Awards boost for Sheffield companies

Some of the biggest names in the Sheffield business community have had their achievements recognised at the 2009 Sheffield Business Awards.

The Awards took place on 3 December at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre to honour winners from 14 categories.

The UK Trade & Investment Excellence in International Trade Award was presented to MTL Group, a contract manufacturing group supplying a global customer base in the defence, rail, construction and renewable energy sectors.

On receiving the award, Dr Henry Shirman, managing director, commented: “We are proud to receive this award from the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Industry which recognises our investments in our people, our processes and our customers in international markets.

“Our strategic investments have enabled us to better understand our customers’ needs and to support them both locally and globally.

“MTL Group’s focus on international markets has helped accelerate our growth plans in these very challenging economic times and it is particularly pleasing that our success has been recognised in this way.”

MTL Group also won the Wake Smith & Tofields Excellence in Manufacturing Award.

Other winners included heavy engineering company DavyMarkham which secured a hat-trick of accolades. The company was named the Barclays Commercial Bank Outstanding Business of the Year, while managing director Kevin Parkin clinched the Rensburg Sheppards Business Person of the Year Award. The company also received the Creative Sheffield, Sheffield Champion Award, for its work in promoting the city’s manufacturing history, development and ability to produce world class products.

Additional winners included Sheffield United, Insight Direct UK, Specsavers at Crystal Peaks, Sheffield International Venues, ZOO Digital, AG Wind Power, Kitlocker.com and the Office Friendly Dealer Association.

Organised by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, a total of 38 companies made up the shortlist for the 15 categories. Broadcast star Paul Ross was the master of ceremonies throughout the awards, which were sponsored by Yorkshire Forward and Edge Telecom.

Nigel Tomlinson, chief executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is very proud to showcase the skills, entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of Sheffield businesses in these awards during what has been a testing and deanding year.

“We are aware of many businesses still achieving great success despite the economic climate. This is clearly evident in the record number of applications we received this year and the creation of a strong shortlist of companies from a wide range of sectors.”