Outstanding achievements in international trade recognised in Queen’s Award Presentation
Our Heritage
2023

Ward further enhanced our metal processing capabilities with a new site in Cardiff for sustainably managing ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Ward launched a Trade Waste service, adapting to the diverse needs of our customers.

2022b

Ward extended its national presence by acquiring Clancey’s in York, forming a strong operational network in the North. In-house asbestos removal service was also launched in December 2022.

2022a

In an award-winning year, Ward achieved a Queen’s Award for Excellence in International
Trade and were named Family Business of the Year at the Business Masters Awards.

2021

In 2021, Ward achieved Gold Fleet Operator Recognition Status (FORS) accreditation, won double at the Derbyshire Live Business Awards, opened new metal processing sites, invested over £2 million in green fleet upgrades and launched the Ward Way Sustinabiltiy Road Map.

2020

Despite the COVID 19 Pandemic, Ward secured Silver FORS accreditation, won double awards at the Business Masters, obtained the ISO 9001:2015 quality standard at Immingham Docks, launched a new small batch asbestos service and were crowned Metal Recycler of the Year at industry excellence awards.

2019

Ward triumphed as winners of the Midlands & Central Family Business of the Year 2019, hot on the heels of double award wins at Midlands Family Business of the Year and Business Masters Awards and the Derby Telegraph Business Awards 2019.

2018c

Ward signed a five year lease on its latest Ilkeston site. The 10,000 sq ft warehouse beccame home to WARDRobe, a new textile reuse and recycling service.

2018b

Ward opened an additional Ilkeston site at a former leisure centre, following a £1million refurbishment. We invested in a complete renovation of the site to create new offices and communal areas for more than 60 staff and space for future expansion.

2018a

Ward opened a dedicated deep sea export dock facility at Associated British Ports (ABP) in Immingham to further expand our metal export business.

2017

Ward invested circa £1 million in environmental improvements at its recycling facility in Chesterfield for employees and the local community.

2016b

Ward Special Projects (SP) took on offices in Spinningfields, Manchester as well as Cavendish Square, London to further support its growing national client base.

2016a

New shearing equipment installed at the Chesterfield site significantly increasing the companies metal processing capabilities.

2015b

1000T Mobile Lefort shear delivered offering shearing services throughout the UK.

2015a

A new site in Chesterfield was purchased to enhance the services offered in Derbyshire.

2014

Ward Recycling’s first International demolition partnership project successfully completed.

2013

Ward achieved Investors in People (IIP).

2012b

Ward were ranked 5th in Sunday Times 2012 International Track 200.

2012a

A state of the art ASR (Automobile Shredder Residue) plant opened at lkeston.

2011

An additional Ilkeston site was purchased to further process all residues for the recycling facilities.

2008

ISO14001 (Environmental) quality accreditation awarded to Ward Recycling.

2006

Ward Recycling first international export of metals from the UK.

2005

Ward Recycling elected as associate members of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors.

2004

Redox MRF waste recycling plant opens at Ilkeston and additional Mobile Lefort Shear acquired.

2003

Ward invested in the upgrading the processing facilities for End of Life Vehicles, installing dedicated ELV Workshops at both Ilkeston and Woodville sites.

2002

Ward Recycling purchases a £5m, 10 acre site at Ilkeston in Derbyshire – the start of a major programme of investment in this new facility.

2001

Ward Recycling purchase the first compaction vehicle offering a new cost efficient wheelie bin services to the Derbyshire areas.

2000

New shearing equipment installed at the Swadlincote site significantly increasing the companies metal processing capabilities.

1999

Donald Ward Limited rebranded as Ward Recycling.

1993

Major investment in Health and Safety Welfare begins. The beginning of a huge investment that is ongoing in people, provisions, controls and facilities.

1990b

In 1990 and during the following years the Directors realised the potential to develop and grow the business by responding to the waste management needs of modern business and industry.

1990a

BS5750 (Now ISO9001) quality accreditation awarded to Ward.

1981

Ward invested in a Henschel SV550E 500 tonne Scrap Shear, installed at Woodville – our first major investment in large scale processing equipment.

1976

Company incorporated as Donald Ward Limited.

1940

Company founded by Donald Ward at Woodville near Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire, specialising in the recycling of ferrous metals.

1928

In 1928 the Ward brothers of Eccles dismantled the ‘Gigantic Wheel of Blackpool’ and struck a coin from the metal comprising parts of the wheel.

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