PRESS RELEASE 

28.9.09 

SOUTH WALES CHAMBER MEMBERS COMPETE FOR TOP UK AWARD 

Caerphilly, Newport, Cardiff and Hereford companies are in the running for a top UK business award. 

South Wales Chamber members Zipline Creative Ltd, OnTracks.co.uk, Euro Quality Coatings Ltd (EQC), Mazuma GB Ltd, Industrial Automation and Control Ltd (IAC) and ABRIOX Ltd are now finalists to compete for the national crown at this year’s British Chambers of Commerce Awards in London after winning various Welsh business awards. 

Zipline, the start-up video and multimedia production company specialises in providing a bespoke video production service to the broadcast and corporate market including clients such as the BBC, Channel 4 and Aston Martin. 

The company was set up in 2008 by founding directors Rhys Waters and Nathan Mackintosh. As recent graduates they had a vision and an idea, which they launched from a small garage. Now, just 12 months later, they have a high profile, thriving enterprise that has produced work for world famous corporate brands and established television broadcasters. 

A family business, OnTracks, the leading internet hobby retailer, was set up in 1999 and is the sole UK distributor of the famous Hornby International products. It also handles Scalextric and Airfix kits. As a company it has developed a reputation for being keen adopters of technology, having won the NGb2b Chambers Best use of ICT twice and the national BBC award. 

Set up in 1984, industrial metal finishing firm EQC has won the Wales’ Green Award, sponsored by AVG Technologies, for putting its environmental and recycling performance at the heart of its manufacturing activities. 

Meanwhile, Mazuma GB, won Wales’ Award for Excellence in Customer Service, sponsored by AXA PP Healthcare. The Rhiwbina-based accountancy firm was set up in 2008 and specialises in providing out-sourced accounts departments for the SME market. 

The business has developed from being two young women working from a spare room into a nationwide franchise with a supporting hub in less than three years. The directors feel passionately that this gives the message that anything is possible and that small businesses can go big! 

Set up in 1982, electrical systems integrator Industrial Automation and Control Ltd, which was named Wales’ Business of the Year, sponsored by Westfield Health and also won the fdf-sponsored Award for Excellence in People Development, has successfully increased turnover with a clear vision for future expansion. 

During the years it has developed a reputation as a manufacturing company with integrity that has people right at the heart of what it does. 

ABRIOX Ltd, was named as Wales’ Most Promising New Business, sponsored by BT Business as well as Achievement in International Business, sponsored by RBS Invoice Finance. The Imperial Park-based design and manufacturer of electronic monitoring instrumentation launched its successful oil and gas pipeline monitoring system MERLIN in July 2007 ad now supplies every major UK gas distribution company as well as exporting 36% of its products. 

By driving down manufacturing costs and exercising strict controls over overheads, the company’s profitability is increasing sharply in line with turnover. It has “We just been awarded a £2m contract by National Grid to install MERLIN across the entire UK gas transmission system. 

David Russ, Managing Director of the South Wales Chambers of Commerce said: “Despite the difficult economic climate, businesses across the country are continuing to succeed, overcoming obstacles by adopting innovative ideas and motivating their people. The companies are a great example of the very best of UK business and I wish them all the success in the national finals.” 

Clinching the national Staples-sponsored Entrepreneur of the Year award would also mean the companies could be in with a chance to collect the ‘Winner of Winners’ £50,000 cash prize. This goes to the category winner that judges believe stands out from the rest. 

There are eight categories, backed by high profile sponsors including Royal Bank of Scotland, BT, Dell, Westfield Health, AXA PPP Healthcare, AVG Technologies and fdf (Foundation Degree Forward). 

The national winners will be announced at a ceremony at the National Maritime Museum in London on November 26.
www.chamberawards.co.uk/2009 

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