Accountancy Age Awards: why the winners won
Congratulations to all the winners of last night's Accountancy Age Awards. KPMG picked up five gongs (including Global Firm of the Year), Alex Horne won one for his work at Wembley, and Ian Dyson, finance director of Marks & Spencer's hugely impressive finance director won the coveted Blue Chip FD of the Year Award. I won't list all 27 winners (though you can see them here) but there were a couple of interesting victors in the Best Use of Internet categories, which deserve attention.
Goodman Jones won the practice award for the second year in succession. I've written before about the firm's site and it continues to impress. Of the site, the judges said: 'Professional, well-designed website with great functionality. The combination of the SME Blog, secure online meeting services and podcasts are impressive. Good use of technology. A well-structured site that is easy to navigate. The screens look really good and there are good, clear visuals. The blog and online meetings are excellent features.'
In the business category Validis picked up the award. The equivalent of an electronic auditor, Validis uses artificial intelligence technology to pull out discrepancies and errors in small business accountants. The judges said: ‘This technology could change the way businesses operate. The use of the internet to deliver the product and the flexible approach is very inventive.'
Well done to everyone.
Needless to say it's quite quiet in the office this morning......
Hi Damian
Many thanks for another great night. We're delighted at GJ to have picked up an award again.
The internet is going through another great change. The young professionals of today, who are familiar with FaceBook, have different expectations. Technology and media organisations, such as Accountancy Age, are leading the way as the internet evolves. However. the challenge is for all practices to adapt in the 21st century and find new ways to engage, service and connect with their clients.
Philip
Posted by Philip Woodgate | November 15, 2007 7:22 PM
Philip
Glad you enjoyed it. It was a very well deserved award. I agree with you about the challenges firms are facing. I only hope more get to grips with those challenges swiftly.
Damian
Posted by Damian Wild | November 19, 2007 1:24 PM
I was in Arizona when David Terrar Twittered about winning the award. I blogged it within minutes having called Philip to offer congratulations. It's not just the site - it's the smart people behind it that make it what it is. GJ provides a glimpse of the future. They're a great client and one with which I am proud to be associated.
Posted by Dennis Howlett | November 20, 2007 2:13 AM