Rising Stars Award

Rising Stars 2009

The Knowledge Hub sponsored the Innovation award category in this year’s prestigious Bedfordshire and Luton Business Excellence Awards. A selection of local companies entered the competition and shortlisted entries attended a gala awards evening at the Park Inn, Bedford on Thursday, 12 November 2009.

The Innovation award recognises a new company, product or service developed since January 2006, which has made a positive contribution to the economy of Bedfordshire and Luton, or a public sector project that has had a beneficial impact on business in the area.

Judges looked for evidence of efficiency savings, product take-up, training and development strategies and community involvement. The winner of the Innovation award was local Bedfordshire company Vendesent which provides vending solutions and catering services.

Gaynor Bray, Sales and Marketing at the Knowledge Hub, said: “Local companies are becoming more innovative and proactive and those shortlisted demonstrate that innovation is not only about making new technical products but also looking at new ways of doing business.

“This year was a close run competition with some impressive companies. We were very pleased to see how Vendesent has implanted themselves into the local community, demonstrating that social responsibility can go hand in hand with running a successful enterprise.”

Also shortlisted were AISolve Ltd and Preen Community Interest Company

The awards, organised by Premier Newspapers, are now in their 16th year and recognise the achievements of leading-edge employers and individuals, acting as a showcase for the county's rising stars.