Business of the Year
Infotel Solutions walked off with the main prize of the night at the second annual Lincolnshire Free Press Business Awards 2008 — the Business of the Year award.
Business owner Ann Cordner was delighted with the accolade, which was presented as the climax to the awards.
Infotel won the Growing Business award last year and director Tanya Beresford said winning Business of the Year was an amazing next step.
She said: "I'm so thrilled. I'm delighted for all the staff. Everyone is so loyal and dedicated. It's amazing to have all our hard work appreciated."
When the company started in 1989, it provided a simple, comprehensive, telephone-based information service using computers to match guest criteria with suitable partner hotels nationwide.
In 1992, in response to customer demand, the service was enhanced to include a full booking facility and in 1995 the company launched its own website, one of the first in the industry.
Today the company is a global player in the travel marketplace with the ability for clients to book hotels, theatre, travel, attractions and more, online instantly, anywhere in the world.
Director Tanya Beresford said: "Our dedicated, committed and passionate workforce are the foundations to our success. We have a high percentage of employees who have worked here for a number of years and who have built exceptional relationships with our customers.
"These relationships result in our customers returning to us time after time, knowing that they will receive excellent customer service."
Judge Tim Godson, from Duncan and Toplis, said Infotel won because the business has made significant achievements through the use of technology, having a number of internationally known customers. He said it was apparent that there is a strong sense of teamwork and employee involvement.
Representatives from 24 businesses and sponsors attended the gala evening on Thursday.
Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian editor Nick Woodhead said the business awards are all about recognising and rewarding the area's high achievers.
He said: "The competition has been brilliantly supported again this year. Everyone is a winner by just being here and making the final."
Sixty companies from across the area took part and more than 120 entries were received in six categories:
Nick thanked Steve Stafford, from NatWest, who provided the driving force in recruiting the sponsors – Duncan and Toplis, NatWest, Roythornes, Brown and Co, Business Link, South Holland District Council and the Lincolnshire Free Press.
The Service with a Smile award saw a fantastic response from Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian readers with 179 businesses, groups and individuals being nominated in this category alone.
The winner was decided by readers casting hundreds of votes and the top three were judged by a mystery shopper.
l For full coverage of the finals night, see pages 20-23.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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