AWARDS UPDATE
The EDP Business Awards 2009 has proved a vintage year - despite the grey clouds hanging over the economy. The calibre of entries was extremely high: ranging from plcs and well-known brands, to start-up businesses with real entrepreneurial flair. When our first awards were opened 20 years ago, the business community was told that we hoped the awards would "inspire others, give encouragement and demonstrate that flair and initiative bring results". Those words hold true today. No one can doubt it's been a testing year for business. But when others have looked to cut corners as well as costs, there are businesses that have put a new emphasis on looking after staff and looking after customers. There are businesses that have adhered to their environmental principles and their commitment to the civic good. And there is one business that stands above the rest, our business of the year - Pine Solutions. Recession can be the mother of invention - and the best have innovated, found new revenue and new markets. Congratulations to all of our winners.
2009 Photo slideshow
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2009
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2009 categories & Sponsors
Staff Development Award
This year's winner: The Lavender HouseRecent research shows that those organisations who continue to train and develop their people in times of economic slowdown are two and a half times less likely to go out of business than those who do not. So the winner of this award will have shown how a strong commitment to developing its workforce has continued to pay dividends. It will probably have devised creative ways to invest in its workforce and will have demonstrated to the judges how it continues to position staff development as crucial to business success.
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