Food firms lift business titles
Food and hospitality firms made a strong showing in this year's pan-industry National Business Awards.
Karl Czinege, business opportunities manager at Wolverhampton & Dudley's Union Pub Company, took the Orange Award for Bright Business. His initiative attracted new licensees and devised training programmes that boosted tenants' profitability.
Whitbread's Premier Travel Inn topped the Customer Service Strategy of the Year section for its 100% guarantee, which waives payment if customers don't get the facilities they're promised.
Hilton International took the Marketing Strategy of the Year Award for a campaign that boosted bookings at its 47-strong Hilton Worldwide Resorts division.
The maker of Innocent Drinks was named Employer of the Year, and the Wild Bean Caf‚ in BP Connect petrol stations won the Corporate Venturing Award.
Robyn Jones, co-founder of contract caterer Charlton House, was a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year title but was beaten by Anthony Moloney, of Anthony Alan Foods, which sells low-fat cakes and pastries to the retail and food service markets.
