Celebrating Business Success In South Tyneside
Staff from MCPS Ltd, Business of the YearThe borough's business community celebrated its successes in style as marine protection firm MCPS scooped the top prize at the South Tyneside Business Awards 2012.
The awards, delivered in partnership by South Tyneside Council and the South Tyneside Business Forum, took place in an impressive marquee on South Shields seafront close to the finish line of the Great North Run.
BBC Look North Presenter Jeff Brown, a South Tyneside resident for almost two decades, welcomed over 300 businesses to the glittering ceremony, praising the borough's talent, endeavour and hard work and highlighting the stunning success of fellow Jarrow resident Josef Craig at the Paralympics.
Hi-tech company MCPS Ltd was named as Business of the Year in recognition of its successful expansion, innovation and exporting success. The South Shields-based business makes anodes, which are vital in protecting offshore wind farms from corrosion caused by sea water.
The company, which has grown from 17 staff in 2008 to 40 today, sells to clients across the world, including Germany, Ireland and Dubai - and owner Glenn English plans to grow the business further as he focuses on the European renewables market.
"We started the business from nothing and it was a real challenge to establish ourselves and win people's respect in the industry," he said. "There is huge potential for the offshore and renewables sector in South Tyneside and my biggest hope now is to build further success and contribute to economic growth in the North East."
The company's award underlines South Tyneside's strength in engineering and advanced manufacturing, and growing stature as a key hub for the renewables sector.
Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "I would like to congratulate all the award-winners and offer my thanks to the sponsors who have helped to make such an impressive event possible.
"Regeneration, jobs and economic growth are at the heart of our vision for the future, and South Tyneside's business community is playing a vital role in making it a reality.
"As a Council we have a strong commitment to build a better future for our borough, and that means helping businesses to grow, and continuing to invest in regeneration. The past two years have seen significant progress, with 5,500 more residents in employment and an increasing number in self-employment."
Also in the spotlight was South Tyneside businessman Michael Dickson, who won this year's Special Award for his long-term contribution to both commerce and the community. As managing director of M I Dickson Ltd, Michael moulded a small family business into a major food retailer and manufacturer while keeping the heart of the business in the borough.
The family business now boasts a 23-strong retail chain across the region and a factory at Middlefields Industrial Estate in South Shields, while Michael is also actively involved in local projects including Bede's World, South Tyneside Council's Economic Regeneration Board and St Gregory's Church Parish Council.
The event was managed by Cahootz Ltd.
Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up
Business of the Year
Winner: MCPS Ltd
Sponsored by South Tyneside Council
Customer Service Excellence Award
Winner: Westoe Travel
Runners-up: Zenith People, Restaurant Design Associates Ltd
Sponsored by BT South Tyneside
Environmental Award
Winner: Robertson Construction North East England
Runners-up: Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle, South Tyneside Homes
Sponsored by Utilitywise
Investment in Workforce Award
Winner: MI Dickson Ltd
Runners-up: Nichol Associates, TW Plumbing and Heating
Sponsored by South Tyneside Business Forum
Innovative Business Award
Winner: MCPS Ltd
Runners-up: Nine Software Company, Urban River
Sponsored by Siemens
New Business Award
Winner: Tyne Tees Security
Runners-up: Marketing Wand, ADL Joinery
Sponsored by Colman's Fish and Chips
Exporting Award
Winner: Ford Aerospace Ltd
Runners-up: Prestige Seating Technology, MCPS Ltd
Sponsored by the Port of Tyne
Social Responsibility Award
Winner: Gary Craig Architectural Services Ltd
Runners-up: North East Recording, S Walton Eyecare
Sponsored by South Tyneside Council
Special Award
Winner: Michael Dickson
Sponsored by Newcastle International Airport
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