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.

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, RSA 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 what turned out to be a successful night for Sunderland based contact centres, Fusion Contact Centre Services and Barclays Bank were named as runners-up in the over 250 seats category.  Carillion Energy Services (Newcastle) and HP-PLSC (Peterlee) impressed the judges to be awarded runner-up 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 this year were outstanding and we’d like to congratulate all our finalists including More Than, RSA and NHS Business Services Authority on their achievements in this year’s competition.”

Eight other awards were presented to individuals and teams on the night including:

• Contact centre leading light – Dianne Breen, Northern Rock Plc
• Contact centre sales star – Tracy Clavering, Northern Rock Plc
• Contact centre superstar – Lise Watson, NHS Business Services Authority
• People development hero – Emma Vinter, RBS Insurance-Churchill
• Contact centre team of the year – Premier Telephony, Barclays Bank Plc
• Best training programme – Track Training Programme, Sitel UK
• Best use of technology – Business Connect, Barclays Bank Plc
• Contact centre dream team – Sunderland Fraud Team, More Than, RSA

 

The 2011 North East Contact Centre Awards were organised by Tyne and Wear Development Company in association with headline sponsor NRG.

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 9th 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!”

Councillor Paul Watson, Chair of Tyne and Wear Development Company and Leader of Sunderland City Council, said, said: “These awards celebrate all that’s best about the industry, where the skills and productivity of the workforce have enabled our contact centres to keep ahead of their competitors both at home and abroad, and to win new business and prosper.

“The sector makes a vital contribution to the regional economy and this couldn’t be achieved without a loyal and talented group of staff.

“It’s always an honour to be here to meet the faces behind the voices and I congratulate the winners on their well earned success.”

This year’s award sponsors were NRG, Avanta, Already Sorted Limited, BQ magazine, Contact Centre Professional, GEM Premium People Recruitment, Sinclair Voicenet, Sunderland City Council, Quorum Business Park and Hays Recruitment. The media partner was Call Centre Helper magazine.

For more information about the awards visit www.contactcentreawards.co.uk