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Steelite International claims the title of ‘The Employer of the Year’ at The National Business Awards, 2014.

13 November 2014

Steelite International is today celebrating its success in winning the prestigious award and equally coveted title of ‘Employer of the Year’. The judges called Steelite International an ‘outstanding employer’ whose ‘practices reach beyond the workplace’. Its ‘holistic approach is transforming a traditional industry, giving it a fresh image, and improving lives in a highly challenging environment.’ The award celebrates organisations seeing the best return on an investment in people; recognising the employee strategy that best attracts, retains and develops talent – and how it contributes to sustainable growth and being an employer of choice. 

A cross section of the Middleport manufacturer’s workforce (including ex-apprentices and long-serving employees who have, between them, dedicated over 150 years to the business) attended the thirteenth National Business Awards gala dinner on 11 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London along with over 1200 business and thought leaders. 

After the initial application process earlier in the year, Steelite International was invited to present to an expert judging panel with over 150 of Britain’s leading businesses, business leaders and social enterprises - all revealed as finalists for the 2014 National Business Awards and subsequently went up against nine other companies (other winners at the ceremony include Sainsbury’s, Ikea and ITV) in pursuit of the highly regarded award. 

The Prime Minister opened proceedings at the ceremony with a message for all finalists, telling the audience: “I want to send my best wishes to everyone at the National Business Awards and to thank all of those who have been shortlisted because [...] you are creating the growth and jobs that are turning this country around.” “As these awards show, you’re not just helping to give families security and stability - you’re helping society by encouraging citizenship among employees; helping the environment [...] 

and helping make everyone’s day a little better by putting customer service at the forefront of what you do”. 

Alex Evans, Programme Director for the National Business Awards said: “It’s always fascinating to see who will emerge victorious with such diverse and strong competition across all of our Award categories. Showing that any type and size of organisation can win a National Business Award. This year’s winners demonstrate the value of continually investing in people, innovation and customer service - also proving the business case for sustainability and corporate citizenship.” 

The group's HR Director Wendy Dean said: "Winning this award is testament to everybody within the business and we're all absolutely delighted. 

"It's brilliant that we are able to showcase Stoke-On-Trent and our commitment to the resurgence in manufacturing and the ceramic industry in Britain. 

“Our ‘Stepping up to the Plate’ programme encapsulates our core values and makes them real. We have a workforce that have been through an amazing journey and this award is dedicated to them.” “Having the title of Employer of the Year, 2014 emphasises exactly what Steelite International is about - we will continue to fly the flag for ‘Made in Britain’ across the globe while maintaining a commitment to manufacturing here in Stoke-on-Trent - creating more jobs and continuing to invest in the regeneration of our city.” 

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