24/11/06

AESSEAL PLC WINS £25,000 AT BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AWARDS 2006

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Microsoft today announced the winner of the Microsoft Award for Outstanding Business Achievement. The award and prize money of £25,000 cash, were presented to AESSEAL plc at a ceremony held at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London on the 23rd November 2006.

AESSEAL plc, a member of both the Rotherham and Derbyshire Chambers of Commerce, has won three regional awards including Business of the Year in the Yorkshire and Humber region. AESSEAL was established 27 years ago and is the second largest seal manufacturer in the UK and the fourth largest in the world. The company aims to be the world leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and supply of mechanical seals and sealing systems for rotating machinery.

Simon Hughes, Microsoft’s Director of Medium Business said: “To be an example for Britain’s businesses to follow means showing excellence in all fields. AESSEAL does just that. From its ambitious approach to business growth and entrepreneurship, to its quality standards and staff development. The judges were also particularly struck by the company’s commitment to its local community and the environment. Britain’s recent manufacturing history is not rich in success stories like AESSEAL and this makes their achievement all the more outstanding. We wish you continued success in the future. Congratulations.”

The prize money from Microsoft is believed to be one of the most generous amounts given for a business award and should provide a welcome injection of cash into the business.

Gordon Bridge, Chief Executive, AESSEAL plc explained that they will be using the £25,000 prize money to support a local environmental project: “In 2005, we opened a wetlands wildlife sanctuary at our Rotherham HQ. The 40,000 square feet development consists of a series of reed beds and swales which feed a balancing pond providing a sanctuary for local wildlife. The project is something we are very proud of and has received praise from WWF and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The money from our prize will enable us to support an extension of the wetland project we are working on in consultation with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.”

AESSEAL plc was not the only company to have cause to celebrate as there were seven other awards presented:

Award - Microsoft Award for Innovation Through Technology
Sponsor - Microsoft
Chamber - Rotherham
Winner - The Music Factory Entertainment Group Ltd
Nature of Business - Provider of entertainment solutions

Award - Business of the Year
Sponsor - Composite Legal Expenses
Chamber - Rotherham and Derbyshire
Winner - AESSEAL plc
Nature of Business - Seal Manufacturer

Award - Most Promising New Business
Sponsor - BT
Chamber - Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Winner - MilSys (UK) Ltd
Nature of Business - Defence industry equipment supplier

Award - Business Commitment to the Community
Sponsor - Westfield Heath
Chamber - North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Winner - Hanley Economic Building Society
Nature of Business - Building Society

Award - Award for Skills and Workforce Development
Sponsor - The Telegraph Business Club
Chamber - Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Winner - The Hearing Care Centre Ltd
Nature of Business - Independent and holistic service for the hard of hearing

Award - Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsor - Yorkshire Bank
Chamber - East Lancashire Helen Colley
Winner - Farmhouse Fare Ltd
Nature of Business - Manufacturer of specialist hot and chilled desserts

Award - Exporter of the Year
Sponsor - UK Trade & Investment
Chamber - East Lancashire
Winner - Whittle Eastern Europe Logistics Limited
Nature of Business - Transportation services company

Peter Mileham, President of the BCC, said: “Congratulations to AESSEAL. For Britain’s manufacturing sector, you are a much needed role model. Your product innovation, business ambition and ultimately your impressive financial performance, exemplify the best in business achievement.”

ENDS

For further information or requests for interviews, please contact:

Judy Osborn
Purple Rabbit (on behalf of the BCC)
Tel: 07834 60 20 30
judy.osborn@purplerabbit.co.uk

Or

Stuart Handley
Purple Rabbit (on behalf of the BCC)
Tel: 07738 933444
stuart.handley@purplerabbit.co.uk

Notes to the editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.

About Microsoft
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