The National Business Awards, held at Manchester’s Palace Hotel on 11th July, is one of the most respected and toughly fought business contests in the UK. 142 judges scrutinised thousands of entries to arrive at shortlists of four in each category. Chess, who submitted entries in four categories, was shortlisted for three awards and highly commended in one.
Chess’ Award for Business Improvement Through People is a fantastic achievement and testament to the effectiveness of its Blueprint for Success.
One of the imperatives for growth in Chess’ Blueprint is people opportunity. As the business grows, opportunities are created for people to develop skills and knowledge and progress their careers. Chess recognises that the growth and success of its people will underpin the growth and success of the business and therefore encourages people development at every opportunity.
The judges for the Award for Business Development Through People were looking for the organisation that could best demonstrate how its people development strategies have improved its performance and created a committed, motivated and effective workforce. Chess’ Blueprint for Success and the unique spirit inherent in the business impressed the National Business Awards judges, winning the business the regional award and taking Chess through to the 2006 National Business Awards finals.
Chess’ Chief Executive, David Pollock was delighted to win this highly contested award. “Our Award for Business Improvement Through People is true testimony to the spirit and hard work of everyone in Chess. We are thrilled to have won such an important award, at a time when the growth and success of our people is of fundamental importance. As an organisation, Chess will continue to grow and succeed. Many fast growing businesses can lose sight of the people that brought it success. It is important to us that we reward, recognise and celebrate all our successes on our Business Growth Journey.”