News

Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has been awarded “Fastest Growing Family Business” and the top accolade, “Family Business of the Year” in this year’s Midlands Family Business Awards.

The fourth-generation family business were announced as winners in both their shortlisted categories at a prestigious black-tie ceremony at Leicester’s Athena, where finalists, sponsors and judges gathered to celebrate the fantastic family businesses operating within the Midlands.

Donald Ward, Commercial Manager at Ward said: “We were all so excited to win not one, but two awards. Amazing! To be recognised as a fast-growing family business that has ambitious plans for the future is testament to our hard working team. And, to take home the top prize, Family Business of the Year is truly special for team Ward.

“Ward has also recently been named in the Derby Telegraph’s Top 200 companies, ranked 19th in Grant Thornton’s Top 200 East Midlands Businesses and 4th in Derbyshire. The last 18 months seen significant investment with the redevelopment of our Chesterfield site, the opening of our dedicated dock to increase our metal export capabilities, renovating new offices at the former Albion Leisure Centre in Ilkeston and most recently launching WARDrobe, a new nationwide textile recycling service.”

Now in their ninth year, the not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards are backed and run by The Wilson Organisation. The full list of winners, highly commended and their sponsors in 2018 is:

Family Business of the Year – sponsored by OrderWise

• Winner – Ward
• Highly Commended – J-Flex
• Highly Commended – WB Power Services

Best Small Family Business – sponsored by John Pye Auctions

• Winner – Bright Side Vets
• Highly Commended – H20 Hygiene
• Highly Commended – Nick Young Tractor Parts

Corporate Social Responsibility – sponsored by V Formation

• Winner – David Manners
• Highly Commended – Bumble Hole Eggs
• Highly Commended – Owen Taylor & Sons

Director of the Year – sponsored by Goldfish Luxury Travel

• Winner – Matthew Ballard, Ballards Removals
• Highly Commended – Richard Broadhead, Oldrids & Downtown
• Highly Commended – Emma Brealey, Petwood Hotel

Employer of the Year – sponsored by Buckles Solicitors

• Winner – David Manners
• Highly Commended – Morley Hayes Leisure
• Highly Commended – Swiftool Precision Engineering

Fastest Growing Family Business – sponsored by PwC

• Winner – Ward
• Highly Commended – Travelworld Motorhomes
• Highly Commended – Nick Young Tractor Parts

Innovation – sponsored by Morningside Pharmaceuticals

• Winner – HSG UK
• Highly Commended – Southall Associates
• Highly Commended – Streets Heaver Healthcare

Manufacturing Excellence – sponsored by The Wilson Organisation

• Winner – Owen Taylor & Sons
• Highly Commended – A1 Flue Systems
• Highly Commended – James T Blakeman & Co

Retail Excellence 

• Winner – Rutland Cycling
• Highly Commended – GemPort Jewellery
• Highly Commended – The Internet Gardener

Service Excellence – sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau LLP

• Winner – Premier Care
• Highly Commended – Bright Side Vets
• Highly Commended – Fairlawns Hotel

People’s Choice – sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants

• Winner – Oldrids & Downtown
• Highly Commended Bright Side Vets
• Highly Commended – Fairlawns Hotel