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THE 20TH ANNUAL EDP BUSINESS AWARDS - A VINTAGE YEAR

The annual awards proved to be a vintage year, despite the grey clouds hanging over the economy

The 20th annual EDP Business Awards proved to be vintage year, despite the grey clouds hanging over the economy.

The calibre of entries was extremely high: ranging from plcs and well-known high street brands, to start-up businesses with real entrepreneurial flair.

When the inaugural awards were opened 20 years ago, the business community was told that we hoped the awards would "inspire others, give encouragement and demon-strate that flair and initiative bring results". The 2009 awards hold true to that founding spirit.

Former Group Lotus chief executive Mike Kimberley was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the East Anglian economy - a man who has inspired a generation of business managers and engineers as well as guiding Lotus back to profit and the launch of the acclaimed new Evora.

But no one can doubt it has been a testing year for business.

But when others have looked to cut corners as well as costs, there are businesses that have put a new emphasis on looking after staff and looking after customers.

There are businesses that have adhered to their environmental principles and their commitment to the civic good.

And there is one business that stands above the rest, the Barclays Commercial Business of the Year: Pine Solutions.

The UK's fastest-growing online furniture retailer has seen double-digit sales growth in the last 12 months - defying the conventional wisdom that the home furnishing industry would suffer because of the property downturn.

The firm is carbon neutral and its commitment to the environment was shown by a carbon offsetting scheme - where customers are invited to contribute 50p per order to a reforestation scheme.

With more than 26,000 customers across the country, Pine Solutions also showed a deep understanding of who its clients were and what motivated them to buy.

Director Kevin Johnson said: "Winning the award was fantastic - a genuine surprise on the night.

"The night itself was a very well-run event and I was impressed by the calibre of the businesses that were up for the awards, which surprised us all the more.

"What it really means for the business is that it's a positive reflection of how hard everyone has worked to get Pine Solutions to where it is as a business today. The team works tirelessly to make the website fantastic and make sure the customer experience is one that makes them want to come back and recommend us to friends.

"Everyone in the business has been really pleased and extremely fired up and proud of their efforts. Really, I was just the person who was nomina-ted to go up and collect the award and everyone else won the trophy - it was a massive team effort."

Business editor Paul Hill said: "Recession can be the mother of invention - and the best have innovated, found new revenue and new markets.

"Pine Solutions certainly impress-ed with its rapid growth, but it's also an all-round star performer with a deep understanding of its customers and a deep commitment to the environment.

"It's the standard-bearer for a new type of entrepreneurial e-business in East Anglia.

"But congratulations to all of our winners. The strength and depth of our winners and finalists in 2009 gives hope for the future, despite the grey clouds."

For a slideshow of what happened on the night - and to listen to Kevin Johnson's reaction to Pine Solution's award, follow this link: