News

Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has been shortlisted in four categories in the inaugural Business Masters Awards with Business Desk. The team are finalists in the “Family Business”, “Investment”, “International Trade” and “Large Business” categories.

The shortlist for the East Midlands Business Masters was revealed in January, recognising the achievements of businesses from across the region.

Donald Ward, Commercial Manager at Ward said: “This is fantastic news to kick off the New Year. Being finalists in four categories is just phenomenal for Team Ward and their hard work.

“Last year saw us win the Fastest Growing Family Business and the Family Business of the Year Awards at the Midlands Family Business Awards, as well as being named in Derby Telegraph’s Top 200 companies, ranked 19th in Grant Thornton’s Top 200 East Midlands Businesses and 4th in Derbyshire, so this is a brilliant start to 2019 and fingers crossed for April.”

Over the last 18 months, Ward has seen significant investment, including the redevelopment of its Chesterfield site and the opening of a dedicated deep sea dock to increase its metal export capabilities. The business has also undertaken a complete renovation of the former Albion Leisure Centre in Ilkeston to create new offices and, most recently, has launched WARDrobe, a new nationwide textile recycling service.

Sam Metcalf, editor of TheBusinessDesk.com, who chaired the judging panel, said: “This is the first year we have held the Masters in the East Midlands and we were overwhelmed with entries.

“There was strong competition and the judges were forced to cut lots of interesting and thriving companies. The shortlist is full of outstanding businesses which, regardless of size, are reaping the rewards of their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Winners of the East Midlands Business Masters, sponsored by Allied Irish Bank, will be announced at the black-tie awards dinner on Thursday, April 4, at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Nottingham.

The full shortlist of finalists includes:

Newcomer

• Hockley Developments
• Driven Media
• Invictus Communications
• Kingswood Residential Investment Management

Innovation

• HSG
• Blueprint Interiors
• Microlise
• ThinCats
• DeltaNet International

International Trade

• Ramsden International
• Microlise
• Ward
• Beauty Boulevard
• J-Flex

Investment

• Sleaford Quality Foods
• Mattioli Woods
• Ward
• First Enterprise
• Fraser Brown

Contributing to the Community

• Glynis Wright & Co
• Whatall’s
• Morgan Sindall
• Capital One/Notts Hospice
• Hallam Internet

Professional Services

• BSP
• UHY Hacker Young
• Hallam Internet
• Banner Jones
• 2XL Commercial Finance

Property Business

• Wells McFarlane
• NG Chartered Surveyors
• FHP
• Commercial Property Partners
• Hockley Developments

Family Business

• Ward
• Morley Hayes
• Ramsden International
• A1 Flues
• London Brogues

Small Business

• Beauty Boulevard
• Effect Digital
• DeltNet International
• London Brogues
• Purpose Media

Medium Business

• EMB-Group
• Frontline Recruitment
• ENSEK
• Retail Assist
• ThinCats

Large Company

• Ward
• Grant Thornton
• Capital One

Fast Growth

• Hockley Developments
• Frontline Recruitment
• Midlands Asset Finance
• Forsyth Barnes
• Edward Young Chartered Surveyors

Ambassador

To be announced on the night.