The short listed companies for this category included Stage Technologies, Reynolds Geo-Sciences Ltd, Blue Chip Feed Ltd and Nucoda. Despite this stiff competition, the judges - including Trade Partners UK and Emma Crosby from CNBC - voted Stage Technologies the clear winner, with their international approach and implementation of trading practices being hailed as 'outstanding'.
Stage Technologies was founded in 1994 by Mark Ager and John Hastie in order to develop and supply automation systems to theatres and entertainment venues worldwide. Initially, the company was known only within the very limited UK theatre production market to whom it rented bespoke, engineering solutions: these venues then provided potential new clients with a demonstration of the company's expertise at sites in the heart of London's theatreland. The spectacular and dramatic scenic effects that have been integral to the success of major musicals such as Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang would not have been possible without an automation system and these shows significantly raised the company's profile. Now, only eight years later, Stage Technologies is a leading provider of automation solutions for theatre venues and concert productions in countries from Iceland to Australia.Stage Technologies commercial director Nikki Scott commented: "Winning the Orange business awards is a just tribute to the dedication and passion of everyone at Stage Technologies that has helped this company to become the truly global player that we are today."
(Lee Baldock)
