CENTRAL TELECOM VOTED ONE OF EUROPE'S 500 HIGH GROWTH COMPANIES
Burton-based communications specialists Central Telecom have been recognised for their dynamism, innovation and entrepreneurial success by being named as one of Europe's fastest-growing companies - and receiving a special award in recognition of their commitment to innovation.
Marketing director Julie White joined chief executives, managing directors and key senior managers from Europe's 500 fastest growing companies at a Gala Awards Dinner in Barcelona to celebrate the 2005 Europe's 500 listing.
Together, the high growth companies that qualified for this year's Europe 500 Listing have created more than 130,000 jobs across Europe and increased their turnover by 28.8 billion euros, recording an average annual growth rate of 14% over three consecutive years.
Central was ranked number 384 amongst the 500 companies from 19 European countries.
"Europe's 500 Listing shows that high growth is not dependant on industry sector but rather is created by entrepreneurial-driven companies who seize opportunity, take risk and motivate their staff to succeed - Europe needs more of these champions of growth," commented Martin Schoeller, President of Europe's 500 Entrepreneurs for Growth, during the Awards Ceremony.
Central was singled out for praise, and was awarded one of seven special awards in recognition of its 'Most Innovative Use of IT'. Sponsors Microsoft were particularly impressed by the company's use of IT as an engine for its growth.
Presenting Central's marketing director, Julie White, with the Microsoft Award, Gabriel Indalecio, regional senior director, SMS&P, Microsoft EMEA said:
"Central have been awarded the title of Microsoft 'Most Innovative Use of IT 2005' after demonstrating tremendous innovation through IT and developing a number of solutions for their customers."
"Their commitment to innovation and growth has resulted in heightened levels of customer satisfaction and an increase of more than 35% in the value of their customer base. Of particular note is Central Telecom's intelligent use of IT to produce a 360° view of the customer and to empower a mobile workforce."
Commenting on Central's success, Julie White said:
"Central is renowned as one of the industry's pioneers; to be recognised on the European stage is an incredible achievement and testament to the vision of our managing director Andrew McDougall and the dedication of our 190 strong team, who are undoubtedly the best in the business."
This award comes hot on the heels of a number of other prestigious awards for Central, which employs more than 190 staff at its Burton-on-Trent HQ and regional offices in Guildford and London. The company was recently listed in Deloitte's Fast 50 Technology Awards for the Midlands and North and scooped double honours at this year's Channel Network Awards.
It was runner-up in the Marketing Strategy of the Year category at this year's National Business Awards and has just reached the final of the Corporate Event Association Awards for its programme of live events, and the Best Use of Technology category at this year's National Chamber Awards.
Central was founded in 1985 and is now firmly established as one of the UK's leading integrated communications specialists. It implements leading edge communications solutions across a diversity of market sectors and has more than 6,000 managed accounts and more than 250,000 end users throughout the UK, ranging from SME's to blue chip and public sector organisations.
Partnerships with all of the industry's major players enable Central to exploit the latest technologies and deliver total communications solutions tailored to customers' individual voice and data requirements. This involves the integration of telephony, computing, voice processing, data and messaging network services, plus a range of cabling and support services.
Over the past 12 months turnover and profitability have continued to exceed all expectations in the face of severe market competition and turnover is on target to top the £30 million mark during the current financial year.
