MIKE Dearlove was delighted to win the Business Person of the Year award for 2005 but being named Employer of the Year was, simply, the business. And it isn t the first time he has taken to the podium to receive this accolade – EACS won the same award in

Managing director and co-founder of EACS, Mike Dearlove, makes a return to The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards page. This week he tells Lisa Hanlon why the Employer of the Year award is so important to him.

MIKE Dearlove was delighted to win the Business Person of the Year award for 2005 but being named Employer of the Year was, simply, the business. And it isn't the first time he has taken to the podium to receive this accolade - EACS won the same award in 2004.

"I really do value winning Employer of the Year once again. It allows EACS to attract a certain calibre of person to work with us. We pride ourselves as a people-focused company and treat people who work here as we would like to be treated ourselves.

"Winning this award really does mean something to customers and staff. It is a valuable accolade. It really was something to win Business Person but, for me, Employer of the Year is the really important one."

EACS, which works in partnership with customers to make sure that they get the most for their business from its IT systems, processes and skills, is based in Kimbolton and has 50 employees.

"On the strength of this award we have people writing to ask to work with us. People see we are an award-winning company and that attracts them. Ours is a fast-paced industry with a high staff turnover but we manage to be very consistent with our employees."

Mr Dearlove thinks it is important to improve facilities for employees and the company has plans to continue their efforts.

"We hope, in the longer term, to build a new building and a gym. We already provide a PlayStation to use at lunch time and there is an internet area and we create opportunities for staff to grow their careers. We strive to work as a team.

"Many companies in our field have a divide between technical and sales staff but we encourage everyone to play a part and to have their say. These forums are important and bring in new techniques."

Winning these awards does not mean that Mr Dearlove is taking time off - he is a judge for 2006 which he thinks will be very interesting.

"Entering and winning these awards has definitely brought something to our business. It is good for staff and good for our profile."

INFORMATION: EACS is at 1-3 Harvard Way, Kimbolton, PE28 ONJ. Contact: 01480 861010 and see www.eacs.com.