Member Article

Bailie Group scoops national innovation accolade at FBU Awards

Leeds-based Bailie Group, a family-owned group of agencies and consultancies with a purpose to invest in people and ideas that make a positive difference, has been recognised for its enduring commitment to innovation at the Family Business United Awards.

Scooping the coveted ‘Innovation Family Business of the Year’ title, the Group was commended for its unrivalled focus on nurturing originality — having ringfenced an annual sum of £500,000 to support pioneering ideas proposed and developed by its own team.

A further half-a-million pounds will be dedicated to a ‘Dragon’s Den style’ programme, which will see the business invest in external companies responsible for the emergence of socially responsible technologies or enterprises.

Speaking of the firm’s commitment to innovation, Fergus Bailie, CEO of Bailie Group, said: “As a Group, innovation is incredibly important to us. It’s an element that underpins our entire business ethos to invest in people and ideas that make a positive difference in society.

“It’s not just something we talk about, but an area in which we invest heavily. So, to have been recognised for our efforts, by an organisation that is passionate about the importance that family businesses play globally, is a great honour.”

In line with the Group’s approach, the event itself was a true family occasion, with colleagues and their loved ones joining from far and wide.

Bailie continued: “The event was held online, so it was particularly special to see people across the group settling down to enjoy the occasion with their own families — who all shared in our pride at the result.

“Not only was it a celebration of a job well done for the team, but also an opportunity for family members of all ages to be inspired and proud of the part that each of our colleagues plays in the Group’s collective success.”

Bailie Group’s innovative and values led approach has seen the business continue to secure contracts with high-profile organisations including UK central government departments, local authorities, National Rail, Transport for London, the Met Police, and BAE Systems Ltd.

Assignments completed by Bailie Group brands include:

• Delivery of a Single Online Home for all UK police services – the most significant change to UK policing since the 999 roll out in 1976. 60% of UK citizens now have access to this digital crime reporting platform.

• Helping to train the military to be the best they can be, having digitalised academic learning for the British Army and progressing 3,260 soldiers through formal qualifications in 12 months.

• Building National Rail Enquiries journey planner, which received 4 million daily page visits with 99.99% availability.

• Developing a case management system for Social Work England. Containing 32 million data entries from day one, this tool is now used by over 96,000 social workers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .