Scottish Thistle Awards 2001 - Information Technology Initiative

Winner - The Big Idea
The Big Idea Inventor Centre at Irvine demonstrates very astute use of IT both as a visitor attraction and as a practical method of monitoring visitors and gathering customer information. The flair and innovation in the ''iButton'' concept provides the visitor with a personal device that brings exhibits to life, and provides the Centre with useful statistics and market information. The Centre has not been afraid to use new and untried IT concepts, and their in-house team deserves credit for not being put off by earlier set-backs and continually developing the concept and information management.

Finalist - 5pm.co.uk
This entry is a Scottish ''dotcom'' company that has established itself as successful when so many others have faltered. Its existence is totally dependent on the clever use of IT and in particular the Web for its success, but the owners have also demonstrated their powerful use of traditional business acumen. Their idea of trading on the late bookings of spare restaurant seats in Glasgow has been brought to fruition by a great deal of hard work and attention to detail. They have planned, researched and tested their project well, and ensured that both the end customer and the business client receive a quality and reliable service. Their performance statistics are impressive and their quality service has enabled them to fend off imitation, and plan expansions. Despite their success, 5pm Limited continue to look for fresh ideas and markets in the use of WAP technology and other areas.

Finalist - The Witchery Group
The project carried out by the Witchery Group demonstrates a new and interesting way to increase restaurant bookings through the use of IT systems. They have managed to introduce the concept of centralised reservation bookings without sacrificing their high quality personalised customer service. Indeed, the use of better information processing has enabled then to provide improved customer service and at the same time increase table bookings across the Group. The entry sets out clear aims and objectives, which have driven the project. There is strong evidence that they have listened to customers and have not shied away from criticism, and kept staff involved throughout the implementation process. The project has been well managed and the Witchery Group deserve the success and increase in earnings that have resulted.

Award Description
This award was open to businesses in the conference, meetings or incentive sector including destinations, Convention Bureaux or Tourist Boards, venues, incentive houses and professional conference organisers, event or destination management companies and suppliers. 

Entrants had to demonstrate success through a marketing initiative, the organisation or promotion of an event or product development. The focus could be domestic, national or international. 

Judges were looking for clear objectives, detailed research, creative marketing techniques and rigorous evaluation procedures.