College celebrates national business excellence award

Bishop Burton College, near Beverley, was one of three organisations to win a 2011 UK Excellence Award, along with St Annes Primary School in Derry, Northern Ireland, and the Manchester-based Siemens Industry Automation and Drive Technologies.

The awards, given by the British Quality Foundation (BQF), were made at a ceremony in London hosted by broadcaster and journalist Louise Minchin and attended by foundation patron Princess Anne – who opened a £3m indoor equine arena and other facilities at the college three years ago.

College principal Jeanette Dawson said: “The whole process (of entering the awards scheme) has invigorated us and created a genuine buzz about the place.

“At Bishop Burton we strive to make a real difference in the lives of our students and to deliver an excellent experience to our customers. We pride ourselves on our core values and the behaviours these require us all to demonstrate.

“The EFQM Excellence Model offers a workable frame on which you can pin sound business theories, efficient processes and coherent values.”

Joe Goasdou, chief executive of the BQF, said: “Winning the UK Excellence Award is a fantastic achievement for any organisation.

“By demonstrating exceptional organisational excellence, Bishop Burton College has joined the elite club of UK Excellence Award winners. A great performance.”