Last week AYOM welcomed the second of two sets of BIBAs 2019 judges. A brief, half hour visit will seal the fate of the company in this year’s competition. With the BIBAs 2018 being a successful debut, making the final, repeating the feat this year is a proud moment. This year however, AYOM have secured a berth for both medium business of the year and high growth business of the year.
Awarding excellence
The BIBAs (Be Inspired Business Awards) are a huge North West business awards. With 21 categories overall, AYOM are proud to mingle with the region's elite. The diverse range includes from micro business to exporters, family business to third sector and more. AYOM entered a number of categories this time round including:
- Employer of the year
- Service business of the year
- Medium business of the year
- Business of the year
- Growth business of the year
With many entrants per category (and only 12 qualifying second stage) AYOM were elated to be called back. A good grilling by the judges at the chamber of commerce HQ followed, resulting in the news we all wanted. AYOM had been put through as a finalist for BOTH categories!
The BIBAs are about sharing best practice and celebrating excellence. To be considered alongside the North West’s best businesses for the 2nd year is something management are proud of. AYOM’s general manager Marie spoke with us about her pride in the team’s she manages.
“To get this far is primarily down to the success of our staff. If we do not operate well and don’t achieve excellence, we will never be considered for awards like this. As a manager with a traditional HR upbringing, it’s a proud moment to get the recognition. However, it is recognition for my team’s efforts as they do the work day in day out to achieve this. Should we go all the way, we will definitely be finding a way to celebrate with those who made it truly happen. Fingers crossed!”
How we did it?
There is a story, of course, to what brought AYOM to the final. Our road here began with last year’s BIBAs final. Despite not winning, getting a taste of success fuelled a growth period for the company. In the last 12 months, AYOM has developed the company’s corporate portfolio. We have added multi-national banks, third sector training providers, credit brokers and construction companies.
This, accompanied by investment in staff numbers has resulted in big gains for the company in the last year. Financial, brand and internal performance has seen large scale improvement on the last year. One success measurement tool was being a “small” business last year, to moving to the medium category this year. We also achieved our first ever Investors In People award in January. The IIP award kick-started a healthy change in HR self review. We also began conducting annual staff surveys and implementing new, exciting perks. Perks included a monthly suggestion box with rewards and a weekly fruit delivery to help staff eat healthier.
It’s been a fun and challenging year at AYOM with changes and success. We hope that while this year has been good, the next 12 months can echo the previous 12. While that is yet to be seen, we still have this year to round off with the September 13th BIBA awards ceremony. We’d like to thank all the judges, organizers and volunteers involved in the BIBAs. We want to say good luck to all companies in each category. AYOM looks forward to seeing all on the big night.