Just before the UK Government’s advisory measures to help reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus moved to the next stage, the North East Area Final of the FSB Business Awards was able to take place at a ceremony in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The fact that the ceremony was able to go ahead was very good news for South Shields based Solar Solve Marine Ltd, who won the International Business of the Year Category that was sponsored by Newcastle International Airport.
The event was held at the very impressive Newcastle Eagles Basketball Arena, where Solar Solve’s Chairman, John Lightfoot MBE and Managing Director, Julie Lightfoot MBE accepted their award from Caroline Theobald, Honorary Consul of Sweden in the North East, in front of a 90% capacity audience.
The 3-hour long dinner was interspersed with speeches and award presentations, when guests were also able to learn about the huge variety of businesses that are located in North East England. Many of them are highly technical, innovative, caring and all are very successful. The information was eagerly absorbed by an enthusiastic and appreciative audience that included Carl Johnson, Solar Solve’s Operations Manager and its Sales and Marketing Executive, Paul Hopkins.
MD Julie commented, “Winning business awards recognises the hard work and commitment of our employees and ultimate success that brings for the whole team. It can open doors to winning new business and help to build brand loyalty as customers are usually keen to buy from businesses perceived to be doing well.” Chairman John added, “Since our business was established 45 years ago, we have always been a kinetic enterprise, constantly changing whenever market forces and many other influencing circumstances dictate and never hesitating to do so. It is a major factor in the company’s success world-wide.”
“With the ever increasing concerns and uncertainties about Covid-19 in everyone’s minds, we had expected the event to be postponed. We were really surprised to see that there appeared to be only 10% of absentees from the dinner tables and very pleased indeed that Solar Solve won the very prestigious International Business of the Year award.”
Photo courtesy Gavin Forster Photography
