In a tough contest with record entry levels, Swale's best businesses were announced at a spectacular harvest themed gala evening at Kent Science Park's The Woodstock Club based in Sittingbourne. Three of the winning firms were from the Eurolink Estate based in the heart of Sittingbourne.
Awards chair of judges, Paul Price, said the entries this year were of very high quality and competition was fierce.
Retailer of the Year Award
Retailer of the Year went to Brittain & Hobbs TV & Electrical Limited. based in Roman Square, Sittingbourne. Established in 1972, the family run firm sells a large range of appliances from washing machines, fridges and cookers to numerous smaller items.
Exporter of the Year Award
Swale Exporter of the Year was won by family business Creative Resins Distribution Limited. The company has clients all over the world including the top airlines and wealthy yacht owners who use its resin products.
Business of the Year Award
The top winner of Swale Business of the Year went to Eurobond Adhesives Limited, which has been supplying high tech adhesives to industry throughout Europe since 1984.
Other finalists included: Blenwood Ground Maintenance Ltd, CS One Designers Ltd, Julie Gamble Skincare, Phil the Bag, Plantworks, Reardon Properties, Summit Retail and The Pet Shop.
The Swale Business Awards 2010 were sponsored by: UHY Hacker Young, McLaughlin Hook, Kent Science Park, The University of Greenwich, Thames Gateway (Kent) Chamber of Commerce, East Kent Gazette, Thomson, Snell & Passmore, Swale Borough Council, GoResponse, McNealy Brown and HSBC.
Awards judge and lawyer Joanne Gallagher said:” “The range of different businesses entering this year’s Swale Business Awards was diverse and interesting.
“Many applications demonstrated that despite the immense difficulties of recent years with the economic climate it is possible for well run, focused business to grow and prosper in such times. I believe that many of those businesses are well positioned to continue to thrive and prosper as economy activity slowly improves.
“This year’s finalists were really impressive, despite the challenges that they had faced. Overcoming those difficulties is a legitimate part of their business success and an inspiration to others.”
The sponsors too have been delighted with the outcome and director Steve McLaughlin said:” My firm McLaughlin Hook has been once again to sponsor the Swale Business Awards and it is wonderful to see the number of applications we received, given the recent economic climate. Well done.”
Liz Jordan, partner at the Sittingbourne office of UHY Hacker Young, who is also a judge, added: “As in previous years, the finalists in the Swale Business Awards reflect the strength and diversity of business within Swale and we have been pleased to support the awards as sponsors.”
The 2010 finalists were: