The Vice-Chancellor's Enterprise Awards 2009

NHS South West has been named the best employer in the region at the University of Plymouth's inaugural Vice-Chancellor's Enterprise Awards. They saw off strong competition from Plymouth City Council, Devon County Council and PricewaterhouseCoopers to secure the headline award at the gala event staged on the city's historic Hoe. Crumb Rubber Ltd took the honours in the Outstanding New Business Award for Plymouth category, while Bude-based furniture design and manufacturing company Zoeftig & Co Ltd was named Knowledge Transfer Partnership of the year. The value of work-placements was also recognised as Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises triumphed in an extremely competitive - Placement Provider of the Year vote. Around 300 people attended the prestigious black tie event, which was also a celebration of enterprise within the University. In total, 16 awards and several other commendations were given, covering categories such as Community Engagement, Student Placements and International Engagement. Linda Gilroy, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton, was on hand to present the Enterprise Award, while Vivien Pengelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, presented the Employability Award.