Advantage West Midlands was again recognised as a top performing organisation after scooping top prize in the region’s premier business awards – the Midlands Excellence Awards 2010/11.
Mick Laverty, Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands, described the result as excellent news and a well-deserved testament to the professionalism and commitment of the Agency’s staff.
He said: “The team at Advantage West Midlands have been using their expertise and experience to support the region and its economic development for more than ten years.
“We know that every year we have been getting better and raising the bar on what we have achieved as an organisation, but to have this recognised externally is fantastic.
“We have made a difference. Independent evaluation has shown that every £1 invested by the Agency generates an average £8.14 return back into the Region’s economy – as public sector activity goes that’s an outstanding return.
“We set ourselves the highest professional standards and our work has been driven by a determination to continuously improve performance. In March 2012 that work will end but we will ensure the Agency closes down in an exemplary manner, with the best interests of the region and its people firmly in focus.”
The Agency joins an illustrious list of previous Midlands Excellence winners including Severn Trent Water, E.ON UK Power technology, BMW Plant Hams Hall and Siemens Communications.
Speaking after the ceremony, Midlands Excellence chief executive Ian Nield said: “Winning a Midlands Excellence award is a fantastic achievement and it’s a huge privilege to recognise inspirational organisations like Advantage West Midlands, which is truly committed to the principles of excellence.
“To get this far, Advantage West Midlands has undergone rigorous independent assessment, consistently demonstrating a genuine passion for excellence and performance improvement. An example to all of us, the organisation has earned its place in the Midlands Excellence hall of fame.”
Watched by over 1,150 business leaders, the trophy was presented by the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, at a gala ceremony held at the ICC in Birmingham.
Asked why Advantage West Midlands stood out, the awards jury made the following comments: “This is the fourth Awards Submission that Advantage West Midlands has made, and each year, significant progress has been made. The jury members were impressed with the organisation’s leadership and the engagement and involvement of employees in continuous improvement activity.”
View list of winners at the Midlands Excellence Awards 2010/11 (Opens in new window) (Opens in new window).