Medway Business Awards winners 2011

Naval church setting for Medway's best businesses

Banks should help businesses more was the plea from this year's overall winner of the Medway Business Awards, Paul West, managing director of Minimise.

Mr West, whose Strood-based company designs and builds bespoke energy saving robotic automation systems, admitted that whilst he'd had problems of his own over financing his expansion plans his message was aimed at all the other Medway businesses.

This year's gala took place in the historical setting of St George's Centre, Chatham Maritime which gave a lot of atmosphere to a sell-out Medway Business Awards. The Ropery from the Historic Dockyard added a strong nautical feel along with lit lanterns on each table.

This year there was also a show by magician Richard Bellars who has worked with David Blaine and bemused a number of the audience with his skilful tricks.

Compered by Rob Smith, BBC South East's news anchor-man, the naval church's rafters literally lifted in the excitement of the evening as 12 finalists walked up to the stage to receive their certificates.

The first award was for Achievement and Vision, presented by Paul Morton, EoN's plant manager at Grain.

Three years ago, Fran Higgins sat down and recorded her vision to open a school that would help children with social and communication difficulties. The journey was tough, but Fran's ability to combine sharp business skills alongside her natural talent for teaching, brought her vision to fruition when earlier this year Blue Skies School opened at its new site in Maidstone Road.

Unfortunately it is with great sadness that shortly after the opening of the school Fran sadly passed away. Fran's son Jonathan has taken over the running of the school and came up on stage to collect his award.

The next award, Training in Medway was presented to Julie Matthias of Just Soe UK Style Academy by Medway Council Leader, Cllr Rodney Chambers OBE, who has personally taken the lead on promoting apprenticeships in Medway.

Julie is a business owner, mentor and trainer all rolled into one. She runs two businesses next door to one another, one as a profitable hairdressing salon and the other as a training academy. Her determination, passion, commitment and inspiration to her students is the reason why she received the award.

New MBA sponsors Rochester Bridge Trust gave a special award to the best engineering and high tech company which actively took on apprentices. The trophy was handcrafted by the Trust's own workmen and presented to Geku Automation Ltd by Russell Cooper who is a Trust Warden.

This company is a leading UK Robot Integrator and Automation supplier, providing automation solutions to all sectors of the manufacturing industry. Committed to helping the local community recruit apprentices from local colleges, the firm has recently taken on more staff and relocated to larger premises within the Medway Towns.

The fourth award was for Innovation and Marketing which went to RailSinumlator.com based at the Historic Dockyard and presented by Dr Seymour Roworth-Stokes Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development University for the Creative Arts

This firm is at the forefront of the high tech rebirth happening in the Medway Towns. It has become market leader in the world of rail simulators. The business mantra is one of consistent innovation and the company has continued to expand, despite these difficult economic conditions.

During the evening a raffle was held for the mayor's charity and a cheque was presented for a generous £1245.51.

Other finalists were: Bin Masters Ltd, Bowden & Lowe, Kitchen to Table Ltd, Oxden Floors, Telcare Ltd, TimeIT Ltd and Vokes Taxis