Ask anyone what the most important thing is for any business, no matter what its size, and most will say ’our customers’.

Keep your customers happy and your business will thrive.

Last year Manx Gas demonstrated a remarkable commitment to its customers that saw it win the Award for Providing Excellent Customer Service at Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.

This was the result of several years’ work starting in 2017 when Manx Gas shifted its primary focus from the engineering and technical side towards developing a new culture which prioritized the customer and provided great customer service.

There was also increased support for its most vulnerable customers.

Through the implementation of cutting-edge technology, incorporating a customer engagement system, continuing training of staff and the provision of incentives, the company achieved a remarkable improvement in its customer service over the next two years.

A spokesperson for the company said: ’Manx Gas was delighted to receive this award. The award recognised our continued commitment to providing excellent customer service to all of our customers, especially the more vulnerable members of our community, rewarding the hard work of our team with positive publicity and a sense of pride.

’The year 2020 brought many challenges and meant that face-to-face contact with customers was no longer an option but our staff were incredibly motivated, working from home to continue to deliver excellent customer service in new and innovative ways.

’The award has been hugely beneficial to our business and endorses Manx Gas’s commitment to technology, customer engagement and training. We would firmly recommend that other island businesses submit an application.’

Could you be a winner this year?

There are many new categories to enter, offering lots of opportunity for businesses of all sizes, individuals, charitable and cultural organisations and public sector teams.

As well as the Award for Providing Excellent Customer, there are awards aimed at local food producers and those who work protect our environment.

There is even the Award for Doing the Impossible During the Pandemic, which will strike a chord with many local businesses, key workers and public sector teams.

You can find a full list of categories and entry forms to download at http://www.excellence-awards.im/.

Entries close on Friday, January 15, 2021.