NORTH WEST'S BEST NEIGHBOUR IS ANNOUNCED

MR and Mrs Tony and Jane Simm of Aigburth, Liverpool have today been announced the North West regional winner of the Kleeneze Award for Britain's Best Neighbour. The award aims to recognise people who help make our community a more caring and neighbourly place to live. 

The Simms' were nominated by their neighbour, Naseem Anwar, who said:- "Jane and Tony are exceptional people who have extended their friendship and caring towards us by doing lots of neighbourly things. 

"They are more than neighbours and are considered almost family by us! Our friendship is a timely reminder that friendships can go beyond the obvious differences of ethnicity and religious heritage. Irrespective of whether the Simms' receive any formal recognition or award, for us they are real winners." 

Kim Rawson, Deputy Managing Director of Kleeneze and chairman of the judging panel said:- "The sheer number of entries shows that community spirit is very much alive in the North West and is a great endorsement for British communities in general. Picking just one winner was difficult, but Jane and Tony's unselfish deeds and sense of neighbourliness finally won through." 

The Simms' have now been short listed for the national award of Britain's Best Neighbour 2004 with a chance to win a holiday of a lifetime worth £5,000. The national winner will be at a special award ceremony at the House of Commons. 

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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS MOTIVATED BRITISH WORKFORCE AND OPTIMISM FOR THE FUTURE

NEW research from AXA, the provider of insurance products and services to over 400,000 SMEs, revealed that over half of the British workforce is optimistic about the future prospects of the industries they work in. 

Of those working in the manufacturing, retail and professional service industries 80% find their jobs fulfilling. In part, this is explained by the fact that 75% describe their sectors as dynamic and only 15% say that customer service levels are poor.

However, AXA's research suggests that despite this level optimism, there are differences between the major industries. For example, people working in the professional services sector appear to be the most upbeat. Nearly six out of ten are optimistic about the industry's future and 86% are fulfilled by their work. 

Mike Butler, risk control strategy manager, AXA said:- "The majority of the UK workforce clearly seems to be feeling upbeat about their work and also about what the future might bring to their sectors. This is perhaps not surprising given the large number of employers in the UK who offer competitive and attractive products and services."

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:- "These figures are very positive and reflect the fact that the UK has a dynamic economy that allows individuals to flourish. Smaller businesses play a very positive role by placing particular emphasis on the value of teamwork, which serves to further the general morale of workers.

Employers must continually seek to enhance their management of employees, who need access to adult learning and training that equips them with the right skills to increase the UK's prosperity".