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The inaugural event hosted by YourBusiness took place on the 20th October at the Park Hyatt to a gathering that included companies each with a vested interest in the GCC region, and in the growth of the small business market in particular.
The judging panel included Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid (Al Maktoum Foundation), Visa, HP, Etisalat, HSBC, Emirates NBD, Citibank, YourBusiness advisory board and business consultants.
The breakfast followed by awards ceremony, was sponsored by Visa; the Platinum sponsor who contributed to the elevated mood by arranging for a solid silver ingot to be waiting for us. Sadly, only chocolate and not to be exchanged for hard currency, the gift was joined by a plethora of other goodies donated by delegates, adding a sweet touch to the events advertising portent.
A thoughtfully allocated table plan ensured ample opportunity to swap ideas and exchange perspectives on the issues of the day- helped also by the speeches- delivered by officials and leaders from key business areas. Photographers posted at key points on the floor ensured that few photo opportunities were missed and the publicity machine was able to work its desired magic.
Why now?
YourBusiness now hitting its first birthday it was decided that something bigger was needed to encompass the magazines core values. Recognition of the huge contribution (roughly 70 % and growing) that sme's make to the GDP of the UAE here was thought to be long overdue. Hosted by the Editor-in-Chief Zoya Malik, the day was a vibrant opportunity to showcase the Mena regions best sme's, their products and the activities that go into making them.
In each award there were three tiers: An overall winner, a winner, and a highly commended. The awards included The Fastest Growing SME in the GCC sponsored by Emirates NBD. For this award the National Occupational Safety & Health Centre (OSHO CENTRE) had to have a turnover of below 20m AED per annum and to have demonstrated the most growth over a three year period. Best Use of Technology by SME sponsored by Etisalat, was awarded to Spectrum FZ LLC (Network training, design and implementation of enterprise network security, Strategic Consulting etc.).
Best Young Entrepreneur in the GCC sponsored by Hamriyah Free Zone, was awarded to Lammtara FZ LLC for being under 30 years of age and having developed a business from start-up that was no more than 1 year old. The entrepeneur was Mohammed Saeed Harib who is involved in Animation and Intellectual Property Licensing. You may have heard his name in connection with FREEJ, shown on the children's network here. The award for
Best Female Entrepeneur in the GCC, sponsored by FORSA, went to Geelato Trading. They developed their retail business in the tailoring and selling of Abayas and Shailas from start up in in the region (business must have been running for at least one year to make them a nominee).
Best Franchised SME in the GCC sponsored by DHL was based on a recognized franchise model either from or outside the region and was awarded to Zohoor Al Reef Ltd, involved in the retail of body and skin care products. The overall winner award went to Content Syndicate: Words on Demand.
Industry/Sector: Media/Publishing/Content services/Internet Products/Services: Content services USP: Delivering customised content to publishers, agencies and corporates in more than 200 languages.
