Celebrating Business and Regeneration

Elite business people from Knowsley and beyond gathered to celebrate business and regeneration success.
The annual Knowsley Business and Regeneration Awards were held on Thursday evening at the Grand Marquee in the grounds of Knowsley Safari Park.
The awards recognise the cream of the crop of Knowsley’s business community, highlighting individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the borough of Knowsley.
Big winners on the night included Clarke Energy who received a Judges Choice Award that recognised their achievements as a world leader in their field. With headquarters in Knowsley, the company has operations in over 12 countries across four continents and continues to invest in local people providing employment and skilled training opportunities.
A second Judges Choice Award was presented to the partners behind the Knowsley stage of the Tour of Britain, Sweetspot Group, Knowsley Hall Estate and Knowsley Cycling. The award recognised the part they played in putting Knowsley on the global map as millions of TV viewers witnessed Sir Bradley Wiggins win the stage three time trial that took place in Knowsley.
The Regeneration Award went to Wetherby Building Systems Ltd for introducing energy saving measures in 2,050 Knowsley properties, making the scheme the largest successful private housing CESP project in the UK and saving residents £750,000 per year. Taylor Wimpey North West scooped the award for Best Housing Scheme for their Speakman Gardens development in Prescot.
Business of the Year award, 50+ employees, went to Warmer Energy Services Limited. During the last year the company has focussed on a clear growth strategy and achieved a massive turnaround, more than doubling its turnover and delivering a healthy profit and cash flow. The Corporate Social Responsibility Award was presented to First Ark Group, recognising the 1,700 volunteer hours delivered over the past 12 months and assistance for the local foodbank to support the equivalent of 2,900 people.
Cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills commented,
“The awards are always a highlight in the Knowsley calendar and once again we were overwhelmed with the stories of innovation, personal success and contribution to the economy, and the borough as a whole, from businesses and entrepreneurs in Knowsley.”
“The awards celebrate companies and organisations of all sizes and in all sectors, recognising the wealth of expertise, business talent and passion that exists in the borough.”
“Every individual and organisation should be very proud of their achievements.”
“I would like to particularly thank the sponsors of the event as without their support the evening would not have been possible.”
The evening’s donations to the Mayors Charity, Magic Fund, totalled more than £6,800 (including a match donation from Barclaycard).
You can view pictures of all the winners on Knowsley Council’s Flickr page.
The full list of award winners:
Business of the Year (1-9 employees) – LK Valves Ltd
Contractor of the Year – Structec (NW) Ltd
Employee of the Year – Lesley Davies, Chums Ltd
Employee of the Year, Highly Commended – Paul Baker, Spaceworld
Employee of the Year, Highly Commended – Richard Greaves, Potter Logistics
Employee of the Year, Highly Commended – Susan Shelley, Davey’s Chemist
Innovation Award – Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Ltd
Visitor Attraction of the Year – Spaceworld
Housing Scheme of the Year – Taylor Wimpey North West
Green Award – Fieldway Group
Corporate Social Responsibility Award – First Ark Group
Regeneration Award – Wetherby Building Systems Ltd
Business of the Year (10-49 employees) – Stroud Engineering Supplies Ltd
Business of the Year (50+ employees) – Warmer Energy Services Limited
Outstanding Contribution – Clarke Energy
Outstanding Contribution – Tour of Britain partners – Sweetspot Group, Knowsley Hall Estate and Knowsley Cycling