Beacon unveils winners of Beacon Supplier Awards 2009

Purchasing consortium Beacon this week hosted its first Beacon Supplier Awards during the 2009 Best Western Members' Conference at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales.

The awards, which attracted hundreds of votes for more than 30 Beacon suppliers of coffee, catering equipment, luxury toiletries, beer and beef, were announced at a gala awards dinner on 26 January.

The Beacon Award for the company most engaged and supportive of Beacon's philosophy and brand was shared by brewer Scottish & Newcastle and Midlothian-based butchers Campbell Brothers.

Commenting on the tie, Chris Durant, director of Beacon, said: "We decided both companies deserved to win, as they shared the same deep commitment to delivering products and values we prize at Beacon, helping us to produce happy customers."

Brakes scooped the Green Tourism Award, endorsed by Green Business UK, while textile and laundry services supplier Sunlight and coffee suppliers Matthew Algie were highly recommended. Catering equipment and non-food product supplier Alliance won the Most Reliable Supplier Award, with linen suppliers Hilden highly recommended. The Outstanding Customer Service award went to coffee and coffee equipment company Brodies, and fine toiletries supplier Gilchrist & Soames was highly recommended.

Gilchrist & Soames's customer services manager Jean Lockey was also awarded the final Exceptional Staff Member Award for her exceptional professionalism and care. Member of the judging panel, Arena director Lorraine Wood commented: "The compliments Jean received were extremely generous. She sounds like somebody you'd like to have in your company. She must have touched lives to get that depth of commitment."