Wirral Investment Network Business Awards 2011

Business Start of the Year, sponsored by Wirralbiz: Eight4sport

Eight4Sport offers sport activities from netball to football, and has the only indoor cricket match facility of its kind in the North West. Within three months of opening, over 40 teams were competing in cricket competitions, together with a range of corporate business customers such as Unilever and IBM.

It employs local sports enthusiasts – including an Everton academy coach, sports graduates, and a Lancashire and Cheshire ladies cricket coach. Eight4Sport also hosts numerous charity events, as well as disabled football training.

Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Hillyer McKeown: Fleetsolve Ltd

Fleetsolve Ltd delivers energy efficient solutions, and are leaders in sustainable fuel innovation, combustion technology and engine development.

Focussing on alternative fuel engineering, Fleetsolve offers clients a variety of services, from concept through to design and implementation. A strong strategic development plan has enabled the company to develop and secure orders for the coming twelve months.

Corporate Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by Unilever UK: B&M Waste Services

B&M Waste Services offers total waste management solutions to reduce both costs and impact on the environment, by diverting as much waste as possible away from landfill, and by encouraging customers to be more environmentally aware in their business operations.

B&M actively supports Claire House Children’s Hospice, as well as other activities and donations to a range of national charities. B&M’s mindset hasn’t changed in over 27 years - if you look after your staff and your local community, they will value and look after you.

Environmental Award, sponsored by Stiebel Eltron: Arriva Wirral

By introducing the Eco Manager initiative, Arriva Wirral has shown commitment to protecting the environment. Eco Manager is an innovative way of reducing emissions and saving fuel.

By utilising an LED dashboard display, Arriva drivers can adjust their driving techniques to improve fuel economy and emissions. The objective of the scheme is to improve fuel efficiencies by 4%, to embrace greener driving practices through awareness, and to reduce the carbon footprint.

Excellence in Training & Skills Development Award, sponsored by Wirral Met. College: Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders

As Cammell Laird moves into new and exciting multi-million pound markets, such as offshore renewable and civil nuclear sectors, the company is committed to ensuring that its workforce is trained to the highest possible standards. A motivated, disciplined and educated labour resource is key to its development.

Through the continual implementation of training programmes and supporting apprenticeships, Cammell Laird sees this investment as essential to the future commercial success of the business.

Innovation and Creativity Award, sponsored by T-Systems Ltd: Furlong Innovations Ltd

By developing the CombiSave, Furlong has created a unique device, compatible with all domestic boilers, which can save water, gas, money, time and cut carbon emissions.

The CombiSave speeds up the delivery of hot water, by responding to its temperature, which then controls the water flow. It’s easy to fit and inexpensive, and following development and trials, UK manufacture of the device started in April.

International Trade Award, sponsored by Invest Wirral: Greyhound Chromatography & Allied Chemicals

Established in 1981, Greyhound supplies equipment to the scientific community, including environmental, petrochemical, forensics, chemical and pharmaceuticals. Exporting to over 150 countries has helped to increase its turnover to £2m.

Greyhound continues to identify growth markets through attendance at international shows, and by developing trade links in the Middle East and Russia. They’re probably the leading single source of chromatography products and chemical standards anywhere in the world.

Medium Business of the Year, sponsored by Scantec: Osiris Projects

Osiris Projects are market leaders in high-resolution coastal seabed mapping and geophysical survey, specialising in bespoke, high quality solutions to all types of shallow water survey requirements. It has enjoyed significant growth over the past three years, increasing turnover by 24%, whilst creating employment opportunities.

They’ve recently moved to Bromborough, and they plan to grow their business, particularly within the expanding UK offshore wind and marine energy markets.

Investment of the Year, sponsored by AEV Ltd: The Contact Company

Established in Wirral just five years ago, The Contact Company is now one of the area’s key employers, and has made a significant investment in moving to the Queensgate office in Birkenhead.

This £3.9 million pound project is enabling The Contact Company to expand its Outsourcing Call Centre activities to meet customer demands, whilst creating employment opportunities for 350 new staff.

An additional £2 million pound investment is also being made to implement the required IT and physical infrastructure to support the company’s growth.

Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Tranmere Rovers Football Club: Mark McManus from Stiebel Eltron UK

Mark is the UK Managing Director of the global renewable energy manufacturer, Stiebel Eltron. Under Mark’s leadership, the company has established itself as one of the leading players in the green energy market. Four years after setting up Stiebel Eltron UK, Mark continues to push himself to gain more business and drive company growth.

He’s a committed member of a number of business networking organisations, using his vision and drive on behalf of Wirral’s business community.

Business of the Year, sponsored by Smith and Sons: Park Group plc

Park is one of the UK's leading multi-redemption voucher and prepaid gift-card business for both corporate and consumer markets. The innovation and investment demonstrates the evolution of Park from its origins as a hamper company.

Park has undergone a steady transformation over the past few years, as it capitalises on the market leadership of its traditional business, and harnesses the power of the internet to drive exciting and substantial product innovation, capturing new business, and generating strong profit growth.

Think Big Award, sponsored by Wirral Council: The Contact Company