Commer Inns, the Tadcaster-based pub operating company has named brewing giant Carlsberg-Tetley its Supplier of the Year in recognition of its excellent service throughout 1999.

Each year, Commer Inns presents the award - thought to be the only one of its kind in the licensed trade - based on the speed of service they have received from suppliers, the professionalism of their staff and the overall quality of the product and service.

The award recognises the brewing company's outstanding commitment to working in partnership with Commer Inns in 1999 and providing an exemplary level of service.

Operations director James Crawfurd-Porter said: "While we deal with approximately 175 suppliers in one form or another, it was felt that our relationship with Carlsberg-Tetley had continued to develop over the last 12 months and the team had provided an excellent service to both our head office staff and our tenants."

He said credit should go in particular to multiple account managers Tony Sztyrbicki and Andrew Larsson, who he said had both gone out of their way basis to ensure the Commer Inns account was handled effectively.

The two men were presented with a luxury hamper by Commer Inns chairman Jim Walsh at a ceremony at the Commer-owned Blue Bell pub in Monk Fryston, near Selby.

Mr Crawfurd-Porter said: "The award recognises the vital part Tony and Andrew, and all members of the team who helped to service the Commer Inns account, played in our business relationship over the past year."

Mr Sztyrbicki, now commercial investment manager at Carlsberg-Tetley's Leeds brewery, said he was delighted to have won the award. "There was a number of us involved with the account and this is a reward for teamwork."

Multiple account manager Andrew Larsson agreed. "We have a great working relationship with Commer Inns and so to be given this particular award is wonderful."

Commer Inns chairman Jim Walsh said the North Yorkshire-based company, which operates 75 pubs in the North and Midlands, worked hard to develop a spirit of partnership with all of its suppliers. "We feel it is important to recognise those suppliers who have demonstrated the highest degree of commitment and enthusiasm to supporting our mission," he said.

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