A business that began three years ago, has since doubled in size and turnover, and now employs 125 people across three sites was a star of the Ely Standard East Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2015.

Ely- based Ellgia Recycling scooped four category awards at last night’s ceremony in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral before going on to be judged East Cambridgeshire business of the year.

Ellgia won:

•Business Person of the Year

•Medium Business of the Year

•Customer Service Award

•Business of the Year

Judges described managing director Steve Crook as “exceptional- a true entrepreneur. Steve has a passion for waste. He keeps a keeps a close on all aspects of the business and makes excellent use of modern technology.

“Although Steve dropped into waste by chance he’s all set to take waste to another level.”

The judges – drawn from the world of business and from the chambers of commerce said Ellgia has not only grown very strongly but has also introduced “some magical new features to waste collection and recycling, it not only gives clients detailed information on their waste output but actively works with them to reduce it.

“This may reduce Ellgia’s income in the short term, but has a hugely beneficial effect on client loyalty and relations. This is a model of how to grow a business and Ellgia Recycling is a very clear winner”

They said Ellgia Recycling demonstrated “excellent examples of customer service training, control systems and strategies to ensure future improvement which provides total customer satisfaction.

“The staff are committed to providing the best service in their industry and are providing it to their competitors

It is, said our judges, “an outstanding business worthy of this award. Steve Crooks is a very successful businessman who has built a profitable business through sheer determination and business acumen.”

But there were many other winners as the evening unfolded, a ceremony that included introductions by the chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, Councillor Michael Allan and the mayor of Ely, Councillor Lis Every.

The evening was hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire broadcaster Jeremy Sallis.

“These awards provide recognition for companies and individuals who are contributing to the business success, best practice and positive environmental impact in East Cambridgeshire,” he said.

“Tonight is about recognising and rewarding companies and individuals who are making significant contributions to East Cambridgeshire’s business community and economic development.”

He said: “The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of all the applications and want to thank everyone who took the time to enter this year. Each award was marked by visiting judges, who represent The Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses as well as representatives from our sponsors.

“The scores were based on a number of criteria; our finalists represent the highest-scoring entries for each category, and as such represent best practice and excellence within their fields.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Thorlabs

Finalists

•Life Fitness

•Eco Installer

•PA Answer

Judges said of the winner that they were impressed with their employee centric culture with 360 degree development programs facilitating career advancement at all levels. Thorlabs proven systems and processes have encouraged exceptional staff communications ensuring the employee experience is sustainable to ensure leadership in the industry.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Winner: Steve Crook of Ellgia Recycling

Finalists:

•Elouan Morel of Cambridge Commodities

•Mark Duckworth of Martin & Mortimer

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Winner: Rx Guidelines

Finalists:

•The Little Gift Shop

•Infiniti Graphics LLP

The judges said of our winner: RX Guidelines have developed medical software solutions which has a huge global potential for innovative mobile applications.

This small business comprising of four people who have never run a business before combines software expertise with commercial knowledge to ensure the growth and sustainability of the business.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Winner: Labour-Tech Recruitment Ltd

Finalists:

•Leading Edge Support

•PA Answer

•Martin & Mortimer Ltd

The judges said of our winner: Labour-Tech were founded in 2001, the company has very successfully grown its existing market and developed new ones. It has expanded both the area in which it operates and the type and size of clients that it serves. The company is very involved in supporting a number of local community grounds and enterprises. Recently the business moved into a new office created by refurbishing an otherwise uninspiring building in the centre of Ely to very high standard. More offices are planned. A very worthy winner.

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Winner: Ellgia Recycling

Finalists:

Gowing and Hunt Ltd

•Eco Installer

•Thorlabs Ltd

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Winner: Ellgia Recycling

Finalists:

•Grey’s of Ely

•Peter’s Bridal Warehouse

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Interiors of Ely

Finalists:

•Gibbs of Ely

•Artichoke Ely

•The Eel Catchers Daughter - Peberdy Degg Ltd

The judges said they thoroughly enjoyed visiting all the shortlisted retailers and were genuinely impressed with the range of products and the level of service offered in Ely by the four finalists. It was a difficult decision but the judges agreed Interiors of Ely the winner.

Since taking over an established business some 18 months ago Nigel Wright has built on its reputation for supplying good quality, unique furniture. Nigel and the team recycle, upcycle, repair and custom build furniture.

The whole team takes pride in offering customer service that is above and beyond the norm. As well as employing his wife and son Nigel has taken on two apprentices and has plans to take on another soon. Mary Portas would be impressed!

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

(This award is designed to recognise contribution to local communities without the expectation of direct commercial benefit, or both)

Winner: AC Tree Surgery & Garden Care

Finalists:

•Millrose Telecom

•Artichoke Ely

The judges said of the winner that the business contributes to the local community in several ways

• Sponsorship of an under-9s football team

• Giving both money and actual help to a scout group creating an allotment

• Taking part in a litter pick

Waste material from tree and garden work is recycled in ways that are environmentally sensitive and commercially beneficial. Small items are chipped and larger sections of timber are sold to timber merchants – both produce additional income.

This combination of commercial sense and input to the community makes AC a clear winner!

ONLINE BUSINESS OF YEAR

Winner: Rx Guidelines

Finalists:

•Ely Auto Care

•Our House of Spice

•SE Electrical

•The Queens Shoes

The judges said of the winner that Rx Guidelines has an extremely well designed and thought out site.

Is not only modern in its design and style but embraces and caters for its customers accessing the site from any device, with a user friendly experience. It has a trusted built in security system and they have are proactive with their use of social media.

A truly worthy winner!

JUDGES’ AWARDS

(An award to recognise an individual or company that has not won a category but that the judges felt needed special recognition”

Winner: Peter’s Bridal Warehouse

The judges said that Peter Brundle’s exuberance drives his passion for delivering uncompromising service to his customers.

Renowned for his extensive industry knowledge Peter attracts customers UK wide offering a huge range of bridal gowns to suit all tastes. This award is well deserved.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

(The award is not directly entered but is chosen by our judging panel from the winning corporate entries. It is given to a company they feel has demonstrated great business practice as well as financial success.”

Winner: Ellgia Recycling