News

Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, is in the running for two top family business awards.

The fourth generation family business is a finalist in the “Fastest Growing Family Business” category, as well as a contender for the top accolade, “Family Business of the Year” in this year’s Midlands Family Business Awards.

Commenting on being named as finalists in the Awards, Donald Ward, Commercial Manager at Ward said: “We are really excited to have been shortlisted in two categories this year’s Family Business Awards. In the last 18 months we’ve seen some significant investment with the redevelopment of our Chesterfield site, the opening of our dedicated dock to increase our metal export capabilities and most recently launching WARDrobe, our new textile recycling service.

“To be recognised as a fast growing family business that has ambitious plans for the future is testament to our hard working team. We hope we can wow the judges in October to take the top prize home for team Ward.”

Ward has also been automatically entered into the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants. The Winner and Highly Commended of this special award are decided solely by the number of votes from the public, and votes can be made online at www.familybusinessawards.co.uk from the 1^st to 31^st October 2018.

Now in their ninth year, the not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards are backed and run by The Wilson Organisation. The firm’s MD Charlotte Perkins, the third generation of the family to lead the business alongside her sister Annabel Prow, says:

“The Awards are the Midlands’ only independent initiative to recognise the work, success, innovations and achievements of family businesses. Family businesses are the backbone of the British economy, with two in every three of UK businesses being family owned. They generate over a quarter of UK GDP and employ around 12.2 million.

“Our Awards strive to shine a light on this incredible contribution, and the great work, innovation and successes of family businesses and their people here in the Midlands.

“Each of this year’s entrants demonstrate the exceptional pedigree of the family businesses in the Midlands and the sector’s vital contribution to the region’s economy.”

Representatives of Ward will now meet with the Awards’ independent judging panel and the winners of the ten categories will be unveiled at an Awards ceremony and black-tie dinner, on Thursday 22^nd November 2018 at Leicester’s Athena.

The full line-up of categories and their sponsors in 2018 is:

• Family Business of the Year – sponsored by OrderWise
• Best Small Family Business – sponsored by John Pye Auctions
• Director of the Year – sponsored by Goldfish
• Employer of the Year – sponsored by Buckles Solicitors
• Fastest Growing Family Business – sponsored by PwC
• Innovation – sponsored by Morningside Pharmaceuticals
• Service Excellence – sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau
• Manufacturing Excellence
• Retail Excellence
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• People’s Choice Award – sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants and decided by public vote.

For more information about Ward visit www.ward.com.