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Steelite international is shortlisted as a finalist for two 2014 National Business Awards.

16 July 2014

Today, Steelite International has been shortlisted for the Employer of the Year award and The Innovation Award at the 2014 National Business Awards.

Established in 1983, Steelite International is the UK’s leading manufacturer of ceramic tableware, employing 1,100 people worldwide and supplying to over 140 countries. 2012 saw the acquisition of Royal Crown Derby; investment in a £12m factory expansion; and a launch into the retail market with 'Perfect Setting', now known as 'Steelite Home'. 2013 was also a record year, with the Company achieving sales of £86.9million.

Going up against Fleet Alliance and Webmart for Employer of the year, and Heathrow Airport and British Gas for The Innovation Award, Steelite International will compete for the prestigious awards with the winners being revealed at the National Business Awards gala dinner held on 11 November at Park Lane’s Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Judging the Employer of the Year category will be Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People at UKCES, who commented: “Steelite has successfully launched a new craft product which has helped transform the business. This innovation was achieved by engaging with and investing in its people who in turn have helped grow the business.”

Wendy Dean, Group HR Director at Steelite International, said: “It’s a great honour to be shortlisted in not one but two categories at the National Business Awards. We pride ourselves on our ability to engage, develop and recognise our staff and continually reward success and loyalty, so being named a finalist in this category is particularly gratifying, and we fully understand the importance of constantly providing new and innovative product solutions. We are all now greatly looking forward to the ceremony in November!”

Britain’s leading businesses, business leaders and social enterprises have today been revealed as finalists for the 2014 National Business Awards. The finalists announced today represent categories including the Smith & Williamson Entrepreneur of the Year, Santander Small to Medium-Sized Business of the Year and the Inflexion International Growth Business of the Year. The Leader of the Year finalists and Decade of Excellence winner will be announced over the coming months, with the Duke of York New Entrepreneur of the Year finalists announced last month following a judging event in Liverpool.

This year’s shortlisted businesses cover activities as diverse as retail, technology, men’s grooming products, telecoms, construction, advertising, entertainment, and publishing.  Of the businesses shortlisted, 24% turnover under £5m, 26% turnover between £5m and £25m, 15% over a billion and 10% not for profit organisations. The smallest business recognised has a turnover of just £23k with the largest reaching £20 billion. With finalists collectively employing over 850,000 people, the smallest has just one member of staff while the largest employs around 165,000 people globally.

Alex Evans, Programme Director of the National Business Awards said: “The diversity and quality of this year’s finalists have firmly established the National Business Awards as the talent scout for UK plc, with market leading household names recognised alongside the best emerging business brands. With a variety of industries represented, these recovery-leading businesses have demonstrated the return on investment in people, innovation, customer service and leadership.”

Finalists were chosen from the hundreds of businesses that entered or were nominated across 17 award categories. They will now prepare for live presentations to expert juries who will decide the overall winners that will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 11 November.

Visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk for a full list of all finalists and to attend the event.

The National Business Awards supports The Prince’s Trust, a charity that offers practical and financial support to young people who need it.