News

Ward’s joint Managing Director Michael Ward has been recognised with a prestigious British Metal Recycling Association (BMRA) Award in honour of his 50 years of dedication to the sector.

The award celebrates those who have made longstanding contributions to the metal recycling industry.  Michael, who was nominated by Donald Ward, Operations Director, was presented with his Award at the BMRA Annual Dinner at the end of 2023.

Michael has worked in the industry for the entirety of his professional career. Then known as Donald Ward, Ward Recycling was established in 1940 by Michael’s grandfather, Donald, before Michael and his brother, David, both joint Managing Directors, took it over in the 1990s, working alongside their children.

During his 50 years with the business, Michael has helped Ward grow from one site and to an award-winning multisite company with an annual turnover in excess of £300million. The firm employs over 400 people locally, efficiently manages a modern fleet of over 120 vehicles and two dockside operations for metal export. Despite the scale of Ward’s success, family remains at the heart of the business with 10% of employees being family members.

Today, with Michael stepping back and the Ward board of Directors taking the reins, Ward continues to grow from strength-to-strength with multiple divisions processing everything from scrap metal to recycled waste products. It is also committed to innovating and improving its operations through various initiatives, including The Ward Way, its sustainability road map to 2030.

As metal recycling and waste management specialists, Ward’s aim is to achieve zero to landfill wherever possible and it places great value on the importance of operating a way which is socially, environmentally, and economically resilient. It aims to deliver long-lasting social and economic development for future generations and the communities that it is a part of.

Michael Ward said: “To be recognised with this BMRA award is a huge honour. I am extremely proud of what Ward has achieved during my 50 years tenure, and am pleased that as a local business, we have played our part in supporting and growing the industry. Family is and always has been the heartbeat of the business and I am looking forward to seeing further Ward generations coming through the ranks to grow the legacy that my grandfather started all those years ago.”

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward said: ‘We were all incredibly proud to see Michael Ward be recognised by the BMRA with a service award for more than 50 years’ dedication to the British metal recycling sector. His achievements over this time have been truly remarkable, and his reputation within the industry is second to none. We’re looking forward to celebrating many more years of service together.”