Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend / BP on behalf of its co-venturers announced in Baku the winners of the 2nd Best of Business Awards. This is an annual initiative, which recognises supplier and service companies' outstanding contribution to enterprise development in Azerbaijan.
The 2007 awards attracted twice as many nominations as last year. For the first time, an award was also made to the Community Entrepreneur of the Year. This new category recognises the best sust ainable business starting or benefiting from one of the projects initiated by BP's Community Investment Programme.
In a ceremony attended by representatives of the business community, the government and the media BP today presented on behalf of its co-venturers the 2007 awards to the following enterprises and individuals nominated in five categories:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Eyvaz Mirzayev. This award is presented to a businessman or woman under 35 years old, who has successfully implemented fresh and innovative approaches to their business. Eyvaz owns and manages Munasib Senaye Techizat Ltd. - an industrial, electrical supply and service company. Only 28, he has built up his business working with suppliers in UK, Norway and USA. Eyvaz has now expanded his business into Georgia and Kazakhstan.
Community Entrepreneur of the Year:The Community Business Organisation, the Human Development and Sust ainable Income Generation Public Union. This award is presented to an enterprise which makes a tangible impact on the economic development at a local level. The Union has brought together 34 people from the Umid refugee settlement near Sangachal who have created a stable and sust ainable income-generating business. They produce protective gloves and other products for the terminal.
Health, Safety and Environment Performance Award: Caspian Drilling Company(CDC). This award is presented to a company which achieves outstanding safety and environmental performance. The judges recognized that CDC has established a culture where everyone is looking out for each other and genuinely interested in health and safety of all.
Best Employer of the Year:ITS Testing Services. This is the only category which is open to international companies working in Azerb aijan, as well as local companies. This award is presented to a company, which genuinely focuses on the development of the skills and experience of its staff.
Company of the Year: Encotec. This prestigious award is presented to a company which delivers outstanding results during the year
In addition, special recognition was given to SIAR Research and Consulting for demonstrating outstanding flexibility and an ability to learn and introduce new concepts and techniques during its work for BP.
Addressing the awards presentation ceremony, Bill Schrader, BP's President in Azerb aijan, s aid: "Each of the winning companies truly demonstrates the best of business: a strong focus on delivery and discipline; a commitment to staff development; excellent performance in safety; and the ability to innovate and think progressively. These are values we share and we look forward to working with an increasing number of local and international companies who are similarly committed to playing a role in the creation of a healthy and vibrant enterprise culture in Azerb aijan."