AN Ipswich business owner has reached the finals of a nationwide search to find Britain's best boss.

AN Ipswich business owner has reached the finals of a nationwide search to find Britain's best boss.

Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Call Connection, has made a shortlist of seven for the title of Britain's Best Boss 2007 in the Working Families American Express Best Boss competition.

Mr Kalbraier is no stranger to awards, picking up the Entrepreneur of the Year title in last year's Anglian Business Awards, with Call Connection taking the both the Community Involvement award and the overall Business of the Year title.

He was nominated for the Best Boss award by Ami Turnbull, a quality inspector at Call Connection. Registered blind, Ami has appreciated the extra support she has received, including a Braille keyboard, specially adapted computer software and time off when she was matched with a guide dog just three days after starting work with the company.

“Graeme really values his employees,” she said. “He treats them fairly and with respect.”

The nomination also recognised Mr Kalbraier's inspiration and encouragement, and his 'open door' approach to managing the Call Connection team.

“Having a happy working environment is always at the forefront of my mind and I am committed to work/personal life balance,” said Mr Kalbraier.

“We try to make work as exciting, interesting and supportive as possible,” he added. “Give your staff freedom and you'll be amazed what you get back.”

Britain's Best Boss was launched in 2000 by Working Families, the UK's leading work-life balance campaign organisation, to celebrate individual bosses and line managers who take practical steps to help their staff balance their work and home lives.

Sarah Jackson, OBE, chief executive of Working Families, said: “We have had a record number of entries to this year's competition and the nominations have been of the highest possible standard.

“The bosses who have made the finals are truly inspiring and their stories show how individuals can make a real difference, not only to the working lives of the people in their teams, but also to the effectiveness of their organisations.”

The winner of the Best Boss title will be announced at a celebratory lunch at the House of Lords next month.