2006
(14/07/2006) Coveted AXA Wales and West Country 'Business Oscar' awarded to Eatonfield Group of Companies, Mold
AXA today announced that Eatonfield Group of Companies, Mold ( www.eatonfield.co.uk ) has won the title of Wales and West Country AXA Small to Medium Business of the Year in this year's prestigious National Business Awards - dubbed by Gordon Brown as the 'Business Oscars'. The company is a property development group operating in the industrial, commercial, retail, leisure and residential property sectors as well as in the business financial services sector.
As a regional winner, Eatonfield Group will not only receive a day's support from an AXA Business Consultant but will also go forward to the National Business Awards grand final at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 7 November.
The AXA Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award will recognise businesses for their entrepreneurship and innovation and will seek to highlight the importance of management excellence in maintaining a successful business today and continuing to grow it in the future.
In addition to winning a day with an AXA Business Consultant, if Eatonfield Group is successful in the national grand final they will win a place on the AXA Small to Medium Sized Business Masterclass that takes place at a chateau in France . Over the three-day course the delegates will have their management and business skills finely tuned by some of AXA's leading business experts.
Lou Macari, the AXA Wales and West Country Regional Judge, said:
"I am delighted that Eatonfield Group has managed to beat off stiff competition to be crowned regional winner this year. A large number of businesses in the region entered and we were very impressed with the quality of entries. The finalists are all outstanding examples of the most dynamic companies in Wales and the West Country and we wish them all the best of luck in their development. We chose Eatonfield because they combined strong business performance with an impressive management team and a solid grasp of their market and business principles. They also demonstrated real creativity in what may not be seen as a creative industry - Eatonfield does not just build property, but also focuses on wider aspects of local culture, community and environment."
The other shortlisted businesses battling to win the title of Wales and West Country AXA Small to Medium Business of the Year were:
- 7Side Ltd, Cardiff ( www.7side.co.uk ) - Specialist providers of corporate and property services.
- Silver Software Consultants Ltd, Swindon ( www.silver-software.com ) - Specialists in the development of high integrity systems for global leaders and government organizations.
- Prescription Eyeware Ltd, Malmesbury ( www.glassesdirect.co.uk ) - Providers of prescription glasses over the internet, phone and mail-order, significantly undercutting high-street opticians.
The Highly Commended Wales and West Country business in the AXA Small to Medium Businesses of the Year Awards was:
- Infinite Group, Swindon
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About AXA
AXA is a world leader in financial protection. AXA's operations are diverse with major operations in Western Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific area. AXA employs 120,000 staff and tied agents and, as of 31 December 2005, had € 1,064 billion in assets under management. AXA reported total IFRS revenues of € 72 billion and IFRS underlying earnings of € 3,258 million for the full year 2005. Our previous company performance is not a guide to how we may perform in the future.
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