Wet Fish Trading wins the 2006 Lloyds TSB Small Business of the Year Award

Founders of Wet Fish, Mark and Jackie Allen received the award at a gala breakfast held at the Godolphin ballroom this morning for their extraordinary success after just 18 months of operating in the UAE.

Wet Fish imports top quality fresh fish and seafood for the catering industry. Through dedication, hard work and an obvious passion for their business they have won 25 five star hotels as clients as well as a top local airline.

The Lloyds TSB Small Business of the Year Awards 2006 was the inaugural ceremony specifically aimed at putting the spot light onto the most entrepreneurial small businesses who contribute so much to our society, our economy and daily life in the Emirates. An exhibition of all short listed businesses and a networking breakfast followed the ceremony which was broadcast live on Dubai Eye 103.8 and hosted by Business Breakfast star, Richard Dean.

Giles Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of Lloyds TSB Group Middle East, commented:

"We congratulate all winners for their pioneering spirit and their contribution to the local economy. It was an exciting experience to get to know their entrepreneurial personalities and business achievements during the judging process. Lloyds TSB is very proud to be supporting the small business community in this way and I am delighted that we could present the first Lloyds TSB Small Business of the Year Award to a proven winner."

Real estate agency MacCorporation won the 'Business Breakfast Advertising Impact Award'. Its founder and owner Ray Hogan has successfully positioned his business against the big players of the competition and provides his customers with accurate visual images of their future homes.

The 'Allied Pickfords Corporate Social Responsibility Award' goes to Bluesail. Greg Boyle set-up the sailing company, and now also trains blind people how to sail and tirelessly dedicates himself to keeping Dubai's waters clean. CSR is incorporated into Bluesail's vision and has become an essential criteria for managing the business.

Advertising agency D-SEVEN received the 'AXA Inspirational Leadership Award'. Promising female UAE national Nayla Al Khaja founded D-SEVEN and against all obstacles has managed to successfully follow her inspiring ideas and launch her advertising agency.

Diversified firm Kitsch 22 won the 'Links Entrepreneurial Start-up Award', the category which more than half of the applications where aspiring for. Shahryar Sheibani and Shehab Hamad have established two brands, Kitsch 22 and 9714, the IBO nightclub, opened alternative fashion boutiques and an advertising agency in just 3 years.

Harlequin Marquees and Event Services received the 'i-mate Outstanding Customer Service Award'. Carmen Clews and Charles Wright demonstrated to the judges that they go the extra mile for customers in all aspects of event management, far beyond just setting up tents for them.

Cunningham added,

"We would like to thank all the sponsors for their support and also their dedication and expertise throughout the judging process. We all see it as our responsibility to recognise these outstanding entrepreneurs".

Launched on 30th July 2006, the annual Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards were established to identify, recognise and reward the most entrepreneurial small businesses who have made outstanding contributions to the UAE's success, economy and development.

Applications for the awards were accepted until 14th September from all small businesses based in the UAE with up to 50 employees and less than AED25 million revenue. Applicants were not required to be customers of Lloyds TSB Dubai and could apply online. Awardees were selected by an independent panel of judges.