WE live in an age of mass communication. The progress of different countries and communities, their businesses and institutions is built on the ability to communicate effectively with one another and their wider audiences.

As an expanding document management company carrying out the printing, logistical management and distribution of documents - whether they are operational instructions for the overseas depots of an international business or ballot forms for local authority elections - DocQwise is at the heart of this activity.

DocQwise has been established in York for more than 40 years. The company started life as the in-house print facility for British Rail and I took over with a management buy-in after spotting its potential. Recognising that potential was inextricably linked to appreciating the significance of York as a business community. We have seen York grow in importance and have developed in size and sophistication ourselves.

In the six years since we had only one customer - British Rail - we have developed to service a wide range of organisations including Network Rail, GNER, Jarvis, Arriva, Corus and government bodies such as Learndirect, the Department for Work and Pensions (the Benefits Agency), the DTI and the Employment Service.

The Evening Press Business Awards 2004 - as well as the daily business coverage - are the best reflection of York's growing status and this is why we are delighted to sponsor this year's awards.

DocQwise is a concept-to-completion document management company and offers, on a national basis, a wide range of document and digital-print related services.

These services range from print-on-demand from electronic files or hard copies, conversion from hard copies to CD-ROM, right through to distribution from our own mailroom and security shredding.

The last year has seen us build up a branch network through acquisition and we now have bases in Leeds, Leicester and Derby as part of our long-term aim to provide national "shop front" access throughout the country.

As an additional sponsorship offer for this year's awards, DocQwise is demonstrating its support and expertise by offering mailshot notification to selected clients and customers within 24 hours for only £1 each for both short-listed entrants and the final winners - an excellent way to capitalise on your success.

Updated: 09:57 Tuesday, June 01, 2004