The Bermudian magazine is always proud to not only support local businesses that excel in their areas of expertise but also to celebrate them every year in our annual Product & Service Awards. In this, our 12th year, we acknowledge new entrepreneurs (like Bermuda Aerial Media) and long-time Bermuda businesses (like Partner Re) with equal aplomb. Several winners have dominated their categories for some time now (like A.F. Smith, Redlaser and Abacus) and others raised their game over the last year and garnered the attention of our judges for the first time (like graphic designer Stephan Johnstone and interior designer Darcy Robertson).
As always our judges gave of their significant time, energy and expertise to research and poll in each of these … categories, and for that we are extremely grateful. The Bermudian is proud to acknowledge the following businesses and business people and we hope you support them with equal measure.
Office Supplies
A.F. Smith
From the necessary pens, paper and paper clips to Bluetooth adaptors and connector cables, A.F. Smith has all the office supplies your business needs. With easy online ordering, delivery is promised in a matter of hours, not days, ensuring your presentation will not only be on time but spectacular enough to impress the toughest client. And for all you Apple fans out there, as an authorised reseller, they carry the latest Apple products—like the iPhone 6 and Plus—at some of the best prices on island. 7 Tumkins Lane, Hamilton, 292-1882, www.afsmith.bm
1609
Best Take Out
Taste 141
No time for a leisurely lunch? Our judges recommend the tasty takeout from chefs Stephen McCarthy and John Lema at Taste 141. Their specials are conveniently posted on their Facebook page daily and always include a heart healthy choice as well as delectable entrees like Bermuda lobster salad and braised beef short ribs. Yum! 141 Front Street, Hamilton, 292-0777
Place for Computer Sales
Redlaser
Apple computers to web cameras—memory, motherboard, modems and monitors, oh my! With their extensive selection of computers and related equipment, exemplary customer service, low prices and free delivery
islandwide, Redlaser has once again dominated this category. As one judge stated, “Their service is spectacular; they are always on!” 12 Bakery Lane, Pembroke, 296-6400, www.redlaser.bm
Guest House for the Business Traveller
Royal Palms Hotel
With the aim of making business a pleasure, the Royal Palms Hotel certainly seems to be doing it right! Just a stone’s throw from the city, the boutique hotel features all the amenities business travellers desire: complimentary wireless, high speed internet and printing capabilities, spacious work desk
s, laundry service, phone conference facilities and one of the best restaurants in Hamilton. Their list of recent awards—including Trip Advisor’s 2014 Traveler’s Choice Award for the Best Hotel in the Caribbean—can also attest to the quality service and amenities Royal Palms consistently has to offer. Royal Palms Hotel, 24 Rosemont Avenue, Pembroke, 292-1854, www.royalpalms.bm
Large Hotel for the Business Traveller
Fairmont Hamilton Princess
We would be remiss not to mention the spectacular and newly renovated rooms and suites in the Poinciana wing of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess—a favourite luxury destination of business travellers to Bermuda. Within walking distance of just about every major international business, with stunning views of Hamilton Harbour and some of the finest dining on island, “The Pink Palace” is ideally suited to impress even the biggest of big bosses. 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, 295-3000, www.fairmont.com/hamilton-bermuda
TABS Bermuda Shorts
Best Client Lunch
Barracuda Grill
Local business folk know the best place to seal the deal isn’t in the boardroom—it’s in a booth at Barracuda Grill over their famous three-course monthly business lunch. Maybe it is the atmosphere, the delicious seafood special, the perfect martini mixed by award-winning bartender Ryan Gibbons or a combination of all three that works every time. We are not certain, but we do know for sure that Barracuda Grill does it the best. 5 Burnaby Street, Hamilton, 292-1609, www.barracuda-grill.com
Morning Cup of Joe
Dangelini’s
Conveniently located adjacent to the ferry terminal, Dangelini’s is quickly becoming the first stop for many bleary-eyed businessmen-and-women in need of their morning jolt of joe. With delicious, fresh-brewed coffee and all the decadent treats to start your day off right, it is no wonder Dangelini’s have been racking up the awards lately. They won this category last year and the Best of Bermuda Award for Cup of Java this year. 8 Front Street, Hamilton, 295-5272
Floral Design
Flowers by GiMi
Whether your aim is to surprise your secretary, beautify the lobby, decorate for the annual convention or thank Kim in accounts for saving the company thousands, a bouquet from Flowers by GiMi will get the message across beautifully every time. The multi-award-winning floral design and gift boutique, conveniently located on Front Street, is a hands-down winner (once again!) with our judges. 37 Front Street, HSBC Harbourview Center, Hamilton, 297-4464, www.flowersbygimi.com
Dangelinis
Corporate Gifts
TABS
Is there anything more quintessentially Bermudian than a pair of colourful Bermuda shorts? While international businessmen are often surprised by our national dress code, we are certain they would be honoured with a gift of expertly tailored shorts by TABS (The Authentic Bermuda Shorts). Designed by Rebecca Hanson—a Bermudian in Bermuda—the shorts can be ordered in colours like Elbow Beach Yellow, Coral Beach, Reef Line Blue and Princess Pink assuring that your clients can take a little Bermuda with them when they go home. www.authenticshorts.bm
Best Happy Hour
Port O Call
Forget Fridays—happy hour in “The Lounge” at Port O Call is every weekday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with beer at $5 and selected wines, specialty cocktails and house liquors at a mere $6. Unwind after work with a Spanish Point Sunset, Port and Stormy or Raspberry Cheesecake Martini mixed by some of the best bartenders in the business. 87 Front Street, Hamilton, 295-5373, www.portocall.bm
Best Party Venue
Pier 6
A public/private partnership between the Whitfield Group and the Corporation of Hamilton, the new Pier 6 Complex on Front Street has quickly become the go-to venue for all manners of corporate and private events. Catering to up to 1,000 people in the iconic white tent, the space is fully customisable for large corporate conferences, traditional Bermudian weddings and major fund-raising events. City Hall, Ground Floor, 17 Church Street Hamilton, 292-1234 ext. 219, events@cityhall.bm
Barracuda Grill
Best Recreational Activity to Entertain Clients
Golf at Tucker’s Point Resort
What better way to entertain that high-end client (and hopefully seal the deal!) than a day of golf on the gorgeous 18-hole, par 70 Tucker’s Point Golf Course? With dramatic views around every tee, our judges declare it is the epitome of the Bermuda experience and will surely impress even the most difficult clients. 60 Tucker’s Point Dr., Hamilton Parish, 298-6970, www.tuckerspoint.com/club/golf/
Best Corporate Hospitality
World Rugby Classic
Every November a fleet of international players descend on our shores for a week’s worth of exciting rugby action, drawing huge crowds every night. During the annual Classic Week over 6,000 guests are entertained in the popular Hospitality Village with a variety of food and drink at the invitation of local companies like ACE Group, HSBC, Deloitte, Renaissance Reinsurance and many, many more. Wining, dining and watching thrilling rugby action—what’s not to like? 295-6574, www.worldrugby.bm
Best Recreational Outing with Clients
ÜberVida
Well, if golf doesn’t go well, then set sail with your clients on the stunning ÜberVida—a 70-foot long, 25-foot wide custom-built fibre glass catamaran. Take a mini sunset cocktail cruise, champagne brunch or private dinner cruise around Hamilton Harbour on “Bermuda’s Celebration Yacht” and we guarantee your clients will be impressed. Number One Dock, Front Street, Hamilton, 236-2222, www.ubervida.net
Port O Call
Best Company to Work For
PartnerRe
With offices from Amsterdam to Zurich, PartnerRe is a global reinsurance company with a dynamic local office where everyone wants to work! A culture of professionalism, an office with a view and an unwavering support for their employees and the community as a whole makes PartnerRe our judges’ favourite company to work for. (And we also love them back for their annual Women’s 5K Run/Walk!) Wellesley House South, 90 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, 292 0888
Christmas Party Venue
Mad Hatters
With room for 80, invite the whole company to get a little “mad” this Christmas at the always entertaining Mad Hatters restaurant. Beyond the top-rated food and exceptional service, you know you want to see the controller sporting a Mohawk and the boss in a Viking helmet! The pictures will be priceless. 22 Richmond Road, Hamilton, 297-6231, www.madhatters.bm
Large Off-Site Meeting Facility
Suite Solutions
Featuring state-of-the-art training rooms and full meeting support—from set-up, full audio/visual capabilities, a Suite Café with complimentary coffee, tea and water as well as catering available—Suite Solutions is an impressive place to meet clients and host a wide range of business functions. With the added bonus of a complete concierge service that can do everything from booking the caterers to forwarding your deliveries, Suite Solutions gives your business the edge over the competition. New Venture House, 3 Mill Creek Road, Pembroke, 298-0199, www.suitesolutions.bm
Small Off-Site Meeting Facility
Royal Caribbean Room/Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
Need to impress a big client or host a board meeting—and your own office simply won’t do? Our judges recommend the Royal Caribbean Room at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. Designed to represent the interior of a ship’s bridge, this unique round room is outfitted with modular tables and chairs, gorgeous carpeting and discrete lighting. And with Harbourfront at the ready for your catering needs, we promise your next business meeting at BUEI will be anything but ordinary. 40 Crow Lane, Pembroke, 292-7219, www.buei.org
Special Mention: Our judges also felt the need to acknowledge the meeting room available at Charities House on Point Finger Road, Hamilton.
Royal Palms
IT Support
CCS
Since 1982, CCS has been servicing the Bermuda marketplace with the best communications technology products and services—including server and storage solutions, network security, software development, infrastructure cabling, IT consulting and more. Our judges praised their highly skilled IT professionals who can plan, build and deliver the complicated IT service and support that all major local businesses need. Second Floor, 19 Bakery Lane, Pembroke, 294-3400, www.ccs.bm
Architect
Cooper Gardner
Partners Julia Van Beelen and John Gardner rose to the top of our judges’ list this year for many of their recent architectural contributions to the Bermuda landscape—including HSBC Bermuda, Orbis House, Maxwell Roberts Building and, perhaps most notably, the new KEMH HMT renovations and the Intensive Care Unit. Second Floor, 14 Par-la-Ville Road, 292-2521, www.cgarch.bm
Interior Designer
Darcy Robertson, CIG
Design director Darcy Robertson of Commercial Interiors Group is known for his sophisticated and award-winning corporate interior design work for some of Bermuda’s biggest local and international businesses—including Appleby, Aspen, Endurance, MS Frontier and Butterfield Bank, just to name a few. According to our judges, his latest spectacular design of the new home of Endurance at Waterloo House tipped him over the edge of his competitors this year. 1 Lane Hill, Pembroke, 296-5884, www.cig.bm
Special Mention: Our judges also wanted to give kudos to up-and-coming designer Stratton Hatfield who was responsible for the new offices of the Bermuda Business Development Agency in the Maxwell Roberts Building.
Mad Hatters
Employment Agency
Island Employment Partners Limited
Looking to hire a new underwriter, accountant, legal secretary or IT guru? Our judges hailed Stephanie Brown at Island Employment Partners (IEP) as the best recruiter in the business. With her pulse on the ever-changing needs of the Bermuda business community, Stephanie is the go-to person for all your recruitment needs! SE Pearman Building, 2nd Floor, 9 Par-La-Ville Road, Hamilton, 296-0497, www.iep.bm
Special Mention: Our judges agreed that a special mention must be given to jobber.bm. While not a traditional employment agency, jobber.bm has provided lots of opportunities for locals willing to hustle to earn extra cash.
Residential Real Estate
Donna Bennett, Joy Lusher Real Estate Limited
Relocating to Bermuda? Upgrading or downsizing your current rental? Our judges agree that no matter your situation, Donna Bennett of Joy Lusher Real Estate is the one to call. Her intimate knowledge of the market, discrete and professional service and “no-nonsense attitude” makes Bennett our judges’ top choice for the best residential real estate agent. Darrell’s Wharf, 89 Harbour Road, Warwick, 236-5120, www.joylusher.com
Commercial Real Estate
Penny MacIntyre, Rego Sotheby’s International Realty
Keeping up with the ever-changing commercial real estate landscape in Bermuda is a demanding job for any agent and our judges say that Penny MacIntyre of Rego Sotheby’s International Realty is the best in the business. Whether you are selling, renting or leasing your real estate asset, be it office, industrial, retail, hotel or even land, MacIntyre and the team at Rego have the expertise you need. Cavendish House, 2 Cavendish Road, 292-3921
Digicel
Best Catering Company
Island Restaurant Group
Specialising in creating uniquely creative menus and designer bars, the team at Island Restaurant Group (IRG) can cater any size event—from simple boardroom lunches to cocktail parties for 500—spectacularly. When you are looking for memorable (think rotisserie suckling pig or an enormous oyster bar) our judges recommend executive chef Derek Myers, chef de cuisine Ryan Solien and catering manager Magalie Favresse as the best. 295-3648, catering@irg.bm, www.irg.bm/catering.html
Legal Services
Wakefield Quin
For the second year in a row, our judges highly recommended Wakefield Quin for their quality legal services, custom-tailored to the needs of their clients in both small local businesses and large international corporations. With a team of chartered secretaries and corporate administrators in their MQ Services Ltd., Bermuda companies can be assured their ongoing legal requirements will be handled professionally and efficiently. Victoria Place, 31 Victoria Street, Hamilton, 494-4000, www.wq.bm
Accounting Service
Abacus
We know they are counting— and it’s a three-peat for accounting firm Abacus which has swept this category since 2012! From part-time accounting and bookkeeping support to full-on controller services, the Abacus team custom-tailor services for any size business. Owner Megan Nesbitt “is dynamite” according to one of our judges, while another stated how great she is at making the process easy for her clients. We also love her for the time she donates to charity work. 296-2372, www.abacus.bm
Anna Terceira and Stephan Johnstone of SJD World
Courier —International
FedEx
Our judges couldn’t say enough about Mrs. Burt who runs the Burnaby Street office in Hamilton like an “air traffic controller.” Said one judge, “She gets it done and is hilarious,” while others noted her efficiency and detailed knowledge of the business, including the exact flight plan for your package. Great customer service always deserves to be rewarded! Capcar Building, 5 Burnaby Street, Hamilton, 295-3854
Courier—Local
Pepto On The Run Messenger Service
Need those plans to the client from your home office in St. George’s to their executive office in Hamilton within the hour? Or you have an important package arrive at the airport but just can’t leave your desk to pick it up? Gailya Ratteray of Pepto On The Run Messenger Service is the one to call according to our judges. They hailed her fast, efficient and islandwide messenger, delivery and errand service as being the best, hands down. 799-9030, gailya@peptoontherun.com, www.peptoontherun.com
Advertising/Marketing Agency
AAC Saatchi & Saatchi
Whether you are setting up a new business or rebranding an old one, our judges recommend the experience and expertise of AAC. With over 50 years of experience, they have proven over and over to be the agency of choice for Bermuda’s largest companies and events—including the famous Bermuda booth at the annual RIMS conference. As one judge stated, “They are consistently at the highest level.” 29 Front Street, Hamilton, 295-2626, www.aac.bm
Emily Flood, Laura Jackson, Marcus Defilla, and Stephanie Brown of Island Employment Partners Limited
Web Designer
Hugh Murray Mason, Insight Visual Communications
A website is like the online lobby of your business. A great one will always attract the best clients, while a bad one will have them running out the door! To keep them coming in, turn to art director Hugh Murray Mason who has been consistently producing quality websites since setting up his firm Insight Visual Commnications in 2000. Broadway House, 1 Crow Lane, Hamilton, 292-3414, www.insight.bm
Graphic Designer
Stephan Johnstone, SJD World
What started with a scanner and a curiosity for manipulating photos, has turned into a successful full-time freelance graphic design business for Stephan Johnstone of SJD World. Aiming to “take over the world, one pixel at a time,” Johnstone has been steadily growing a name for himself and attracting clients like the Corporation of Hamilton, LOM, BGA, Muse and more. Our judges love his creative energy and quality work. 295-7539, www.SJDworld.com
Corporate Charitable Projects
Hiscox
Since opening the office in Bermuda in 2005, Hiscox have sought to play a positive role in the local community by supporting a wide range of local charities and community activities including the well-known Hiscox 11s Celebrity Cricket Festival designed to celebrate community-based youths cricket and raise funds for the Bermuda Cricket Board National Youth Academy. In 2013 Hiscox partnered with the Bermuda Zoological Society and BREAM to develop Reef Watch- an initiative that empowers citizen scientists to protect Bermuda’s coral reefs. To date they have raised over 45K for coral reef research. Fourth floor, Wessex House, 45 Reid Street, Hamilton, 278 8300, www.hiscox.bm
Connor Burns of Bermuda Aerial Media
Customer Service
Digicel
With business moving at the speed of a vibrating cell, a phone out of order can have a catastrophic impact on your business. To get your baby back up and running (and loaded with the latest time-saving apps, of course) our judges recommend the customer service department at Digicel. Customer care director Jakai Franks—also known as Dr. Data—is always on hand ensuring his customers receive first class service. 500-5000, www.digicelbermuda.com
Best Entrepreneur
Bermuda Aerial Media
Owners E.J. Burrows and Connor Burns are flying high these days with the launch of Bermuda Aerial Media. The company, whose services include professional photography, video, 3D photogrammetry and surveying, has three remote-control helicopters that can fly up to 400 feet above the island capturing beautiful Bermuda scenery, exciting sporting events and popular entertainment functions—and even surveying property. Their unique perspective on the island will undoubtedly continue to garner them more attention in the future! 704-0687 or 591-2436, www.bermudaaerial.com
Corporate Event Planner
Select Sites Group
Making events memorable is what Select Sites Group (SSG) does best. From charitable fundraisers to employee appreciation events, destination management and major conferences, our judges selected SSG as the best planner to handle any size event from the initial planning stages, through transportation, décor and gift selection to the final production of the, no doubt, spectacular event. 292-9741, www.selectsitesgroup.com
Darcy Robertson of Commercial Interiors Group
Transportation Company
Flood Transport
Owned by Tim and Tyrone Flood, Flood Transport is known islandwide as being dependable, friendly and organised with well-groomed, articulate staff and immaculate cars. With several taxi-vans and two mini-vans in their mini-fleet, the brothers regularly drive many of the top executives on the island.
But book in advance as these guys are in high demand! 295-3589 or 334-8062, floodtransport@ibl.bm
Best Signs & Banners
Bermuda Flag & Sign Co.
Advertising is the key to starting a business and staying in business. If you want your business to get noticed you need to put away the sharpie and poster board, forget Microsoft Publisher and head over to see Brian Bennett at Bermuda Flag & Sign Co. on North Shore Road for the best flags, banners, signs and custom car, bike, boat and truck graphics around. 152 North Shore Road, Pembroke, Hamilton, 292-3129, www.bdaflag.com
Best Storage
Bermuda Public Storage
From old files to excess furniture, holiday décor to extra supplies, there is always something businesses need to store. Instead of stocking the office cabinets to overflowing, our judges recommend the state-of-the-art, climate-controlled storage units available at Bermuda Public Storage. 21 Elliott Street, Hamilton, 295-5319, www.bdapstorage.com
Ubervida
Best Government Department/Service
Waste Management
It may not be the most glamourous job around, but we certainly appreciate the hard work our trash collectors do as they go end to end collecting all that we want to throw away. Doing the dirty work behind the scenes, the Waste Management Section is also responsible for collecting and processing recyclables, operating the bulky metal waste area at the airport, processing special waste and composting horticulture, food and animal waste. Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility, 31 Palmetto Road, Devonshire, 278-0560
Best Printer
Chris Worsick
Well known for his superb customer service, sales and marketing, manager Chris Worsick has been the “go-to guy” for all manner of print needs at Island Press since 1998. From simple business cards to detailed annual reports, large-format posters and corporate stationary, our judges recommend Worsick because he “always goes the extra mile.” 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton
