ifs ProShare, a not for profit organisation concerned with the issues of employee share ownership and financial education in the workplace, held their 15th annual employee share ownership awards in Covent Garden, London last night.
England Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson was the guest speaker at the awards ceremony and he had nothing but praise for companies who had demonstrated their commitment to employee share ownership. Matt said:
“I am no stranger to the tension in the room as you compete tonight against your peers for this evenings awards. I also understand the concepts of risk and reward, believing in your people and sharing in success. I applaud all the award entrants and congratulate the winners.”
Fiona Downes, Head of Employee Share Ownership at ifs ProShare, concluded:
“This year saw a record number of entries from a wide range of companies.
As always, the objective and rigorous judging process has ensured those companies who have won an award, or were commended, have achieved the very highest levels of success in the industry.
The event itself was also immensely enjoyable with Matt Dawson giving a very well received speech and ITV’s Andrea McLean making a perfect host.”
The best financial education programme for employees award was picked up by The Capita Group plc.
BHP Billiton won the award for best new share plan as well as the award for the most innovative use of technology in the share plans industry – the only organisation to scoop two awards on the night.
Drax Group plc won the award for the most effective communication of an employee share plan (small company category). KCOM Group plc picked up the same award for the medium size company category and Vodafone plc for the large employer category.
Enterprise Inns, Halcrow and HBOS plc all picked up awards for the best overall performance in fostering employee share ownership in their respective size categories.
Commendations went to May Gurney, Henderson Group, BT, Cadbury Schweppes plc, Telford Homes and ASDA.
