A company specialising in high technology vacuum and abatement equipment has been named as one of the most innovative businesses in the country. Edwards, based in West Sussex has been shortlisted for the coveted Orange Innovation Award, in the 10th annual National Business Awards.
As a global leader - Edwards has innovated to deliver a market leading product and has been recognised for the high technology vacuums' positive environmental impact. With over 20,000 customers worldwide the company employs around 3,000 people in Crawley and has just reached a turnover of £641m million - a 73% increase on the previous 12 months.
The Orange Innovation Award recognises businesses that have gone beyond the ordinary in their development and implemented cutting edge innovation in terms of products, services or company culture. Edwards will now prepare to make its presentation in person before an independent, expert judging panel in October before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony in November.
Matthew Taylor, CEO, Edwards said: "As a global leader and innovator in vacuum, Edwards is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Orange Innovation Award. We provide the technology which enables the manufacture of semiconductor chips and displays that are in almost everything from washing machines to iPads. Our own innovative advances in vacuum technology not only make our customers processes more effective and cost-efficient, but they also protect the environment through abatement technology and as an integral part of solar panels and LED lights. Vacuum is a little understood but vital enabler in industries across the world and we are proud to be a British company that leads the world in this field."
In total, over 152 of Britain's top public and private sector businesses have been announced as finalists across all categories in the National Business Awards, in partnership with Orange.
Announcing the Orange Innovation finalists, Martin Stiven, Vice President of Business at Orange, part of Everything Everywhere, said: "Orange believes that innovation is central to all business growth and we support businesses to achieve this goal. If the UK is to regain its role as a world leader of innovation, we firmly believe that British companies must embrace a new way of thinking and invest time and resource into doing this. This year's finalists demonstrate exceptional innovation and are a testament to pioneering UK business."
Sherry Coutu, Investment Committee, NESTA, who sat on this year's National Business Awards shorlisting panel, said: "Edwards Vacuum has distinguished itself in its sector by going further for customers, investing in cutting edge products and innovative processes with a positive environmental impact."