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Winners of the 2021 BETA Awards Announced
The winners of the 2021 BETA Business Awards were announced during a virtual presentation ceremony on Thursday , 11 March . Members of the equestrian world gathered to watch as companies and individuals were recognised and rewarded for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the equestrian industry . This year ’ s winners are :
BETA EXPORT AWARD Winner : Science Supplements – Hartwell , Northamptonshire This award is open to companies of all sizes that have shown substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a three-year period . The judges said : “ The winner impressed with its ability to customise its export strategy to suit the market ’ s individual needs .”
WEATHERBEETA GROUP RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Winner : Jasmin Khan – Cork Farm Equestrian , Ashford , Kent This award celebrates an employee who has shown excellent customer service , great product knowledge and a passion for professional retailing . The judges said : “ The winner is enthusiastic and dedicated and has a clear business head and a real focus about her work .”
TSM MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS AWARD Winner : The Saddle Bank – Peterborough , Cambridgeshire Highly commended : Horslyx / Caltech In its second year , this award sets the benchmark of excellence for effective communications . Entrants have continued to show the increased value they have created for their brands . The judges said : “ The Saddle Bank showed what a targeted strategy , despite little budget , could do to achieve its goals . It made great use of Facebook ads , and search engine optimisation really works for it in terms of website traffic and – most importantly – sales .”
CITATION TRADE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR Winner : Battles – Lincoln Runnerup : Perry Equestrian – Cradley Heath , Staffordshire This award , returning after a year ’ s break , is presented to the manufacturer , wholesaler , or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery , customer service , product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements . The judges said : “ Battles provided consistent and steadfast support to its customers through difficult times . It continuously offered excellent delivery and customer service and was there for customers when needed .”
STUBBS ENGLAND NUTRITIONAL HELPLINE OF THE YEAR Winner : TopSpec Equine – Thirsk , North Yorkshire Runner-up : Baileys Horse Feeds – Braintree , Essex This award recognises the important role that reliable and accessible nutritional advice plays in helping consumers choose appropriate feeds for their horses and ponies . The judges said : “ TopSpec has won this award for an incredible 12th time by consistently showing professionalism , expertise and a caring attitude towards callers . It follows up enquiries and provides clear links to stockists .”
SEIB RETAILER OF THE YEAR An award for tack shops and feed merchants that is divided into two categories . Equestrian Retail Store Winner : 1st Choice Horse Supplies – Larkhall , South Lanarkshire Runner-up : RB Equestrian – Milton Keynes , Buckinghamshire Highly commended : Barnyard Pet & Equestrian Supplies – Northwich , Cheshire The judges said : “ This was an incredibly close competition , but what shone through with all the finalists was customer service , expertise and a desire to maintain an excellent shopping experience while keeping staff and customers safe . 1st Choice Horse Supplies was outstanding . It excelled in offering empathetic service and a caring and considerate approach , and had a real interest in the needs of customers .”
ONLINE / MAIL ORDER RETAILER Winner : RB Equestrian – Milton Keynes , Buckinghamshire Runner-up : Redpost Equestrian – Totnes , Devon The judges said : “ Both winner and runnerup showed exemplary customer service , with clear , easy-to-navigate websites and telephone back-up that was second to none . With knowledgeable staff and a wealth of information available online , RB Equestrian just pipped Redpost to the post .”
BETA executive director Claire Williams said : Congratulations to all our winners – everyone did so incredibly well against such strong competition . The past year ’ s combination of coronavirus and our departure from the single market has probably brought us more personal and professional challenges than we have ever faced before .
“ I am delighted , therefore , that the virtual awards – the 18th BETA Business Awards – allowed us to celebrate members of our industry who have so bravely risen above the trials of the past 12 months . They should all be justifiably proud of their efforts . I would also like to extend my thanks to all our sponsors , without whom the awards would not be possible .”
* The Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year and the Equestrian Event of the Year supported by Henson Franklyn awards were held over until 2022 . The BETA Lifetime Achievement Award has been postponed until BETA International in September .
10 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : APRIL 2021