THE biggest night in the North East contact centre industry calendar saw More Than (RSA) and NHS Business Services Authority named as the region’s best for 2011.
The two centres, which are based in Sunderland and Newcastle respectively, picked up the top prizes at the North East Contact Centre Awards, which were organised by Tyne and Wear Development Company in association with headline sponsor NRG and associate sponsor Avanta.
Over 450 guests were at Rainton Meadows Arena in Sunderland for this year’s vintage Hollywood themed awards ceremony to recognise the star performers in one of the region’s most competitive sectors.
More Than was named North East Contact Centre of the Year for centres with over 250 seats while NHS Business Services Authority won the equivalent award for smaller centres with fewer than 250 seats. On a good night for Sunderland-based contact centres, Fusion Contact Centre Services and Barclays Bank were named as runners-up in the over 250 seats category while Carillion Energy Services (Newcastle) and HP-PLSC (Peterlee) impressed the judges to take the runners-up places in the fewer than 250 seats category.
Sarah Gibson, marketing officer at Tyne and Wear Development Company, said: “The region’s contact centres continue to impress with their outstanding professionalism and productivity and are admired internationally.
“These awards are a chance to recognise this success. The industry has developed considerably over the last decade and we’re delighted to have been hosting these awards during this time.
“The quantity and quality of the nominations we received was outstanding, and we’d like to congratulate all our finalists on their success in this year’s competition.”
Therese Liddle, managing director of NRG said: “NRG is delighted to be headline sponsor once again for this prestigious event.
“With the North East Contact Centre Awards now in its ninth year, it is clearly evident that the North East continues to demonstrate world class excellence across the contact centre industry. We have the skills, experience and dedication to deliver outstanding levels of customer service across a very diverse range of sectors, which is testament to the hard work, enthusiasm and empathy shown by every member of staff.
“This year seemed to be particularly competitive so many congratulations to all the winners, be proud of your achievements and good luck for next year!”
:: Click here to view all the winners from the North East Contact Centre Awards 2011