morale boost for everybody involved with our charity, a massive recognition for what we do, so thank you.”


He explained that his specialist team uses 21st century technologies to help resolve age-old problems. They may be assisting people to overcome a disability or undertaking fairly harrowing work in hospitals and intensive care situations to help those stricken by accidents or illnesses. “We simply work very hard to the best of our ability, using technology to enhance the lives of people of all ages who need help.”


Management Team of the Year


WINNER: Sun Mark A Greenford-based marketing and distribution company of fast-moving consumer goods specialising in emerging markets, notably Africa and the Middle East. Doing business within 120-plus countries, it is the only company to have won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for five consecutive years.


What the judges said . . .


“This management team has consistently demonstrated the characteristics of a truly ‘world-class’ organisation.


“From top to bottom of the organisation this dynamic management team has ensured there is a shared vision and set of ‘family’ values among a highly-engaged and loyal


workforce. The company’s unswerving customer-centric approach is highly visible across the various functions. Behavioural and cultural integration across the business is equally exceptional.”


. . . and the winner


“This is fantastic, and great that our team are all here together tonight to celebrate it, because it’s not down to one or two people; everyone has helped win this award,” said CEO Sunny Ahuja.


Key to success was “communication of a shared business vision“ developed by listening to team members and understanding what is important for the company. Ensuring communication is effective throughout all business levels is also important. “People tend to align


Best Company to Work for . . . and the winner


WINNER: Volume A Wokingham artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality agency, which creates immersive customer experiences and has developed the world’s first cognitive website.


What the judges said . . .


“Volume impressed us. Its key values run through the organisation’s veins from recruitment and inductions, training to team meetings, appraisals and career reviews.


“Its internal communication level was off the scale. We met lots of engaged staff who mentioned support for their careers, and many cases of changes offered where the organisation looked outside ‘normal career routes’ to continue nurturing talent with both individual and organisation in mind.”


10 businessmag.co.uk


“We genuinely aim to create a great workplace for great people to do great work, and we all work hard to build that really positive environment. Everyone at Volume will be so excited that we’ve won this,” said Gemma Hood, chief people officer.


Award-winning factors? Volume has “a dedicated people and culture team that looks at the whole employment life- cycle.” It has Voogle – “built by our people for our people – an online application that enables us to collaborate and communicate internally.” And quarterly TFI Fridays “where the business downs tools to share and celebrate wins and achievements.”


themselves to objectives, if they understand the reasoning behind them.”


Runner-up: CV-Library Third: Roc Technologies Highly Commended: Wilson Partners


sponsored by sponsored by


Runner-up: Step by Step Third: Ufton Court Educational Trust


Highly Commended: Achievement for All, Involve Community Services, Thrive


sponsored by


Runner-up: Vail Williams Third: Roc Search


Highly Commended: Blake Morgan, Porterhouse Medical, Ridge & Partners


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – DECEMBER 2017


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