Wirral's business community has been saluting the success of companies that are strengthening the borough’s economy. More than 350 key figures from commerce and industry celebrated the achievements of these companies at the 2010 Wirral Investment Network (WiN) annual awards ceremony on Friday. A total of 11 awards were presented to organisations spanning a range of sectors, markets and industry disciplines, at the black tie event at Birkenhead School.

The prestigious Think Big Award, sponsored by Wirral Council, went to renewable energy company Stiebel Eltron, based at Wirral International Business Park, Bromborough. Providing a “green” alternative to heating, Stiebel Eltron, which launched its UK operation in Wirral in February 2008, is currently looking to build on its established track record in renewable energy products across Europe. To help further expand its fast growing heat pump business, managing director Mark McManus and his team are working regularly with 56 partner installation companies and are aiming for 100 by the end of this year.

Birkenhead-based AEV Ltd, the largest UK manufacturer of electrical varnishes and resins, was named SME of the Year. With 85 percent of its sales going outside the UK, with manufacturing operations in Spain and Malaysia and licence operations in the USA and Mexico, the company is exploiting international markets yet keeping its roots firmly in Wirral. Managing Director Jonathan Kemp said: “We are an international company yet recognise that our high quality skills base is here in the borough.”

The 2010 Wirral Investment Network awards were sponsored by T-Systems Limited, Egerton House Wirral Ltd and The Contact Company and partnered by Wirral Council.

Winners of the 2010 Wirral Investment Network business awards were:

Business Start of the Year, sponsored by Wirralbiz: TTH Laundry Services
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by McEwan Wallace: Halliwell Industrial and Marine Silencers Ltd
Corporate Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by Unilever UK: Tranmere Rovers Football Club
Environmental Award, sponsored by Stiebel Eltron: BuilderScrap Ltd
Excellence in Training & Skills Development Award, sponsored by Wirral Metropolitan College: T-Systems Limited
Innovation and Creativity Award, sponsored by Innov8: Safety Solutions: Sign Lights Ltd
SME of the Year, sponsored by Park Group plc: AEV Ltd
Investment of the Year, sponsored by The Mersey Partnership: Pharmapac (UK) Ltd
Business Person of the Year, sponsored by MAS: Daniel Davies, of CPL Training Ltd
Business of the Year, sponsored by Smith and Sons: The Contact Company
Think Big Award, sponsored by Wirral Council: Stiebel Eltron