Hampshire Business Awards 2011

The winners

The winners of the 2011 Hampshire Business Awards were revealed last night at a prestigious awards ceremony at Avington Park. The guest speaker for the event was England’s rugby World Cup winning legend Will Greenwood.

Celebrating their 21th anniversary this year, the Hampshire Business Awards continue to highlight the very best of Hampshire’s thriving business community and showcase the strength of some of the UK’s most successful firms.

Backed by the Daily Echo and sponsored by Bond Pearce, KPMG and The Royal Bank of Scotland, this year’s Hampshire Business Awards were, for the first time, held in association with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The endorsement from the CBI shows just how significant the Hampshire business community has become to the national economy.

Malcolm Hyde, director of the CBI’s south east office, said: “The CBI represents companies of every size and sector, but what they all have in common is a desire to be the best in what they do. As these awards epitomise those qualities and celebrate their achievements, it’s only natural that the CBI would want to lend its support; and indeed is privileged to be able to do so, particularly on the 21st anniversary of the awards.”

The winners

The Bond Pearce Innovation and Technology Award was presented to Bowman Power Group. Bowman is a privately owned technology company, with world-class expertise and experience in three key technology areas: compact and efficient turbomachinery; high-speed electrical machines; and software-controlled power management electronics. Generating sets with Bowman equipment have a world beating efficiency 12% greater than competitor sets. That means 12% more power can be generated for the same amount of fuel. Approximately 25MW of power (100 systems) are already installed with Bowman technology and this is increasing at 10MW per month.

Nick Page, chairman at commercial law firm Bond Pearce, said: “Congratulations to Bowman Power. It is a worthy winner of an award focused on technology and innovation. Its technology is proven in terms of the efficiency gains it can produce - several units are operating in customers’ facilities and have had no significant operating issues - and the payback period for most applications is so short that conversion would seem like an easy decision for any large scale operators of diesel engines. The company is well placed to make the most of this exciting and worthwhile technology on a global scale.”

The KPMG Company of the Year Award was given to R&M Electrical Group. Southampton-based R&M Electrical Group (R&M) is one of the largest independent electrical distributors in the UK, providing a range of products and services to a worldwide customer base. Since its formation in 1987, R&M has been a stockist for some of the world's leading electrical manufacturers. It exports to over 70 countries worldwide and the firm has won many national and internationally significant contracts and projects, including the largest Liquefied Natural Gas project currently being constructed in the world at Barrow Island, 200 kilometers off the West Coast of Australia.

Commenting on the win, Will Smith, partner at KPMG’s South Coast office, said: “R&M is a well-deserving winner of the Company of the Year Award. It is a truly international business delivering sophisticated products to a demanding global audience as evidenced in particular by the gas project in Australia. The team here at KPMG wish R&M every success for the future and hope that it will inspire other local firms to expand into global markets.”

Scooping the RBS Management Team of the Year award was Advanced Resource Managers (ARM). Founded in 1996, ARM is an award-winning recruitment and training consultancy providing contingency recruitment, managed services and bespoke talent management solutions within the IT, engineering and business industries. It provides mainstream and niche, permanent and contract professionals, supplying talent to diverse industries in both the public and private sector across the UK and EMEA regions. The company is one of the UK’s largest vendor neutral training suppliers and can source over 1,000 vendor-authorised IT, engineering and soft skills training courses in a wide variety of media and locations.

Dan Salanson, Head of Corporate & Institutional Banking for RBS in the Solent, said: “Over the last few years ARM has been transformed from a boutique consultancy to an organisation with £100m turnover, high staff retention and increased market recognition and respect throughout the recruitment industry. The management team behind the firm has been absolutely instrumental in leading this evolution of the company into a highly dynamic local business expanding across the country.”

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Hampshire Business Awards

2011 The KPMG Company of the Year Award

In the third of our series profiling the companies shortlisted for the Daily Echo Hampshire Business Awards, we turn our attention to those competing for the prestigious KPMG Company of the Year Award.

This award looks to highlight the best overall company operating in the Hampshire region and takes into account a number of factors behind their success. While each of the three shortlisted firms below are leaders in their respective fields, this award looks to crown an overall winner of outstanding quality that can be seen as a beacon of excellence for Hampshire and the UK in general. The award highlights KPMG’s commitment to working with firms at all stages of their development and helping them find and exploit business opportunities locally, nationally and across the world.

Will Smith, partner at KPMG’s South Coast office, said: “It’s great to see three local firms who are thriving despite a challenging economic environment.It is hoped that by showcasing the calibre of businesses we have here we encourage another generation of successful and award-winning Hampshire businesses.”

Pabulum

Pabulum, which was established in 1992, is one of the largest independent contract catering and food service specialists in the South of England. With its head office in Fleet, Hampshire and offices in Newport on the Isle of Wight, the company now employs over 1,000 people. Annual turnover has risen to £21 million, a growing percentage of which is due to its success in securing new customers and expanding its reach with existing customers within the education sector.

Over the past two years the business has shown an increase in turnover of 30% and an increase in employee numbers of 23%. Since 1992, Pabulum has shown steady growth with an emphasis on ensuring that expansion has been both manageable and sustainable. In the last financial year, substantial growth was seen in turnover generated from its higher and further education contracts – annual turnover increased 75% to £5.1m as a result of new business wins in this area. The company is dedicated to excellence in its products and services, and prides itself on providing fresh, wholesome, delicious food which is honestly priced, ethically produced and served with a smile – an approach which, the Pabulum team feels, sits at the heart of the company’s success.

Will Smith, partner at KPMG’s South Coast office, said: “Pabulum has demonstrated all-round business excellence across a number of metrics over the past year, including its financial performance, strategic direction, the people it employs and manages, and its product development. Its market now covers much of the south east of England and it has clear ambitions to keep growing despite the wider economic environment.”

R&M Electrical Group

Southampton-based R&M Electrical Group (R&M) is one of the largest independent electrical distributors in the UK, providing a range of products and services to a worldwide customer base.

Since its formation in 1987, R&M has been stockists for some of the world's leading electrical manufacturers. As well as its electrical division, R&M has specialist divisions within the UK of R&M Cables, R&M Fixings & Supports, R&M Assembly and a projects and exports division. A truly international company, the firm boasts additional branches in the Caspian and Middle East regions and partners in Texas and Australia.

Together, these divisions have proved an unqualified success with exports to over 70 countries worldwide; the firm has also won many national and internationally significant contracts and projects, including the largest Liquefied Natural Gasproject currently being constructed in the world at Barrow Island, 200 kilometers off the West Coast of Australia.

Will Smith, partner at KPMG’s South Coast office, said: “R&M Electrical distinguishes itself not just in terms of its business success in the UK but also in its international client base and the sheer scale of some of the projects it has worked on.”

Lymington Precision Engineers

Lymington Precision Engineers (LPE) is a leading manufacturer of precision machined components, fabrications, assemblies and kit sets for the oil and gas, defence, aerospace, land and sea systems, telecommunications, nuclear, satellite systems, medical and marine industries.

In particular, LPE specialises in end-to-end project management, liaising closely with customers at the design and R&D stages to deliver a cost effective product. Its continued investment in technology and machinery and close liaison with all its customers, to meet their immediate and diverse requirements, has ensured the company’s success.

The firm, which employs over 170 people, prides itself on its ability to manufacture extremely complicated components and assemblies utilising state of the art equipment and facilities.

LPE’s commitment to quality and delivery to its national and international customers has ensured that it has maintained its preferred supplier status. Providing new product development and design for manufacture support has set it ahead of its competition, attracting blue chip companies worldwide who rely on LPE to offer these specialised services.

Will Smith, partner at KPMG’s South Coast office, said: “LPE is a world class precision engineering business that uses its R&D team and skilled workforce to develop innovative manufacturing processes. A good local employer providing skilled manufacturing jobs, the firm constantly innovates and develops its manufacturing process in order to win tenders and compete internationally.”

The Hampshire Business Awards is the premier annual business competition in the region, providing a showcase for the exceptional strength, flair and innovation of businesses from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Once again, this year’s Hampshire Business Awards will discover the most exceptional businesses. As it celebrates its 21st birthday, this year’s Awards promises to be its biggest yet with rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood as guest speaker at an exclusive gala awards dinner at Avington Park on 22nd September.

This year, the Hampshire Business Awards will be held in association with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which joins the Awards’ sponsors – national commercial law firm Bond Pearce, business advisors KPMG, and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) – in supporting the competition.

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Hampshire Business Awards 2011

The RBS Management Team of the Year Award

In the second of our series profiling the companies shortlisted for the Hampshire Business Awards, we turn our attention to those competing for the prestigious RBS Management Team of the Year Award.

This award celebrates the people behind Hampshire’s successful businesses, rewarding the management team that has done the most to drive its business forward through strong leadership, strategic focus and adaptability. The RBS award highlights RBS’ commitment to working with senior management teams at the UK’s most dynamic firms and helping them grow, develop and succeed in today’s challenging economic environment.

Dan Salanson, head of Corporate Banking for RBS in the Solent, said: “At the top of any successful company is a successful management team. In today’s business environment it is critical that management teams are engaged, driven and fully understand the challenges and opportunities confronting their companies.”

Abel & Cole As a leading organic food delivery company Abel & Cole builds close, trusting relationships with farmers and food producers. The company minimises food waste and unnecessary packaging (boxes not bags since 1988), and promotes biodiversity and animal welfare alongside Fairtrade and organic farming. Its main warehouse is based in Andover, Hampshire.

Abel & Cole believes passionately in treating its farmers, growers and staff well. The company plans crops in advance with its suppliers and agrees fair and stable prices with them, supporting as many British growers as possible. It seeks out small, local producers who supply it with outstanding quality food and drinks. Its range includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, freshly baked rustic bread, fish, meat, dairy, soft drinks and wine. Abel & Cole is really proud of the service it delivers, which is uniquely flexible in that it allows customers to personalise their orders.

Dan Salanson, Head of Corporate Banking for RBS in the Solent, said: “Abel & Cole has won several awards, including the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development, the National Customer Services Awards for its excellent standard of customer care for the third year running and the UK Packaging Award for Sustainable Pack. Despite competing with some large industry players, it has become a well-known UK national brand and the energy and enthusiasm for the business is driven by the management team.”

ARM

Founded in 1996, ARM is an award-winning recruitment and training consultancy providing contingency recruitment, managed services and bespoke talent management solutions within the IT, engineering and business industries. It provides mainstream and niche permanent and contract professionals and supplying talent to diverse industries in both the public and private sector across the UK and EMEA regions.

Having a flexible and adaptable business structure, ARM uses innovation and creativity to maintain a constant flow of first class candidates, regularly exceeding client satisfaction targets (as measured by its in-house quality control team). The company is also one of the UK’s largest vendor neutral training suppliers and can source over 1,000 vendor-authorised IT, engineering and soft skills training courses in a wide variety of media and locations.

Dan Salanson, Head of Corporate Banking for RBS in the Solent, said: “Over the last few years the ARM board of directors has been instrumental in transforming the company from a boutique consultancy into a thriving organisation of 180 plus staff with a turnover approaching £100m, high staff retention, increased market recognition and respect throughout the recruitment industry. The team has successfully managed to control its organic growth, while still maintaining the same corporate ethos on which it was founded.”

The WP Group

Formerly known as Wessex Petroleum Ltd, in late 2010 the board undertook a strategic rebranding and restructuring exercise evolving into the WP Group. The idea of not only rebranding the company but renaming it was a courageous move to take in a time of economic uncertainty.

Feeling it was time to take a fresh approach, the senior management team saw an opportunity to strengthen itself with the key appointment of Darren Borras as Group Commercial Director. Mr Borras brought with him a wealth of experience from the commercial fuels and lubricants industry helping WP Group make the transition from a local supplier to a specialist provider of bespoke fuel & lubricant solutions across all sectors.

“WP Group is in a period of change and is already seeing the benefit of the bold and strategic transformation the management team took. This progressive development plan will continue to evolve throughout the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, where we expect it to contribute to a large proportion of the company’s on-going success,” said Dan Salanson, Head of Corporate Banking for RBS in the Solent.

The Hampshire Business Awards is the premier annual business competition in the region, providing a showcase for the exceptional strength, flair and innovation of businesses from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Once again, this year’s Hampshire Business Awards will discover Hampshire’s most exceptional businesses. As it celebrates its 21st birthday, this year’s Awards promises to be its biggest yet with rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood as guest speaker at an exclusive gala awards dinner at Avington Park on 22nd September.

This year, the Hampshire Business Awards will be held in association with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which joins the Awards’ sponsors – national commercial law firm Bond Pearce, business advisors KPMG, and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) – in supporting the competition.

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Hampshire Business Awards 2011

The Bond Pearce Innovation and Technology Award

In the first of our series profiling the companies shortlisted for the Daily Echo Hampshire Business Awards, we turn our attention to those competing for the Bond Pearce Innovation and Technology Award.

This award once again celebrates businesses at the cutting edge of innovation and best-use of technology. It aims to identify firms that have invested in systems, services, products and processes in an effort to differentiate and distinguish themselves on either a national or international stage.

Nick Page, chairman at national law firm Bond Pearce, said: “Innovation and technology have become the key buzzwords of the modern business world. It’s great to see firms in Hampshire have embraced both concepts and put them at the very centre of their business and development plans.”

Bowman Power Group

Southampton-based Bowman is in the business of recovering useful energy from waste heat in order to build more fuel efficient power plants. Bowman is a privately owned technology company, with world-class expertise and experience in three key technology areas: compact and efficient, turbomachinery; high-speed electrical machines; and software-controlled power management electronics.

One of Bowman’s innovative developments is a second turbine, downstream from the turbocharger, which drives an integral alternator collecting energy that would otherwise be wasted. Bowman has developed commercially competitive turbogenerator solutions for a variety of engines in the 200-1000kW range. The technology is scalable beyond this range.

Generating sets with Bowman equipment have a world beating efficiency of 12% greater than its competitors. That means 12% more power can be generated for the same amount of fuel. Approximately 25MW of power (100 systems) are already installed with the Bowman technology and this is increasing at 10MW per month.

Nick Page said: “Bowman Power, with its focus on energy efficiency and the delivery of modern power solutions, is clearly tackling issues of great relevance today. According to the judges, Bowman’s technology is commendable for the flexibility of application, the precision of the engineering involved, and the environmental benefits resulting from its use.”

Lymington Precision

Lymington Precision Engineers is a leading manufacturer of precision machined components, fabrications, assemblies and kit sets for the Oil and Gas, Defence, Aerospace, Land and Sea Systems, Telecommunications, Nuclear, Satellite Systems, Medical and Marine industries. In particular, LPE specialises in end-to-end project management, liaising closely with customers at the design and R&D stages to deliver a cost effective product.

Providing new product development and design for manufacture support has set LPE ahead of its competition, attracting blue chip companies worldwide who rely on LPE to offer these specialised services. The firm remains a major employer in the local area, offering steady employment to over 170 members of staff. LPE’s employees are its greatest asset. Their ambition, innovation, experience and skill are major factors in the company’s success.

Nick Page said: “Lymington’s continued investment in technology and machinery and close liaison with its customers, to meet their immediate and diverse requirements, has ensured its success. LPE’s tireless commitment to quality and on time delivery to all its national and international customers has ensured that it has maintained a preferred supplier status.”

The WP Group

Formerly known as Wessex Petroleum Ltd in late 2010 the company undertook a strategic rebranding and restructuring exercise evolving into the WP Group. Historically the Fuels & Lubricants industry has operated under traditional values and with a ‘take to market’ approach.

As part of the rebranding process, WP Group identified a need to understand its key markets, how they operate and the challenges that they face. The company then explored unique and innovative ways to approach business sectors with a targeted focus.

The outcome of this extensive market research saw the company develop each of its eight business divisions; industrial, aviation, agricultural, heating, automotive, commercial, motorsport & marine.

With this new divisional outlook, the WP Group were now able to approach businesses and consumers by providing a tailored specialist service offering market leading fuels and lubricants as well as bespoke supply and storage solutions. By taking this new direction the company was able to approach non-traditional customers whom had typically purchased from larger national companies. Innovation now runs throughout the business and into each sector it focuses on to deliver the latest technologies and business solutions.

“This new innovative approach to business has transformed the company’s profile within the industry and has resulted in the winning of a number of prestigious accounts, confirming that the decisions made and actions taken were appropriate and timely for the company’s development,” commented Nick Page.

The Hampshire Business Awards is the premier annual business competition in the region, providing a showcase for the exceptional strength, flair and innovation of businesses from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Once again, this year’s Hampshire Business Awards will discover Hampshire’s most exceptional businesses. As it celebrates its 21st birthday, this year’s Awards promises to be its biggest yet with rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood as guest speaker at an exclusive gala awards dinner at Avington Park on 22nd September.

This year, the Hampshire Business Awards will be held in association with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which joins the Awards’ sponsors – national commercial law firm Bond Pearce, business advisors KPMG, and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) – in supporting the competition.

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The deadline to enter Hampshire’s most prestigious business competition is fast approaching, with final entries to the Hampshire Business Awards 2011 required by 10th June.

The Hampshire Business Awards, sponsored Bond Pearce, KPMG, and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), and held in association with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), is the premier annual business competition in the region. The Awards provide a showcase for the exceptional strength, flair and innovation of businesses from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

There are three categories open for entries – the Bond Pearce Technology and Innovation Award, KPMG Company of the Year, and RBS Management Team of the Year. There has already been a fantastic response from entrants already but the sponsors are keen to encourage the many businesses in the Hampshire region that have made significant achievements this year not to miss out on entry to the awards.

Businesses can enter as many of the award categories as they wish before the 10th June entry deadline. This year’s Awards promise to be the biggest yet with rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood guest speaking at an exclusive gala awards dinner at Avington Park on 22nd September.

To submit an entry to the Hampshire Business Awards, please visit: www.hampshirebusinessawards.co.uk

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KPMG Company of the Year spotlight release 17 May 2011

Hampshire Business Awards 2011

The KPMG Company of the Year In the final of our series of profiles exploring the Hampshire Business Awards, we look at the KPMG Company of the Year category in more detail. This award seeks to recognise a company in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that has an outstanding financial track record and a strong commitment to increasing profitability.

To be considered for the award, a company must display the ability to think strategically in terms of industry developments and general economic issues and illustrate its plans for future growth. In addition, as a beacon for the county’s business community, it will exhibit a strong commitment to both its employees and to environmental sustainability.

The winner is likely to be a leader in its market with dedication to excellence in its products and services and a dynamic approach to quality and innovation. Will Smith, Partner at KPMG’s South Coast Office, explains: “This award recognises the companies that have truly achieved all-round business excellence in terms of financial performance, strategic direction, people, products and services.

Every year the sheer quality and range of entries we receive makes it more and more difficult for the judges to choose a winner, underlining the wealth of business talent in Hampshire.” The previous KPMG Company of the Year was The Southern Co-operative. The Southern Co-operative, headquartered in Fareham, was founded in 1873 and employs 3,300 staff across three business areas – food retail stores, funeral homes, and an e-commerce and mail order catalogue business.

The Southern Co-operative achieved significant success, both commercially and in how it engages with local communities, following a restructuring programme in 2008. The corporate restructuring simplified Southern Co-operative’s management structure and provided greater clarity of strategic ambition. Following the restructure, the Southern Co-operative saw an increase in turnover of 34% and a 47% increase in trading profit. The judges felt that The Southern Co-operative’s financial performance was particularly commendable given the challenging economic conditions, and were impressed with the business’ shift in culture from one of ‘status quo’ to one of innovation and growth.

Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Southern Co-operative, said: "The Southern Co-operative was delighted to be announced KPMG Company of the Year at the Hampshire Business Awards 2010. As a result of winning this award we have definitely received increased recognition of the success of our business with customers, suppliers and the commercial community in general. It has also given our colleagues and our members an increased sense of pride in their business. We highly recommend other successful organisations to enter this year's awards."

To submit an entry for the KPMG Company of the Year, Bond Pearce Technology and Innovation Award, or the RBS Management Team of the Year, please visit: www.hampshirebusinessawards.co.uk

The entries will be short listed and the overall winners in each category will be announced at a gala dinner on 22 September at Avington Park, where rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood will be the guest speaker.

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Search Begins for Hampshire’s Best Businesses

The search to find Hampshire’s most exceptional businesses begins with the launch of the Hampshire Business Awards 2011. As it celebrates its 21st birthday, this year’s Awards promises to be its biggest yet with rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood as guest speaker at an exclusive gala awards dinner at Avington Park on 22nd September held at the same time as the rugby world cup.

This year the Hampshire Business Awards will be held in association with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which joins the Awards’ sponsors – national commercial law firm Bond Pearce, business advisors KPMG, and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) – in supporting the competition.

The Southern Daily Echo also continues its long-term backing for the Awards as the official media partner.

The Hampshire Business Awards is the premier annual business competition in the region, providing a showcase for the exceptional strength, flair and innovation of businesses from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. In spite of the economic recession, many organisations have continued to perform strongly and the Awards offer the opportunity to celebrate the continuing success of local business in the region.

There are three categories open for entries– the Bond Pearce Technology and Innovation Award, KPMG Company of the Year, and RBS Management Team of the Year – with the judges keen to learn of the creativity, determination and success demonstrated by businesses in the local community. Businesses can enter as many of the award categories as they wish before the 10thJune entry deadline.

The winners will join an illustrious stable of previously successful entrants, including last year’s winners The Southern Co-operative, Novatech and i2O Water.

Dan Salanson, head of corporate banking for RBS in the Solent said: “Our award looks to recognise management teams that have demonstrated operational and strategic excellence to drive the success of their business. Competition in this category is always fierce - Hampshire has a wealth of talented management teams working across a broad range of companies -and we are excited to look forward to discovering more this year.”

Will Smith, partner at KPMG’s South Coast office, said: “Every year the sheer quality and range of entries we receive makes it very difficult for the judges to select winners. Despite difficult economic conditions, business in the Hampshire region has shown extraordinary resolve and adaptability facing economic challenges head-on. We’ll be looking for companies that have demonstrated these qualities and been able to maximise the opportunities available to them."

Nick Page, partner at Bond Pearce, said: "The challenging economic climate and ever more competitive world we find ourselves in provide an even greater impetus for businesses to innovate and to develop new technologies so that they are able to compete effectively in their markets. With a broader award category this year we hope to attract entries from both technology-driven companies as well as businesses which have embraced innovation in order to give themselves a competitive edge."

Malcolm Hyde, Director of CBI’s South East office, said: “We are excited to be part of the celebration of the significant achievements made by Hampshire and Isle of Wight businesses this year. The Hampshire region has proven particularly resilient through the current adverse economic conditions, and local businesses have continued to innovate and succeed.”

To submit an entry to the Hampshire Business Awards, please visit: www.hampshirebusinessawards.co.uk

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