Bicester: Webmart finalists in two categories for 2014 National Business Awards

Webmart, the Bicester-based web management business, has been shortlisted for the ICAEW Sustainable Business Award and the Employer of the Year Award at the 2014 National Business Awards.

Going up against household names such as Ikea, Anglian Water and Reed Elsevier, Webmart will compete for the prestigious awards, with the winners being revealed at the National Business Awards gala dinner held on November 11 at Park Lane’s Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Stephen Ibbotson FCA, director, business, ICAEW, and judge for the Sustainable Business Award category said: “A clear focus on core strengths combined with innovation & new ideas have enabled Webmart to grow without compromising its philosophy and without borrowings or debt. Staff are fully involved in all aspects of the business and are a critical part of its success.”

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, UKCES, and judge for the Employer of the Year category said: “Webmart has a very strong sense of purpose as an organisation, and this can be seen in how it aligns that with its business ethics and people practices. There is clearly a strong sense of partnership in how it works with all its stakeholders to deliver mutual benefits.”

Simon Biltcliffe, CEO of Webmart: “These award nominations are all about the only thing that matters in business: people- those that work in the business AND with the business. We work hard to craft an environment where people can flourish and achieve their full potential. We also have a common set of aims that focus on doing right by all the people that make team Webmart, whether employed, freelance, customer ,suppliers, and wider society in general – and ensure we do it in a sustainable way. So it’s great that our efforts have been recognised by the National Business Awards; on behalf of all Webmarteers – thanks!”

Britain’s leading businesses, business leaders and social enterprises have been revealed as finalists for the 2014 National Business Awards. The finalists announced today represent categories including the Smith & Williamson Entrepreneur of the Year, Santander Small to Medium-Sized Business of the Year and the Inflexion International Growth Business of the Year. The Ashridge Business School Leader of the Year finalists and Decade of Excellence winner will be announced over the coming months, with the Duke of York New Entrepreneur of the Year finalists announced last month following a judging event in Liverpool.

This year’s shortlisted businesses cover activities as diverse as retail, technology, men’s grooming products, telecoms, construction, advertising, entertainment, and publishing. Of the businesses shortlisted, 24% turnover under £5m, 26% turnover between £5m and £25m, 15% over a billion and 10% not for profit organisations. The smallest business recognised has a turnover of just £23k with the largest reaching £20 billion. Finalists collectively employ over 850,000 people, the smallest has just one member of staff while the largest employs around 165,000 people globally.

www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk for a full list of all finalists.