Celebrating its 30th year, Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, was delighted last Thursday evening to be the recipient of two major South-East business awards. Denbies received the coveted Gatwick Diamond Business of the Year Award 2016 and the Green Business of the Year Award 2016, presented at a gala dinner for 600 guests held at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel.
‘Winning the Green Business Award (1) is a real testament to the whole team, sustainability has been and will continue to be a major focus at Denbies. We strive to lead the way to become market leaders in every aspect of our business in regards to sustainability and environmental wellbeing’ commented Chris White, Denbies Chief Executive Officer.
Denbies are members of the Green Tourism Association and are the first UK vineyard members of the Bat Conservation Trust. The Green Business Award is sponsored by Crawley Borough Council.
Colin Lloyd (Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services & Sustainability) at Crawley Borough Council said “Denbies Wine Estate understood being ‘green’ made business as well as environmental sense, and they spread this thinking across their operations.
“We recommend talking to this business to find out how to be more successful by thinking creatively about energy, resources, waste and the natural environment.”
Gatwick Diamond Business of the Year, sponsored by NatWest Bank, is awarded to the business or organisation that has enhanced the reputation of the Gatwick Diamond as an important business centre on a regional and national basis.
Russell Fernandes, Senior Relationship Manager at NatWest, said “Denbies Wine Estate won because their Values are strong and they evidenced that they live by them.
“They focus in detail on their customer’s experience and look at every opportunity to improve it. It is a testament to their staff welfare that their staff turnover level is very low.
“Additionally their ethos has encouraged the growth of new and existing businesses in the area and their ability to give to and support so many good causes is second to none!”
‘We are extremely honoured to receive Business of the Year, particularly in our 30th anniversary year. Winning both awards really reinforces Denbies commitment to strive for the best in all areas of the operation, ‘added Chris White, ‘I would like to thank all of the team at Denbies and our customers and local businesses for making this recognition possible.’
The Gatwick Diamond Business Award, now in its 8th year, celebrates the achievements of companies and individuals who have shown innovation and inspiration in their work and made a commitment to the region. The Gatwick Diamond membership includes a vast range of businesses, which span all sectors of the economy, from multinational corporations to sole traders.
The Winners were unveiled at the 8th Annual Gatwick Diamond Business Awards at the Effingham Park Hotel, on 17th March, 2016. The Headline Sponsors are Gatwick Airport, NatWest, Nestle and Vines BMW & Mini. The Evening started with a Pre-Dinner Reception sponsored by Thomas Eggar, part of Irwin Mitchell.
Denbies Wine Estate is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016. Since the vineyard was established in 1986 the English wine industry has been transformed irrevocably. Denbies is proud to have been part of this evolution and continues to be at the forefront of development and innovation in the UK.
