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The Australian Teleservices Association (ATA) National Awards this year include a new category, specifically recognising the achievements of companies opening up or relocating to new call centres.

The National "Greenfield Teleservice centre of the Year" award will be presented on the 1st of September at the ATA National Teleservices Annual Awards in Adelaide.

"It is vital that, as the industry expands, there is still a focus on quality and a commitment to customer service," said ATA Executive Director Michael Meredith. "We are excited about awarding those that are continuing with this vision."

Government and insurance organisations rose to the forefront of customer service, taking 14 out of the 30 state awards. In New South Wales and Victoria in particular, insurance companies cleaned up half of the state awards, while in Queensland, five of the six categories were awarded to local Governments such as the Brisbane City and Maroochy shire councils.

"Local Governments are taking giant steps forward in the contact centre industry," said Meredith. "It proves that with the right processes and the right technologies, you don't need to be a large corporation to provide excellent customer service.

At the State level, awards have been given in a number of categories, including "Teleprofessional of the Year", "Team Leader of the Year", "Call Centre Manager of the Year", Call Centre Champion, Greenfield Teleservices Site and two categories for "Call Centre of the Year" for call centres with over 50 staff and those with less than 50.

The winners were chosen from more than 350 entries. The judging process is of the highest standards, with judges visiting individuals and call centres nominated in order to make a qualified assessment against a set of pre-determined criteria.

The awards are just one part of the ATA's commitment to developing professionalism and educating organisations about delivering quality service to their customers.

The National winners will be announced in a ceremony at the conclusion of the ATA's inaugural Regional Development Summit. The summit will address the opportunities and advantages regional Australia and the business community can achieve by moving contact centre operations into regional communities.