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Dr El-Solh ... backing SMEs.

Gulf Capital reveals shortlist for SME Awards

DUBAI, August 23, 2015

Gulf Capital, a leading alternative asset manager, has announced the finalists for the 2015 Gulf Capital SME Awards, with 56 companies competing in 11 categories.

This year’s finalists posted a combined total turnover of Dh1.27 billion ($345 million) in the last year, according to programme organiser Meed.

The shortlisted SMEs come from various business sectors with Services, F&B and Consultancy making up the top three, where 35 per cent of the finalists operate. Other sectors represented include retail, health & beauty, technology, leisure, recreation & travel, among others.

Seven finalists will compete for the highly coveted Gulf Capital Business of the Year award, which include Nimai Management Consultants, Adventure HQ, ASIS Boats, MERIT for Management and Economic Consulting, The Box Self Storage, Mr. Draper and Souqalmal.com.

“The SME sector has been a strong contributor to the UAE’s economy, accounting for almost 60 per cent of the country’s GDP; and a key provider of thousands of employment opportunities,” said Dr Karim El-Solh, chief executive officer, Gulf Capital, headline sponsor of the annual Gulf Capital SME Awards.

“We are delighted to see an average sales growth of 36 per cent amongst this year’s award finalists, so honouring outstanding performance in SMEs as well as the ambitious entrepreneurs behind them is a fitting recognition of their significant role in the continuing development of the Emirates. We are delighted that more finalists have been shortlisted this year, and hope to see existing SME owners continue to seek excellence as well as witness inspiring new entrepreneurs taking that bold step towards launching their dream venture.”

A total of 13 SMEs are competing in the MasterCard Small Business of the Year category, which recorded the biggest jump in number of finalists, up from seven last year. The Business Leader of the Year category likewise recorded an increase in number of finalists with a total 10, from seven in 2014.

Competition is also expected to be tough in the Business Innovation of the Year category, where 10 SMEs are competing for the top prize.

The RSA Customer Focus of the Year Award will be given to the SME which has proven to have excelled in the field of customer service. SMEs which have created a positive working environment and invested in developing its people will also be celebrated in the DHL People and Culture of the Year category.

Each year, the awards programme organised by MEED also recognises outstanding Emirati owned businesses, in support of the UAE government’s development of the SME sector in the country.

Among newly started businesses, five companies have been selected as finalists in the Start-up Business of the Year category.

Web-based ventures will also be recognised with the Online Business of the Year award.

Small businesses which have shown evidence of how they have positively impacted the society and the environment have also been shortlisted for the Sustainable Business of the Year award.

The Gulf Capital SME Awards have become highly sought-after in the SME community, given their very robust judging process for evaluating success, innovation and growth.

The shortlisted SMEs will then undergo another round of evaluation by the awards programme’s judging panel. The final set of winners will be announced on October 28 at the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai, UAE. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Meed | Gulf Capital |

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