ACUITY PARTNERS

RANK 153

NUMBER OF AWARDS 2

SECTOR WINNER

Investment banking (3)

Q: What are your thoughts on being recognised by LMD?

A: Very deserving! As an integrated full service investment bank with several business verticals, we truly address clients’ needs in IB-related services. Acuity demonstrated its ability to withstand headwinds of the past and not only survive but thrive in challenging conditions.

Our staff has always been our greatest asset, and this recognition is a true testament to the sacrifices and relentless efforts to seek perfection in all our services, and provide a value addition that is ‘best in class.’

I’m pleased with the performance of Acuity Partners in 2022, and confident that 2023 and beyond will be greater years.

Q: In what ways do awards and accolades enable businesses to strive for betterment?

A: Given the competitive landscape that our businesses operate in, awards or accolades are most appreciated.

LMD is one of the leading and most respected business publications in Sri Lanka. We are deeply motivated when publications of such repute recognise the efforts and strategies that we have deployed to grow our market share in all the business verticals we operate in.

Despite the daunting economic situation, we’ll continue to strive to grow all our business lines with strict ethical business practices.

Ray Abeywardena

Managing Director

Group CEO

Q: How do local awards and recognition schemes fare in comparison to their regional and global counterparts?

A: There are a host of international agencies offering awards and recognitions. While some are credible and highly recognised for the thoroughness with which selections are made, there are pseudo-institutions that offer grandiose awards for monetary considerations.

In Sri Lanka, institutions such as LMD follow a rigorous process of selection – therefore, the recognition is legitimate; whilst a global endorsement may carry more weight, the quality of the awardee is critical.

Q: How can awards and accolades help businesses compete internationally?

A: An award from a recognised and credible awarding institution will serve as a stamp of endorsement, which could provide significant brand enhancement and generate goodwill.

Expanding geographical footprint is a way Sri Lankan entities are constantly reviewing in the current business environment, and credible awards may provide foreign clients with a degree of comfort. Such awards serve as a benchmark or reference to the ability of the entity to provide products or services at the highest levels of quality whilst adhering to ethical business practices.

Q: And how should entities be recognised in a way that ensures transparency, impartiality and relevance?

A: A critical ingredient is the credibility of the awarding institution, which will have to demonstrate the use of a rigorous methodological process to shortlist and select the award’s recipients. The process and specific criteria must be transparent to all entities vying for recognition.

The judging panel must be from diverse industries and geographies to ensure local and other biases do not impact the decision-making process. To ensure a level playing field, comparable entities could be grouped together so that large and small business biases are mitigated.

Such a framework will address transparency, impartiality, and relevance in terms of recognition across local, regional and global stages.

“An award from a recognised and credible awarding institution will serve as a stamp of endorsement, which could provide significant brand enhancement

Q: How do awards play a role in attracting and retaining customers?

A: Such awards may enhance brand recognition and value, and give existing and potential clients confidence that the institution is the best in its class. We trust that customers –crucial stakeholders – share in our joy when recognitions of this nature are made.

Moreover, such awards build confidence and trust amongst clients. Dealing with an award-winning entity will validate the decision of clients who are currently engaging with the business. Acuity Partners has been the recipient of many awards and it is heartening when existing clients share that joy with us.

Q: In what ways do awards and recognition schemes help companies attract and retain employees?

A: Attracting and retaining employees has been challenging in 2022. We are seeing this continuing into 2023 as well.

At interviews and subsequent discussions with candidates, we have been made to understand the importance of being the recipient of awards from credible institutions. External validation is a proven formula as a referee’s task is to validate the attributes and skills of a candidate, and an institution that confers awards validates the quality and positioning of a business.

Telephone 0772 242345 | Email ray@acuitystockbrokers.com | Website www.acuity.lk