Announcing the winners of the Private Business Awards 2011

9 September 2011

From over 300 high quality nominations for the Awards, 9 private businesses and individuals won the inaugural ‘Diamond’ awards at The Savoy ceremony which celebrated the best in the private business sector.

When some people think of private businesses they think of small companies employing just a handful of people and not necessarily amounting to anything significant.  And yes many private businesses start that way with a great idea and the passion of an entrepreneur or a group of people committed to doing something that little bit different.  But that doesn’t do justice to the massive contribution these businesses make by constantly innovating, creating and benefitting their communities.

We felt this common misconception of the role private businesses within the U.K.'s economy needed to be exploded and that's why PwC have been so closely involved in the launch of the Private Business Awards.  

We had high expectations for the calibre of entries but were amazed when over 300 companies entered and we saw the breadth and scope of talent and passion across every industry sector and from every part of the UK.   

The independent and challenging judges deliberated hard to come up with the short-list for the Private Business Awards show-cased in this programme.  They then had the tough task of choosing the eventual winners who represent the best of British private business.

Ian Powell, Chairman and Senior Partner who attended said "Britain's privately-owned businesses deserve to be recognised as a positive force for the economy. As Britain looks to the private sector to provide jobs and growth, private businesses are making a massive contribution by constantly innovating, creating and benefitting their communities. PwC is delighted to be part of this celebration of the best of British private businesses."

Winners were :

Private Business of the Year - Dyson Ltd
CEO of the Year - Paul Drechsler, Wates
Employer of the Year - Arup
High Growth Business of the Year - GoCompare.com
International Business of the Year - Monsoon
Private Business Woman of the Year - Sally Bailey, White Stuff
Social Enterprise of the Year - Bikeworks
Technology Innovation of the Year - Petroleum Experts
Family Business of Year - Samworth Brothers Limited

Find out more about the awards at the Private Business Awards 2011 website.