The Milton Keynes and North Bucks Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Excellence Awards last night saw Milton Keynes Theatre awarded 3 awards, the Business Excellence Award for Customer Service, Overall Winner of the Business Excellence Awards and Chamber of Commerce South East’s Regional Award for Excellence in Customer Services.  The theatre came highly recommended in a further 2 categories for Business Supporting the Local Community and Business of the Year. The Theatre now goes through to compete for the national crown at this year’s British Chambers of Commerce Awards in London.

Judges awarded both the Local and Regional Customer Service Award to Milton Keynes Theatre for success through a commitment to consistently high standards of service saying that the theatre had demonstrated ”a commitment to international standards of excellence in customer service incorporated throughout the business day to day with a dedication to a culture of continuous improvement“

John Dunsmure, Managing Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said “Despite the difficult economic climate, businesses across the country are continuing to succeed, overcoming obstacles by adopting innovative ideas and motivating their people. This company is a great example of the very best of UK business and I wish the team at MKT success in the national finals.”

The theatre was also recognised as Overall Winner of the Business Excellence Awards as the most outstanding award finalists in what The Chamber of Commerce described as “a truly impressive assortment of businesses” 

Elizabeth Adlington Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Theatre said “It is absolutely wonderful to be recognised in the Milton Keynes Business community for our outstanding Customer Service and as Overall Winner against some very strong competition.  The theatre and its staff have worked hard and will continue to work hard to provide the best possible levels of customer service to our customers, who we actively encourage to provide us with feedback on all aspects of their experience. In the week that the theatre celebrates its 10th birthday we could not think of a better birthday present and are looking forward to representing the Milton Keynes Business Community on a national level”

The theatre also came highly commended as Business of the Year for which judges said “The success of MKT is shown through its attention to developing staff and involving them from their very first day of employment.  As the theatre has grown, so has their programme to improve and monitor the customer experience again through staff involvement and training.  Their commitment to community projects is also evident”  This involvement in the community projects received further recognition as the theatre were highly commended in the Business Supporting the Local Community Award receiving judges comments on their “very clear aims and purpose supported by a strategy excellently defined.  Making a relevant contribution at local and regional level.