National Business Excellence Awards launched at Jeddah Economic Forum

The Awards have been created by the Jeddah Marketing Board to recognize exceptional achievement of individuals and companies which positively influence the Kingdom's economy and society.

The initial industry sectors to be targeted include: industry, health, services, trade, retail, construction, IT and agriculture - and the selection criteria will cover efficiency, nationalisation and creation of jobs, innovation, environmental responsibility, social responsibility and customer satisfaction.

The awards will be further segmented to include large companies with turnover above SR20 million - and small and medium sized enterprises with sales less than SR20,000. There will also be separate awards for Businessman of the Year and Business Woman of the Year to recognise outstanding entrepreneurism and initiative amongst today's top Saudi business leaders.

Nominations for the Awards will start following the conclusion of the 2003 Jeddah Economic Forum and the judging panel will consist of: Chairmen from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province; the Chairman of the Jeddah Economic Forum; Profession John Quelch, Senior Associate Dean, Harvard School of Business; the President of King Abdulaziz University; and the Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce.

More judging members may be added in future and the winners of the 2004 Awards will be announced in a year's time, at the 2004 Jeddah Economic Forum.

"The point of these awards is to recognise special commitment and achievement in these vital sectors in the Kingdom's economy, and by so doing to help stimulate good business practice," highlights Amr Dabbagh, Chairman of Jeddah Marketing Board.

"Although independent financial criteria will play a part in deciding the winners," he added. "The judges will also seek to recognise flair, individualism, originality and the creation of employment. This means the smallest as well as the largest organisations could win.

The Jeddah Economic Forum continues to go from strength to strength. Having started in 2000, the event is increasingly recognised as the leading international event of this kind in the region.

"The Jeddah Economic Forum has set the tone and standard for debate in the GCC and beyond, and this year's event marks the continued development and progression of the forum," he said. "The inclusion of a women's day proved a tremendous success and highlighted the importance of women's views in the region and brought their concerns to a much wider audience.
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Last year's Jeddah Economic Forum debated matters in the wake of the September 11 attacks upon the United States and was addressed by former US President Bill Clinton and one of the world's wealthiest entrepreneurs HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. This year's event is the 4th Jeddah Economic Forum to date.