The company says that the principle values of honesty and integrity underpin everything that happens at Chess. Real people always answer the phones, and healthy and honest values are inherent in Chess people. The Business of the Year finalists would have to show enterprise, strong management, well-motivated employees and innovation. The MEN judges were impressed that this radiates from Chess’ feng shui’d head office and sent a film crew to capture scenes from a typical day which was shown at the Gala Dinner.
The judging process for the MEN Business of the Year award spanned a three-month period, during which scores of entrants were whittled down to the final shortlist. Chess presented to the judging panel, which was made up of a high profile selection from the North West Business community, including experts from HSBC, Hammonds, Manchester Evening News and Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
William Hague hosted the Awards dinner, which was held at Manchester’s elegant Midland Hotel and Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a video message to Chess and the finalists, congratulating the businesses on their achievement. The awards are a celebration of excellence in business in the North West and to be named as one of three finalists is solid testimony to Chess’ influence and exclusivity in the telecoms market.
David Pollock said, “I am delighted that Chess is one of three finalists for Manchester Evening News’ Business of the Year, 2005. This is the first time Chess has entered the award and to be shortlisted a great honour in itself. The awards are a showcase of Business excellence in a region in which business talent is flourishing. We are proud to be finalists and are equally determined to win in 2006.”