TWO Warrington organisations were among the award winners at the annual High Sheriff of Cheshire’s Awards for Enterprise.
The overall High Sherrif’s Award for Enterprise went to Warrington Disability Partnership and the Award for Innovation went to Warrington-based software developers DriveWorks, who also shared the Cheshire Exporter of the Year award.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in Chester, hosted by High Sheriff of Cheshire, Alexis Redmond and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, Professor Tim Wheeler.
The Award for Enterprise, sponsored by White Oak UK, will give Warrington Disability Partnership a place on the University of Chester’s MBA programme, worth £10,000.
Dave Thompson, co-founder and chief executive at Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “It was an absolute honour to have reached the shortlist in our category, and when it was announced that we had won, it felt amazing.
“As a medium-sized charity, we knew that we had to adopt business strategies in order to survive the past few years of austerity. We have worked hard to find the balance between the use of business acumen and the values-based ethical philosophy of our charity. The award is truly appreciated by the whole team at WDP, as it adds credibility to our work.”
The Award for Innovation, sponsored by Mornflake Oats, gave DriveWorks Ltd £3,000 in prize money.
Chief executive officer Glen Smith said: “We have developed DriveWorks technology out of a real need within industry, a need to automate and be able to efficiently design and sell configurable products. It’s a huge pat on the back to our dedicated team, as we drive forward, identifying new technologies, honing new methods and embracing new market opportunities. This all adds up to an exciting daily challenge.
“The collaborative work-spaces we have created and our company culture all foster innovation. It’s at the heart of everything we do. Being recognised inspires us to do more.”
“It’s doubly pleasing that along with winning the Award for Innovation, we have also won a High Sheriff’s Award for Export. It shows that the UK can innovate and that the rest of the world wants that innovation too.”
Pictured: Above, Dave Thompson, of Warrington Disability Partnership, receives their award. Below: Glen Smith, of DriveWorks, receives the company’s award.
