HP Smart Business Awards celebrate innovation

HP, the world's largest technology company, has announced the winners of the inaugural Smart Business Awards 2012.

In addition to the overall prize, businesses were invited to enter the awards to be recognised for their achievements in one of six categories including, social media, next generation, use of mobile, community support, manufacturing innovation, green and business of the year. The awards are part of HP's commitment to develop and maintain a small business community that can learn from each other and collaborate to further grow their businesses.

"These awards reward small, innovative companies that are key drivers of the economy," says Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills, who attended the awards ceremony. "I welcome this opportunity to show the Government and large companies, like HP, can work together to create the conditions for growth".

The winning companies are:

• HP Smart Business of the Year 2012 - Hello Fresh, a grocery delivery service.
• Smart Business Awards for Social Media - Shoo Rayner Illustrations, a children's author, illustrator and now YouTube sensation.
• Smart Business Award for Next Generation - Through the Door Communications, an innovative pr, marketing and sales company,
• Smart Business Award for Use of Mobile - Givey, an online donations platform.
• Smart Business Award for Community Support - Bikeworks, which uses bicycles and cycling as a tool to tackle social and environmental challenges.
• Smart Business Award for Manufacturing Innovation - Versarie, a business creating man made sponge type structures out of metal alloys.
• Smart Business Award for Green - Élan Hair Studio, an eco-friendly salon.

All winners received trophies and an HP product bundle, including a laptop, printer and relevant software.

In addition to the winning businesses, the judges felt that four additional companies deserved recognition for their successes. These included GretaStar, a diverse company including a care business, floristry, photography business started by a 17-year-old; Coaching Training Consultancy, a business that runs a training scheme across every secondary school in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire; Drillbitkit, a manufacturer of innovative drill bit kits; and Paperboy Interiors, a business that designs collections of sophisticated children's fabrics and wallpapers.

"As a member of the judging panel for these awards, it was inspiring to see the achievements from some of Britain's smartest SME's," says Susan Bowen, HP UK and Ireland director of strategy. "At HP we're keen to promote this fantastic work as an example of what's possible during challenging times. Each winner has excelled in a different area to ensure their business continues to grow and contribute to UK PLC."

For more information on the awards, click here and for more information on HP, click here.