The Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards are now open for entries, with a Les Miserables theme awaiting the South Bank’s finest.
Grimsby Auditorium will assume the role of the French capital on Friday, May 15, as 14 awards are presented, with 12 categories welcoming applications.
Now in the 19th year, performers who starred alongside leads Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway will form part of the professional West End show, working with performing arts students from Grimsby Institute.
Organised by Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, with support from headline sponsor JemBuild, the awards are open to all businesses operating in the area, with the theme matching the prevailing mood music according to the organiser, the Chamber’s northern Lincolnshire manager Anne Tate. Economic uncertainty with Brexit unknowns has dominated, with the Chamber keen to celebrate those that achieved throughout.
“What better in the current climate to feature a musical about overcoming adversity?” Ms Tate said. “It struck me last year that the voice of the north was not being listened to, and in Victor Hugo’s work we have not being heard as a reason for change. It resonated with me, rather than going for something Disney-esque.
“The Chamber is looking forward to celebrating all that’s good, nay great, in the business world in Northern Lincolnshire. We want our local businesses to come forward, showcase their businesses and celebrate success. Our ‘Les Mis’ theme celebrates overcoming adversity and that’s so relevant in these difficult times.”
The deadline for entries is March 3, with online entries via the dedicated website . Judging will take place later that month.
Companies meeting the criteria can apply for up to three awards, with the Forrester Boyd Award for Business Excellence selected from all nominations, and the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award now backed by Abbys Group, selected by the organiser.
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They are:
- E Factor Group Small Business Award
- Dataplan Payroll Business Growth Award
- The Wilkin Chapman Business Person of the Year
- Phillips 66 International Trade Award
- The Bridge McFarland New Business Award
- Docks Beers Young Business Person of the Year Award
- North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award
- North Lincolnshire Business Investment Award
- The Grimsby Institute Training Excellence Award
- MHI Vestas Offshore Wind Excellence in the Community Award
- The Pepperells Innovation Award
- Tilletts Business Woman of the Year Award
“I’m very pleased that both local authorities are supporting the event and sponsoring the investment awards,” Ms Tate added, acknowledging the support of North and North East Lincolnshire Council. “Chamber is over the moon to have some new sponsors of the awards this year and are proud to be working with such excellent local companies as Abby’s Group, Dataplan Payroll, Docks Beers, MHI Vestas Wind and E Factor Group.
"Now we need other excellent local businesses – whatever your shape or size – to enter!"
In a new twist for the E Factor Small Business Award, a pitch is being introduced worthy of 30 per cent of the marks.
Helen Fospero returns to her home town to host the awards once again as our “Fantine” for the night, with Richard Askam taking on the “Master of the House” compere role for the evening.
An audience of 500 is anticipated, with Lincolnshire Chef Steven Bennett, of Healing Manor Hotel, providing a French themed set menu.
Last year saw hotel managing director, and his fiancee, Charlotte Hay, named Business Person of the Year, following him to the title he won in 2017, while Scunthorpe security door specialist Bradbury Group’s managing director Tim Strawson took the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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The Business Excellence gong stayed in the 2019 host town too, with critical environment provider FEL Group winning a double, having been recognised for training too.
To book tables for the evening, or to support an award, call the Chamber office on 01472 342981.
How 2019 went down:
Grimsby Carpet Warehouse Small Business Award winner: Tower Staff Construction Ltd
Judges heard how: “Tower Staff Construction, based in Grimsby, is a leading small business in a niche construction recruitment market, specialising in the placement of professional and qualified candidates. The company is the only construction recruitment specialist in the area with unrivalled expertise in crane operation. Within 12 months Tower Staff Construction has significantly expanded, growing its team, client base, services and turnover. The company saw a 7.8 per cent growth in turnover in 2017/18 but for 2018/19 the business is on track to see 24 per cent growth, well exceeding targets. The TSC team has grown to eight full-time members of staff, is introducing a new CRM system and is proud to have become a ProQual accredited training centre in 2018.
Runners-up: Eyewatch Security; Laser Red
ABP Business Growth Award winner: JemBuild
Judges heard how: “JemBuild is a Grimsby-based award-winning construction company operating within the commercial sector carrying out civil engineering, new build, and design and build. In only eight years it has evolved from a standing start, with no lending, financial backing or any other form of support with all initial funding from personal savings alone. From the sole employee in a home office the company is now in a strong position with 32 employees and turnover 20 per cent up on last year. The company has just secured the largest local scheme to be award to a North East Lincolnshire based contract, a two year £9 million project involving the construction of new roads, infrastructure and housing.
Runners-up: Rocal Insulating Panels; Taylors Family Butchers
Wilkin Chapman Business Person of the Year winner: Charlotte Hay, Healing Manor Hotel
Judges heard how: “After a 10 year stint working for herself, Charlotte has taken a huge step to employing a team of 57 which is set to grow to 70 in the next 18 months. As managing director of Healing Manor Charlotte has, with the assistance of a coach, been on an incredibly steep learning curve. Having a clear, strong vision and the ability to adapt has enabled her to focus working on her business rather than in it, bringing her forward thinking, fresh approach and ability to transform the venue into one of Lincolnshire’s most desirable wedding venues. Successes have included dog-friendly bedrooms and pub, and a contract with Penguin Publishers to deliver Beatrix Potter and Raymond Briggs’ Snowman afternoon teas. A business person with determination, great flair and organisational skills Charlotte is an asset to the Lincolnshire business community.”
Runners-up: Dean Bolton, Eyewatch Security; Liam O’Leary, Laser Red
Hays Recruitment International Trade Award winner: Fast Form Systems
Judges heard how: “Fast Form Systems is a Grimsby-based business founded in August 2013 by Cleethorpes man Tony White. Tony invented a good one size fits all system for forming reinforced concrete structures. The ability of the product to save time and money and reduce carbon usage by up to 100 per cent is a major USP to businesses and has received particular interest from international businesses, including US distributor Spec West, brought on board in 2017 and transacting several major purchases with the Grimsby based supplier. New distributors have also been welcomed in Australia and New Zealand in 2019. The company has nearly doubled its staff in a year, showing how valuable export can be to local businesses.”
Runners-up: Henry’s Health Hub Ltd; Infocus ID Ltd
Bridge McFarland New Business Award winner: Taylor’s Family Butchers
Judges heard how: “Ashley Taylor set up his butcher’s business in 2016. With just two and a half years trading behind him he has taken his business to phenomenal heights. His staff numbers have jumped from 19 to 33 over the last year and he has just taken on the biggest new market stall in Scunthorpe’s St John’s Market. Ashley’s business drive is legendary. Up at 4am every day, he works tirelessly six days a week running his business. With Facebook likes at 20,000, a website with the ability to service orders up to 40 miles away the success continues and Ashley is now actively looking for premises in Gainsborough.”
Runners-up: Dollie Jewellery; Hats and Tiaras
Franklin College Young Business Person of the Year winner: Joshua Walshe, Walshe’s Property Ltd
Judges heard how: “Walshes’s Property Ltd is an independent estate agency based in Scunthorpe, owned by Joshua Walshe, aged just 21. He has been in business for four years, has already hired his first member of staff, been shortlisted for two national awards, bought out a rival company, hosted an event with the local authority promoting home ownership and property as investment, and has just purchased the freehold for new commercial offices. When he first started working in property aged just 17 Joshua could never have dreamed that just four short years later he would be where he is today. Profits have quadrupled in the last year.”
Runners-up: Danielle Howarth, Belton Kitchen and Visitor Centre; Katie Webb-Jones, Dollie Jewellery
North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award winner: ID Architecture Ltd
Judges heard how: “ID Architecture is a chartered architectural practice established in North East Lincolnshire in May 2010, providing creative architectural and interior design services to both businesses and private clients throughout the 海角视频. Investment in staff locally has resulted in year on year growth. The desire to work with talented quality local businesses ensures that quality is delivered from design to site. The company is proud of such developments as the £3.6 million extension at Healing School which has ensured national recognition and shortlisting at the National Building Excellence Awards, raising the profile of the area for all the right reasons.”
Runners-up: Fast Form Systems Ltd; JemBuild
North Lincolnshire Business Development Award winner: Ellgia Ltd
Judges heard how: “Ellgia Ltd is an innovative waste management and recycling company that is driving remarkable growth and performance since the company was established as a start up in 2011. With the acquisition of Bell Waste and AJ Thompson in 2014, the past 18 months have seen Ellgia invest over £3.7 million into Scunthorpe and employ 70 staff to service the 5,000 customers across North Lincolnshire. Processing 237,000 tonnes of waste annually at its Winterton Road site, the facility acts as a hub for waste streams across the group. A company that has made significant investment over the last year in terms of assets, infrastructure, people, processes and partnerships.
Runners-up: FEL Group; TSC Foods
Grimsby Institute Training Excellence Award winner: FEL Group
Judges heard how: “FEL Group is the largest critical infrastructure, engineering and construction company in the region. With over 20 years of operation, the company considers impressive growth over the past five years of over 300 per cent in turnover, 284 per cent in employees and over 400 per cent in profit, is directly linked to the continued investment in their employees’ training. From a new starter training programme to developing and upskilling employees the company ensures that everyone is fully capable in their job role. Whether in accounts, HR, business development or health and safety, training at every level is available to support the individual and take forward the company.
Runners-up: Forrester Boyd; I Learn Education
DFDS Excellence in the Community Award winner: Ongo
Judges heard how: “Ongo’s main focus is to provide affordable homes to people living in and around North Lincolnshire but this company is passionate about its local North Lincolnshire community, from the Ongo Carnival attracting 2,500 people in 2018, they also host #WeCareDays to spruce up different areas, a Dine & Dance for older tenants as well as activities and events for children and families in school holidays. The organisation’s presence in Westcliff, formerly featured on Skint, and an £11.2 million project on the estate called The Arc has helped make this community more engaged, vibrant and energetic.”
Runners-up: Driver Hire Grimsby & Scunthorpe; The Health Tree Foundation
Pepperells Innovation Award winner: Jones Food Company
Judges heard how: “JFC is Europe’s largest indoor vertical farm based in Scunthorpe, growing fresh herbs and baby leaf salads in a controlled environment using hydroponics and thousands of LED lights. Technology and data analytics are core to their growing methods, utilising automation in the movement of the crop tables where possible. The business is year round, highly sustainable and uses zero pesticides, over 50 per cent less fertiliser than traditional farming and over 95 per cent less water, all while growing the highest quality and most flavoursome herbs. A truly remarkable company and a pioneer in its approach to growing fresh herbs in the 海角视频.”
Runners-up: Ellgia Ltd; Fortis Group
Tilletts Business Woman of the Year Award winner: Michelle Drury, I Learn Education
Judges heard how: “Michelle Drury owns an ‘outstanding’ North Lincolnshire child care business having recently opened her third nursery. Celebrating expansion into Crowle in 2018 her nurseries in Brigg and Scunthorpe were given top ratings by Ofsted and have gained a nationwide reputation. Originally a probation officer from North Yorkshire, Michelle returned to North Lincolnshire in 2006. With five children it was her experience as a mum that helped with the decision to open a nursery having experienced difficulties in finding high quality child care. With no experience of business Michelle learned as she went along and returned to university to complete her Early Years’ teacher status in 2013. Michelle now also operates a consultancy business helping struggling providers across the 海角视频.
Runners-up: Louise Coulbeck, JCS Fish Ltd; Alexis Powell-Howard, Fortis Group
Forrester Boyd Business of Excellence Award winner: FEL Group
Judges heard how: “FEL group, led by Ged Doolan, is the largest critical infrastructure, engineering and construction company in the region. With over 20 years of operation the company delivers engineering services to a broad spectrum of industries, institutions and authorities, including environmental engineering, offsite manufacture, rail, IT and facilities services. With a focus on keeping costs down and quality up, customers engage early in the project concept allowing design and technical employees to use innovative techniques that normal procurement routes exclude. The company employs 70 staff and has seen year on year growth. It prides itself on achieving the highest accreditations and is justifiably proud of its ISO standards in quality, environmental, information security and, most importantly, health and safety. A recent rebrand from Foster Environmental to FEL Group is seen as a gateway to further success. With a continued mission to strive for perfection this company stands out as a beacon of excellence in the local business community.”
JemBuild Lifetime Achievement Award winner: Tim Strawson, Bradbury Group
Judges heard how: “Few could dispute the vision of the young grain trader who transformed a grille fabrication business, purchased for £3,000, into a multi-million pound manufacturer of security products, Bradbury Group. A combination of business acumen, leadership and sheer determination enabled Tim Strawson to grow his business. Tim’s ride has not been an easy one. After identifying an opportunity to supply security cages to the datacenter market the dotcom bubble burst and customers evaporated overnight. Tim was left stranded with over £3 million of stock. His ingenuity rescued the company, bringing it back to its roots by designing the first security grille to pass a crucial industry standard. A creative engineer at heart, Tim has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to develop pioneering business solutions. Finding difficulty in recruiting sufficient engineers he has been inspired to set up the Bradbury Engineering Academy as well as the charitable enterprise Youth Engineering Services, a component manufacturing business providing disadvantaged youths with an opportunity to get on the employment ladder. A businessman Northern Lincolnshire can be proud of.”
JemBuild Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Tim Strawson.
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