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Success at the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards 2003
On Tuesday, 2nd December 2003, the National Winners for the VIBES Awards 2003 were announced at a ceremony held at The Arches, Glasgow.
Following stiff competition from across Scotland, there was unanimous agreement from the national judges that the following companies were the deserving recipients of the title, National Winner:
- Large Category - National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd, Greenock
- Medium Category - DuPont EKC Technology Ltd, East Kilbride
- Small Category - Kilnmans Cottage, Orkney
VIBES recognises and rewards the efforts of Scottish businesses to become more efficient and competitive through improving environmental performance with real emphasis on what initiatives bring to a company’s bottom line.
On receiving the award Carole Kerr from National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd, said: “We are naturally delighted to have won a National Award especially having seen who we were up against! We’re already enjoying the business rewards from our revised environmental policies and it really is great to get the added recognition of a VIBES award.”
Iain McMillan, Director of CBI Scotland, and one of the national judges, commented: “All three companies have carefully considered how improving their day-to-day working practices can make a significant impact on efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
“It is hard enough for businesses today to be profitable but National Semiconductor Ltd, DuPont EKC Technology Ltd and Kilnmans Cottage have shown that it makes good business sense to be more environmentally aware. It also means having the edge on competitors as more and more investors and the general public are looking for environmentally responsible businesses.”
Liz Bogie, VIBES Chair concludes: “The overall quality of entrants in this year’s awards was fantastic, and the judges had a difficult task in choosing a shortlist, let alone the national winners. We are thrilled National Semiconductor Ltd, DuPont EKC Technology Ltd and Kilnmans Cottage are National Winners and hope all businesses across Scotland will see the benefits of entering the VIBES Awards for 2004.”
Businesses interested in entering the VIBES Awards 2004 can obtain an application form by contacting Linsey McGillivray, VIBES Awards Co-ordinator on 01896 754 797 or visiting the awards website: www.vibes.org.uk
Interviews with the National Winners or a representative from the VIBES Steering Group, along with photography, are available on request. Please call Amanda Sutcliffe or Audrey Calder on 0141 333 0557 / 07770 886 925 with expressions of interest.
Ends 3 December 2003
Issued on behalf of the VIBES partners by Weber Shandwick. For further information please contact either Amanda Sutcliffe or Audrey Calder on 0141 333 0557 or via email: asutcliffe@webershandwick.com, acalder@webershandwick.com
Notes to Editors – National Winners’ details
2003 National Winner, Large company category
National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd, Greenock, manufactures integrated circuits from silicon wafers. The management team and workforce are very enthusiastic with clear commitment to environmental improvements within the company. Energy efficiency improvement and recycling have contributed to their savings. The company have a good relationship with the local community and are continually reviewing systems to optimise efficiency in energy and costs.
2003 National Winner, Medium company category
DuPont EKC Technology Ltd, East Kilbride, blends and packages chemicals for the semiconductor industry and have strong commitment to protecting and conserving the environment. The company has fully considered issues such as waste minimisation, working with suppliers and customers and raising staff awareness. Strict monitoring and management of energy use and waste has led to significant savings and DuPont continues to seek further measure and improvements.
2003 National Winner, Small company category
Kilnmans Cottage, Westray, Orkney is self-catering in a restored “But and Ben”. Mr & Mrs McEwen are very much aware of the importance of business and environmental efficiency and sustainability. The project of restoration of the derelict structures of grain mills and a miller’s cottage is a model of good practice in conservation terms, environmental terms and recycling. The McEwens’ foresight and innovation for developing energy efficient housing, enhancing the habitat and developing new “green” business is impressive.
Finalists for the National VIBES Awards 2003
Large Category winners
- North Region: AMEC Oil and Gas
- East Region: Pillans & Waddies
- West Region: National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd
Medium Category winners
- North Region: Loch Duart Ltd
- East Region: The Purvis Group
- West Region: DuPont EKC Technology Ltd
Small category winners
- North Region: Kilnmans Cottage
- East Region: GAIA Architects
- West Region: East Lochhead Country House.
Businesses from any sector or any type located in Scotland are encouraged to apply. There are three categories:
- Businesses with more than 250 employees
- Businesses with between 10 and 250 employees
- Businesses with less than 10 employees
Short-listed companies are selected in each of these categories for the North, East and West of Scotland.
The VIBES competition is supported and managed by a partnership of organisations in Scotland:
- Business & Environment Network
- CBI Scotland
- Forward Scotland
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Scottish Energy Efficiency Office
- Scottish Enterprise
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Scottish Executive
- Scottish Federation of Small Businesses
- Scottish Water
VIBES Award prizes are being sponsored by Rolls Royce, Hillington, and Allied Distillers
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