Two Innovation centre clients scoop Chamber awards

Renfrewshire's Emerging Entrepreneur of 2005 Sponsored by Reid Kerr College

Tamlin Roberts - Mercurytide- Innovation Centre Client.

Award for Innovation through Technology and e-business

Sponsored by Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Agripa Holdings Ltd- Former Innovation Centre Client

The Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Business "Oscars" for 2005 were announced at a glittering sell-out award ceremony at the Normandy Hotel on Friday 4 November.

Eleven enterprising companies and individuals the length and breadth of Renfrewshire now have a prestigious ROCCO on their boardroom table.

In partnership with Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and generously sponsored by local businesses, the ROCCOS highlight business excellence. Thirty-three companies and individuals were shortlisted for the unique accolades.

All were excellent nominees, but the eleven winners are truly outstanding, says Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Andy Byers.

"Dynamic, innovative and resourceful, all eleven have one thing in common: they are focused on keeping their customers satisfied by being faster, smarter and significantly better than the competition.

"Here in Renfrewshire we have some of the brightest and best businesses in Scotland, and the ROCCOS acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. The Chamber and the judges have been impressed by the quality of the nominees, the diversity of their businesses, and the level of enthusiasm displayed in the applications. Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to recognise and promote the hard work and progress that these businesses have achieved this year."

The eleven ROCCO stars of the Renfrewshire business world are:

Award for Excelling in Customer Services

Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland

beCogent Ltd

Award for Corporate Social Responsibility

Sponsored by Job Centre Plus

Ciba Specialty Chemicals PLC

Award for Excellence in Skills and Learning

Sponsored by Learn Direct Scotland for Business

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Award for Innovation through Technology and e-business

Sponsored by Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Agripa Holdings Ltd

Renfrewshire Award for International Trade

Sponsored by DIAGEO

Kare Orthopaedics by Design Limited

Renfrewshire Award for Manufacturing

Sponsored by Rolls Royce

Smith & McLaurin Limited

Renfrewshire's Emerging Entrepreneur of 2005

Sponsored by Reid Kerr College

Tamlin Roberts - Mercurytide

Renfrewshire's Entrepreneur of 2005

Sponsored by Phoenix Honda

Bill Munro - Barrhead Travel Services Ltd

Outstanding Performing Business in Renfrewshire (less than 25 employees)

Sponsored by Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire

EPM Solutions Ltd

Outstanding Performing Business in Renfrewshire (between 26 and 250 employees)

Sponsored by Campbell Dallas

Stafffinders

Outstanding Performing Business in Renfrewshire (more than 250 employees)

Sponsored by Renfrewshire Council

Glasgow Airport Limited

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Award for

Overall Best Renfrewshire Business 2005

Glasgow Airport Limited

Since their inception in 2003, the ROCCOS have grown in popularity and stature and are now amongst the premier business awards in Scotland. The Chamber received over one hundred high-quality entries, giving the judges much food for thought.

Added Mr Byers: "I'd like to pay tribute to our overall winner, Glasgow Airport. Led by their energetic Managing Director Stephen Baxter, the airport is a significant catalyst for Renfrewshire's economic growth. In making the award, the judges are acknowledging its huge impact on all our fortunes."

Previous winners of the accolades include National Semiconductor, Stafffinders, CIBA Specialty Chemicals, WHM Engineering and Envigour Systems.

"Although there could only be eleven winners, I would like to express my congratulations to all who entered the awards and wish them every success in their applications for the 2006 award."

4th November 05- Renfrewshire Chamber