| Winners 2007 (continued) |
Category 8:
The Most Valued Industry Supplier Award
Sponsored by Camplings Linen Services
Winner: Leisure Target Tourism Services
Runners-up: Brecks Tourism Partnership; Produced in Norfolk
 |
Richard Turvill (right), managing director of Camplings Linen Services, with award-winner Andrew Hird, director of Leisure Target Tourism Services. |
“To win this award provides a tremendous boost for not
only our current staff but also to all our stakeholders who have worked
with us in developing a system of distribution which is widely recognised
as the most effective distribution service not only in Norfolk but nationwide.”
Judges' Comments: Leisure Target Tourism Services was established
in 1995, with the original business aim to provide a quality and accountable
leaflet distribution service for local attractions.
During the early stages of development the business has grown through the
hands-on involvement of both their directors, their recognition of and efforts
for their employees, as well as their devotion to developing partnerships.
Their success has led them to outgrow their original premises and, as part
of an expansion programme, they have also invested in IT. Detailed information
can now be provided to the client, from time of delivery, to how many pamphlets
were delivered to each drop-off point.
Leisure Target services over 800 clients, providing distribution for hotels
right through to information centres and points of interest. All pamphlets
are distributed on a grading scale from premier outlets right down to the
smallest outlet.
Category 9:
Education and Training Award
Sponsored by The Learning and Skills Council
Winner: The Lavender House, Brundall
Runners-up: Blue Sky Leisure; Great Yarmouth College
 |
Graham Brough, area director for the Learning and Skills Council in Norfolk, presents the award to Suzanne Hughes (left), of The Lavender House, and Laura Walsh, from Norwich City College. |
Owner Suzanne Hughes said: “Winning
this award is an acknowledgement that businesses which put training, motivating
and
enthusing staff as their priority will reap the benefits in all areas.”
Judges' Comments: The Lavender House has an established
and structured programme of work experience placements, educational visits,
gastronomic experiences for the public and educational visits for the staff.
This is clearly an establishment that practises what it preaches, as all
the staff demonstrated passion and clear understanding of career paths available
to them.
Head chef Richard Knights (27) “gives something back” by lecturing
one day a week at Norwich City College.
It was refreshing to see school leavers as young as 16 demonstrating enthusiasm
and commitment to hard work to secure coveted support and training from
The Lavender House.
Category 10:
The Best Water Based Tourism Experience Award
Sponsored by Anglia Afloat
Winner: Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust
Runners-up: Beans Boats, Morston; Museum of the Broads
 |
Paul Thomas (right), representing Anglia Afloat, presents Bryan Read, chairman of the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust, with his award. |
Bryan Read, chairman, said: “Winning
this award is recognition of the unique experience we offer to our customers
and the satisfaction it gives to our staff and Trustees by knowing that
we have been fulfilling our objectives. This will help us with the promotion
of the Trust and all it seeks to achieve in encouraging eco-friendly tourism
and preserving the heritage of the Broads for future generations.”
Judges' Comments: Over the past 10 years the once-threatened
and declining Hunter fleet has been saved, largely by public effort and
the support of many, including Norfolk organisations and is now blooming.
Perhaps the greatest achievement is the Trust’s building of a new,
but accurate, traditional and “original” yacht.
The yard at Ludham not only maintains and runs the fleet, with up to 100
holidaymakers (including disadvantaged young people) joining ship at weekends,
but is also a unique centre of old boatbuilding skills, with several original
craftsmen still at work.
Administratively the Trust is directed by local experts and a highlymotivated
manager who originates from North America.
Category 11:
Customer Care Award
Sponsored by Potters Leisure Resort
Winner: Park House Hotel, Leonard Chshire
Homes, Sandringham
Runners-up: Go Ape! Thetford Forest; Wroxham Barns
 |
Tess Guilder, of Park House Hotel, receives her award from Brian Potter, Chairman, Potters Leisure Resort. |
Tess Guilder, hotel manager, said: “Winning
this award is recognition for our staff and volunteers’ continued
efforts to provide a first rate service to our guests with disabilities.”
Judges' Comments: We were very impressed with the welcoming
atmosphere at Park House Hotel and the particularly obvious strong rapport
between the staff and their guests.
The staff guest ratio is necessarily high as many of the guests have quite
severe levels of disability and require access to knowledgeable care 24/7.
The attention to detail of their guests’ preferences and requirements
was remarkable. The hotel has developed a very good range of in-house activities
and interests together with day outings to various places in the area, again
with a high level of support if required.
The impressive team spirit of the staff illustrated their total dedication,
kindness and care, creating a friendly holiday atmosphere.
Category 12:
Business Tourism Award
Sponsored by Hansells Solicitors
Winner: Fastolff Business
Centre, Great Yarmouth
Runners-up: Deepdale Farms, Burnham Deepdale; UEA
Conferences
 |
Roger Holden (right), managing partner of Hansells, with winner Michael Westrup, of Fastolff. |
Michael Westrup, managing director, said:
“It’s a real achievement for us to be finalists for the second
year running. It’s a huge boost to our credibility to see our business
centre recognised in this way. Winning this award will help us to raise
awareness about the userfriendly, state-of-the-art facilities we have to
offer and assist us in attracting new clients into our beautiful building.
Our motto is ‘don’t ask us what we have, tell us what you would
like’. Our customers’ needs are paramount. People should not
be surprised that Great Yarmouth is a centre for business as well as tourism
– and we believe that the two go hand in hand.”
Judges' Comments: A comprehensive offer of flexible support
facilities to businesses are centred on the meeting, training and office
space within the centre.
The level of IT provision is world-class and many clients use the facilities
to develop their business objectives in a flexible and sensibly-costed manner.
The high standards of care and support given to clients by the small team
ensures repeat business and a loyal client following.
Future-focused thinking and investment places this centre in a fulcrum position
to help Great Yarmouth develop and exploit many business opportunities.
Category 13:
Marketing Initiative Award
Sponsored by Leisure Target
Winner: The Big-3
Runners-up: The Forum Trust – Ice Rink; Wroxham
Barns
 |
Simon Lee (left), of the Goymour Group, receives his award from Andrew Hird, director of Leisure Target. |
Simon Lee, operations director of the Goymour
Group, said: “The acquisition of the Dinosaur Park in October 2006
by the Goymour Group gave us the opportunity to market three of the most
popular attractions in a new and innovative way. This was the biggest campaign
Banham Zoo has ever carried out and the response and feedback has proved
it to be one of our most successful yet.”
Judges' Comments: Following the acquisition of the Dinosaur
Park, the Goymour Group of companies (Banham Zoo and Africa Alive) undertook
its biggest ever marketing campaign to increase visitor numbers, repeat
business and market share objectives.
The Big-3 mechanic is simple and effective, encouraging web registration
and thus enabling significant data capture potential. Design and creativity
are consistent across all media and cleverly uses the sales offer as the
main marketing message.
The supporting animal imagery is attention-grabbing and helps to conjure
up excitement among the target families group.
Category 14:
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award
Sponsored by NatWest Commercial Banking
Winner: David Marsh, Director
of Greater Yarmouth Tourism Authority
 |
David Marsh (right), of the Greater Yarmouth Tourism Authority, receives his award from Andrew Moss, commercial banking director, NatWest. |
David Marsh said: “This award is a
great compliment and a wonderful surprise. I have been involved in tourism
for 30 years and am proud of what has been achieved by the industry in the
county. Tourism is now much higher up the political agenda. There is a far
greater awareness of the scale and value of the industry to Norfolk's economy.
“This is an award for our successful public and private sector partnership
in both Great Yarmouth and Norfolk. I would also like to congratulate all
the winners. It was a good night for Yarmouth with Fastolff Business Centre
and Leisure Target, which was established in the borough, both winning awards.”
Judges' Comments: With a background of innovation and successful
operation of holiday park businesses, David pioneered the development of
a co-ordinated and highly effective approach to leaflet distribution. He’s
worked tirelessly over 20 years to promote tourism in Norfolk and Great
Yarmouth in particular.
David has inspired change by bringing together public and private sectors
to spearhead a partnership approach for the benefit of businesses in Great
Yarmouth, as demonstrated by the formation of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist
Authority. He has also been generous with his personal time, to the benefit
of numerous representative bodies, including Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority,
InteGREAT, East of England Tourist Board, Norfolk Tourist Attractions Association
and Norfolk Tourism.
All pictures copyright Photo Graphics.
To order contact Andy Plane, 01603 431994 or email mario@3dimens.freeserve.co.uk