To celebrate 30 years of the awards, businesses that had previously won were invited to re-enter. Renishaw won Business of the Year in 1996 and has experienced great growth and success since. Ten companies were shortlisted in the category for this 30th celebration, with Renishaw taking the top prize on the night. The company was judged on all aspects of business, including innovation, human resources, community, training, contribution to the region and finance.
Picture: Renishaw CEO Will Lee (left); Sir David McMurtry, executive chairman (second from left)
Renishaw’s co-founder, Sir David McMurtry (picture, second from left), was also named West CEO of the Year. In 1972, McMurtry invented a measuring device, the touch-trigger probe, upon which Renishaw was founded. Under his guidance, Renishaw has become a FTSE 250-listed company, a leader in industrial measurement and a business at the cutting edge of several disruptive technologies, including additive manufacturing.
“Renishaw has gone from strength to strength as a result of investing for the long term in people and innovation,” explained Chris Pockett, head of communications at Renishaw. “The company puts around 15% of annual turnover back into research and development, fosters a culture of innovation and is passionate about treating employees well. Renishaw is honoured to be named Winner of Winners at the 30th and final year of the awards.
“The top CEO Award for Sir David McMurtry is extremely gratifying. This is a fantastic recognition of his achievements over the last 30 years. The West of England boasts a huge number of fantastic businesses and business leaders, so it is quite some recognition to be named best of the best at the 30th anniversary celebration.”
McMurtry held the position of CEO until February 2018, before becoming executive chairman. Will Lee (picture, left), who has worked for Renishaw for over 20 years, became the company’s new CEO.
