Hundreds of companies entered the Regional Finals of The National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange. Acknowledged by The Chancellor of the Exchequer as "the UK's business Oscars", the Awards recognise and reward excellence, innovation and success. They are open to companies of all sizes and from any sector. Winners now advance as finalists in The National Business Awards programme on 7 November in London and may later go on to The European Business Awards in Brussels in January.
North West England Award Winner
The Award for Business Improvement Through People was collected by Chess Plc of Alderley Edge. A business-to-business telecommunications company, Chess has implemented incentives in all areas to improve staff performance as part of its Blueprint for Success programme, which has created a more focused, motivated and efficient workforce.
South East England Award Winner
The AXA Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award went to Southwark based Telinet Solutions, which since 1993 has offered a complete range of telephony and data network services to businesses. Independent of all carriers, Telinet has shown significant growth and innovation in its sector underpinned by strong financial performance.
Wales and West Country Award Winner
The Customer Focus Award went to 4COM of Salisbury. Supplying, installing and maintaining telecommunications to thousands of businesses across the UK, 4COM maintains its lead in the Telecoms sector through its focus on customer requirements.
"The quality of entries in the 2006 Regional Finals of The National Business Awards has been outstanding," said Adrian Tripp, chief executive of the Awards.
"Some outstanding success stories have emerged from these regional programmes.
Enterprise, innovation and ethical business practice is thriving across the country and we are delighted that, through these Awards, new and emerging businesses will benefit from learning about the challenging experiences of this year's winners."
Neil Laidler, Director of Enterprise, Orange Business Services said, "The winners of the National Business Awards demonstrate a drive, passion and optimism for business. We are proud to be associated with such successful British business talent and congratulate all the winners on achieving this fantastic accolade."