AWARD WINNERS 2009
Customer Service Excellence - sponsored by Gosport Ferry Limited
Shortlisted companies: Langdale Nursing Home, Uniworld Communications
Ash Vehicle Contracts were chosen because they place the customer at the heart of everything they do and ensures that, whatever the request, all customers benefit from the same high quality of service and aftercare.
This family-owned business has organized its processes and procedures around the customer, to provide a tailored service and add value to the customer experience.
Its focus on customer service and continual drive to maintain and improve standards extends right across its supply chain, ensuring the customer benefits from a seamless high quality service. In selecting the winner, the judges commented “this business showed honesty, professionalism and confidence in their product and an ability to deliver on their promises”.
Business Achievement - sponsored by Gosport Business Centre
This was a tough category with excellent candidates, all of whom were able to show that customer needs and quality service was at the heart of their business model.
The winning business had all this and more, demonstrating clear strengths in innovation, positive behaviours and social economic impact. Throughout their visit, the judges found the achievements, belief and passion of the business contagious and inspired their belief in the company’s potential for continued and greater success.
Benefit to the Community - sponsored by Sanderson Business Centre
As always, one of the most popular and hotly contended categories, with three excellent short-listed candidates all making a significant contribution to local community groups, charities and work with young people.
Fareham Self Drive is a business that impacts on the community at many different levels and is supporting charities not only with finance but through the commitment of its employees. This business digs deep into its own profits to benefit the community, while at the same time providing cost effective and affordable services to customers and sourcing its own supplies locally. The judges were very impressed with the focus and enthusiasm that this business has for Gosport and its proactive approach to benefiting the community in all its activities.
Most Promising New Business - sponsored by Lloyds TSB
Lets Go For Growth stood out for its commitment to developing high quality, affordable and flexible solutions that address customer needs; a clear ability to spot gaps in the market and the sheer determination and infectious personality of its owner. Not only has this business achieved exceptional growth to date, it has identified further opportunities for expansion and adopted a proactive approach to maintaining existing client relationships that make it well placed for continued success.
Contribution to Tourism - sponsored by Gosport Tourism
The Tourist Information Centre was selected not only for the high quality of their service and commitment to promoting Gosport, but for the range of additional and extensive service information they provide to visitors to the Borough. Working all hours, and outside of hours, to meet visitor needs, educate the local community, and promote both their service and Gosport as a destination, the winner has exceeded expectations and demonstrated clear added value to both the tourism economy and local community.
National/International Trade Business of the Year - sponsored by Marine Projects Ltd
2009 winner – Harrington Homes
Harrington Homes was selected for its clear vision and proactive approach to adding real value to its products and service, and clear passion for the Gosport area. The company demonstrated 
excellent financial management and significant annual returns to the Gosport economy are clearly founded on a first class product and high standard of personal service that attracts a growing international client base.
In promoting Gosport on an international stage and offering unpaid support to local community events and organisations, this business also provides benefit to local residents and many other firms and partners organisations in the Borough.
Independent retailer of the Year - sponsored by Uniworld Communications Ltd
Shortlisted entrants: Electro-Trade, Sole Connection
In selecting their winner, the judges identified the family-feel to the way the business is run, which has resulted in a high degree of both staff and customer loyalty. Their clear advantages in marketing, staff training and further expansion plans are complemented by their support for local charities and career opportunities for young people.
