Singing bosses create success
Sep 12 2007 By Iain Laing, The Journal
A HOST of budding pop stars from the business community enjoyed their five minutes of fame at the Alternative Business Awards.
The event, held at the Journal Tyne Theatre, takes a light-hearted look at the achievements of the region’s business personalities, with 15 award categories decided on the night supported by the Infamy Academy ‘musical showcase’.
From the ‘Shiny Bottom’ category to the ‘Luvvie’ and ‘Spin Doctor’ awards, the event celebrated the fun side of doing business in the North-East.
This year’s notable winners included Neil Warwick (Dickinson Dees) as Lunchtime Achiever, Alan Ross (Ark Associates) scooped the Ryder Cup Award, with Alan Hall (EEF) and Maggie Pavlou (Parkdean) winning the Nice Guy and Gal categories respectively.
The coveted prize for Alternative Business Person of the Year, went to Alec Coles of Tyne & Wear Museums, who had earlier amazed the audience wearing a hoodie and sunglasses Liam Gallagher style with a rendition of the Oasis classic
Alec said: “I was thrilled and honoured to get this award which is for people outside the private sector who work in a businesslike way.I would like to think it’s not so much for me but for all the team here.
“As to the performance it was almost a dare really. All I can say is it’s all for charity.”
The Infamy Academy or ‘Opportunity Knocks for Business’, also showcased the varying musical talents of several business people. But it was Tim Cantle-Jones and his young son Josh who stole the show with an a cappella rendition of
The rest of the bill saw
Percy Hedley Foundation fundraising director Des Bustard said: “It was another great night for the business community and for the Percy Hedley Foundation. We had a record number of people attending, more award sponsors than ever before, and we raised over £18,000 – the best yet.”
Life begins at… - for those enjoying a new lease of life (ITV Tyne Tees) – Freddie Fletcher
Luvvie (The Sponsors Club for Arts and Business) – Nigel Bellis of Dickinson Dees
Spin Doctor – tells a good story for their organisation (Mitchell Halton Watson) – Susan Wear of Sunderland City Council
Ark the ‘Erald Angels Sing – for person who likes to blow their own trumpet (Ark Associates) – James Ramsbotham of North East Chamber of Commerce
The Robin Hood – for significant contributions to charity (BT) – Dickinson Dees
Lunchtime Achiever – for person who does most business over lunch (UNW) – Neil Warwick of Dickinson Dees and Service Network Deputy Chairman
Shy Bairn – for the individual not slow in coming forward (Bradley O’Mahoney) – One NorthEast
Best Stressed Executive (GFI Consulting) was actually awarded for the person who remains most cool under pressure – Judith Churchill of North East Chamber of Commerce
Flash Harry or Harriet – the most ‘showy’ businessman/woman (Ward Hadaway) – awarded to Northumbria University for its new bridge.
Great Company, Shame about the Name (Dipsticks Research) – Muckle LLP
Nice Guy & Nice Gal (Northumbrian Water) – Alan Hall of EEF and Maggie Pavlou of Parkdean
Shiny Bottom – (Gardiner Richardson) for the individual who sits on most committees – Jamie Martin of Ward Hadaway
New Kid on the Block – new recruit making a major contribution to the region (NewcastleGateshead Initiative) – Erica Whyman of Northern Stage.
Alternative Business Person (Northumbrian Water) – Alec Coles of Tyne & Wear Museums
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