Member Article

UK Manufacturing & Engineering Lead the Way at Growing Business Awards 2014

The Real Business Growing Business Awards, held in association with Lloyds Bank and supported by the CBI, announced the 2014 winners on Tuesday night at a ceremony held at the London Marriott Hotel.

A wide range of businesses were celebrated at the ceremony, with categories ranging from Retail Hero and Digital Champion to Brand Builder of the Year and Young Company of the Year: manufacturing and engineering continued to defy economic expectations with another string of successes, following a strong showing by the sectors last year.

Winners in this space included Export Champion of the Year Alba Power, Innovator of the Year Plumis, LION Trackhire, which took home Growing Business of the Year: Smaller Company (turnover less than £25m) and HL Plastics, winner of Growing Business of the Year: Mid-Sized Company (turnover £25m-£50m).

Britain’s manufacturing heritage and engineering expertise was also represented by Peter Digby of Xtrac Limited, who was crowned Entrepreneur of the Year. Xtrac is a world leader in the design and manufacturer of transmission systems, with motorsport, transport, marine and defence clients. During Peter’s 28 years at the helm the business has grown to a team of over 260. In 1997, he led a management buyout involving the entire workforce.

Despite pressures including Eurozone uncertainties and increasing regulation, winning companies were able to demonstrate continued success and impressive growth. Innovation was an important theme cited by the judges, with numerous entries commended for having a disruptive impact on their respective sectors.

First Utility, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing independent energy supplier, was awarded Growing Business of the Year: Larger Company (turnover £50m+). Described as “potentially the fastest-growing £1bn revenue company in the UK in the next 12 months” the judges cited its disruptive nature and incredible growth figures, which have seen revenues double year on year for the past four years.

The “Made in Britain” Award was won by high-end tableware company Steelite. Judges commended the company, favoured by hotel chains including Hilton Hotels and Four Seasons, for turning around its industry and demonstrating scale, stating it had “shown real innovation in its products and marketing” with “a clear route map for future growth”.

Multi-award winning global technology company Ve Interactive was presented with the Digital Champion award, having been identified by judges as the business they would most like to invest in.

Other winners on the night included: • Simon Mellin, co-founder of Roaming Roosters and Grassroots Wholesale Foods Ltd - Young Entrepreneur of the Year Since being launched by Mellin from the back room of his father’s butcher’s shop, sustainable food business Roaming Roosters and wholesale meat business Grassroots have both enjoyed rapid growth. Judges commented: “Simon is being very innovative and re-inventing the industry. He has really thought through his business, building something which is great for farmers and presents an alternative to supermarkets.”

• Hamilton and Hare – Brand Builder of the Year Hamilton and Hare was launched in 2012 by Olivia Francis, formerly of advertising agency M&C Saatchi. One of M&C Saatchi’s youngest ever account directors, Olivia gave up her successful advertising career to launch the company after spotting a gap in the market for high-quality men’s underwear. Since launch the brand has grown rapidly, generating lots of media attention and securing five new international stockists in recent months.

• Watchfinder – Retail Hero Launched in 2002, Watchfinder offers the widest choice of high-end, pre-owned watches in Europe. The business announced private equity investment earlier this year, and is known for high levels of customer service, with 89% of customers awarding it five star reviews. The judges said: “What happens behind the scenes is unique. Watchfinder has created a new market and its solid expansion plan is evident.”

Tim Hinton, Managing Director, SME & Mid Markets at Lloyds Bank, commented: “The Growing Business Awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate UK business successes across a wide variety of industries. The stories behind this year’s award winners are incredibly interesting and motivating. It’s great to see the combination of personal passion and clever business thinking that have driven these businesses forward.”

Katja Hall, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: “These firms all have a keen eye for innovation, which is crucial to driving their growth success, but also that of the broader economy. Their journeys should be an inspiration to all UK entrepreneurs.

“Huge congratulations to all the winners for their commitment, determination and success.”

Amy Carroll, Group Editor at Caspian Media, added: “The Growing Business Awards celebrated its 16th year with more entries than ever before. We are the most established and respected national recognition of SME and entrepreneurial success. The creativity and dynamism shown by this year’s entrants has been fantastic, it was a pleasure to see all their hard work rewarded at last night’s ceremony.”

The awards night was hosted by comedian Ed Byrne, and included a keynote speech from Richard Reed, co-founder of innocent drinks.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Martin .