Express & Star Business Awards 2024

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS:

EDITOR’SMESSAGE

This is aspecial year as theExpress&Starcelebratesits 150th anniversary.

Iwanttostart by thanking oursponsors fortheir generous supportofthese awards.You have helped us to shinethe spotlighton brilliantbusinesses around the BlackCountry andStaffordshire We couldn’t do it withoutyou

Iwould also like to pass on my congratulationstoour finalists. Thequantityand qualityofentriesthisyearwas remarkable andtobeshortlistedisa real achievementthatyou should all be proudof.

This eventisanopportunity to celebratemanyremarkable achievements andIwishall of the finaliststhe best of luck on thebig night.

EXPRESS&STARBUSINESSAWARDS2024

The150th anniversary celebrations forthe Express&Starkickoff in stylewiththe newspaper’sannual business awards

The2024winnersin 11 categories will be revealed on Thursday night in Wolverhampton’sCivic Hall and excitement in thebusinesscommunity acrossthe BlackCountry and Staffordshireisrisingahead of the bignight

Theeventisbeing held forthe firsttimeinthe newUniversity of Wolverhamptonat TheHalls complex

Theoverall business of theyear, andsuccessor to the2023winner, USPSteels, will receiveits award from theExpress &Star’snew EditorMarkDrewatthe endofthe glittering black-tieawardsdinner

Four businesses areinthe running forthe award.

Newawardsthisyearare foremployeeofthe year,hospitality,leisure andretailbusinessofthe year andthe employee wellness experience award.

Contenders

Allkinds of greatbusinesses from acrossthe Express&Star circulationarea, rangingfromthe smallest to companies employing many hundreds,are in contention this year

Thehighquality of entriesmade it toughworkfor thejudges in each category with some categories havingfourratherthanthree finalists in contention Businesses from allkinds of sec-

JOHN CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

tors enteredthe awards andthe finaliststakeinthose engaged in traditionalmanufacturing in metalsthrough to thosein21stcentury technologies.

TheawardsnightwillbecomperedbyCentraltelevision weathermanand former EastEnders actorDes Coleman. Thecharity on theeveningisMidlandsAir Ambulance.

TheExpress &StarBusiness Awards were setuptorecognise thebestcompanies in theareathe newspaper hasservedover 15 decades with supportoflocal businesses at theheart of itscoverage.

Theeventismadepossible through thesponsorshipofCarvers Building Supplies, Crowe, Higgs LLP,Collins Aerospace,Emmiera Group, Richardson,MNA Digital, City of WolverhamptonCouncil, WombourneWindows andBlack Countryand Marches Instituteof Technology

Drinks receptionsponsors are CompassUK&Ireland,eventproducers areYarringtonand trophy sponsors Silvamanand TheHalls Wolverhampton. Wolverhampton-basedbusinessPallet-Trackis also abrochuresponsor.

Thoseattending theawardsare invitedtopostonsocialmedia usingthe hashtag#esba24.Details of allwinnerswill be goingonline afterthe awards dinner andwill featureinthe newspaper on Friday.

Express&StarEditorMark Drew

Theawardsare one of thehighlights of thebusiness year AwardwinnerRob Gittins, left,with Paul Faulkner

Ravi Ram-Gecelebrates hisaward Theteam from AddfieldEnvironmental Services at thereception

USPSteels of Kingswinford celebratebeing named business of theyear at the2023

SMALLTOMEDIUMSIZED BUSINESSOFTHE YEAR 2024

INCOCONTRACTS

Inco Contractshas growntoemploy 38 sinceitwas formed in 2010

Thecompany at DunstonBusiness Village, near Stafford,has gone from employing13when Dave Cotterill andSam Norton completed theirmanagementbuyoutin 2020

Thefast-growingprincipal contractor delivershundreds of turnkeycommercialrefurbishment schemesacrossthe UK each year

Dave andSam hadspent several yearsascontractsmanagerssupportingformermanagingdirector ChrisIngrambeforethe buyout.

Inco hadbuiltupastrong reputation fordeliveringcommercialand industrial contractswithafocus on theMidlandsand Southern regions, completing office refurbishments, warehousedilapidations/ fitoutsand specialist mechanical andelectricalworks

Underthe newmanagement

team,IncoContractshas posted record-breakingannualsales, driven by therollout of officesin theNorth West (Warrington) and theSouth (Stevenage) giving nationwide coverage.

Four membersofstaff have come through Inco’s earlyyears talent scheme whichgives young people a mentor to supportthem, internal/ external trainingand fundingfor education.

At just 38, managing director

Dave Cotterill is the oldest memberofthe senior management team,which also includes co-owner SamNorton, 33, andregional directorsMattPenswick, 31,and RobCarter, 34

It makesthemone of theyoungestteams in theirsectordespite thebusinessoperating for14years andbringswithitaninsatiable energy andadesiretodothings differently. This hasfuelled recent

Metelecisone of theUK’sleading manufacturersand distributors of specialistcopperproducts.

Thecompany at HiltonCross Business Park,Featherstone, near Wolverhampton, hasbeengoing since2002.

Metelec, whichemploys30, is also Metelecisone of theUK’s largeststockholdersofcopper bars,bus bars,copperprofilesand copper components

Managing director KevinDraper,who hasbeenwiththe business forthree years, leadsMetelec whichhas along-standing presence in theWestMidlandsasa metalstockholder

Thelastyearhas seen Metelec movetothe next level, developing as asupplychain solution provider to theelectricalindustryand as a manufacturer of addedvalue components.

Asizeableincreaseinvolumeof

business sawannualturnover exceed£30 millionfor the firsttime,

Thelast12monthshas seen the companylaunchaneye-catching newbrand andmove from Walsall to ahigh-tech47,973sqftoffice anddistributioncentre and2023

sawMetelec record itsmostsuccessfulyearever butalsoimplement astrategy to continue to excelfor decadestocome

The company is a trusted supplychain partnertoa growing number of switchgear specialists, servingawidevariety of sectorsincludingall construction segments

Thebusinessalso serves thehigh growth areasofdatacentresand electric vehiclecharginginfrastructureand emerging opportunities in wide-scale electrification, andinfrastructureassociatedwith thegreen energy transition.

ButMetelec’s business model goes farbeyondbeing atraditional

supplier,withanadvancedmanufacturingdesignservice capableof producingspecialist, bespokecopperproductstocustomerspecification at remarkable pace

Thebusinessoperatesamachine capacity reservationprogramme with itsverticallyintegratedparentproduct supplier.Thisallows Metelectoorder specificproducts by machine at veryshortleadtime. Despite ahugeleapinmonthly demandfrom30tonnesto74 tonnes, Metelechas been able to consistently supply theproductson time

In February this year,aleadinggreen hydrogen electrolyser producer challenged Metelecto design andmanufacture four bespokehighconductivitybusbars to go into aproduct. Theorder was placed on Friday at 12.30pm and wasout fordeliveryat1.30pm on Monday,fully curedand insulated.

expansionand helped shapeour missionofdeliveringhighquality refurbishmentand fitout solutions formorethan75clients everyyear.

Last year Inco completed212 industrial andcommercialrefurbishment schemes

Thecompany in theprocess of rolling outFONN, anew technology-basedapp to help site contract managerscompleteproject related paperworkinrealtimealongside external compliance monitoring

Thegrowing client base now spans more than75companies from thecommercialand industrial world.Manyofthemcome back to IncoContractsdue to itstrack record formeeting budgetsand timescales

Inco hasathree-yearbusiness plan to take annual revenuesto £50million whichwill create another20jobsat Inco andmore than 50 in itssupplychains.

AddfieldEnvironmental Systems hasgrown to export to 150countriesworldwide.

ThebusinessatBurntwood Business Park,which employsa workforce of 76,makes incinerators andcremators

It wasfounded in 2008 andbeganexportingin 2012

Addfieldhas grownsteadily and now works with theDepartment forBusinessand Tradeasanexportingchampionhelping other smalland medium-sized businesses that arelooking to export

Last year broughtexcitingorders to thebusinessincluding multipleordersfromthe US andlarge orders foraid agencies including UNICEF andthe WorldHealthOrganization.

Turnover forAddfieldhas nearly doubled in ayear.

2023 broughtlotsofchange, with thepreviousowner selling

the business to apension fund that wanted to invest into Addfield’s long term strategy

Thenew partners have supported Addfield’svisionwithpromoting cleaner solutionstoproblematic wastestreams.

Newteams have been setupfor senior managementand factory committee meetings andend of monthdirectorreviews have been introduced

Therehas also been freshinvestment into electric forklift trucks andmoreenergyefficientspray booths

Investmenthas also involved another16,000sqftfactory which Addfieldis duetotakethe keys of this summer

WorkingwithMakeUK, Addfield hasbespoke apprenticeship courses in place.

Addfieldalso places importance on trainingand promotion from

within.Everyoneofthe people employedatAddfieldisseenascoreto thesuccess of thebusiness

AddfieldEnvironmental Systems aims to have 80 percentof goods supplied from within a50mileradiusofthe business and sees having reliable sustainable suppliersasparamount to itsongoinggrowth.

This year will bringAddfield’s firstfullyelectriccrematortothe market.It will dramatically reduce emissions.

Thereare also plansfor its first hydrogen installation forwaste to energy to startin2025.

In thefutureAddfieldislookingto do more workindeveloping countriesworking with ministries of healthtoensure better tackling of pandemicsin thefutureand that buryinghazardouswaste or dumpinginthe oceanisnot seen as an option

From left,NigelEvans,Steve Dove andKevin DraperofMetelec

Theteam at IncoContractsatDunston between Penkridge andStafford

YOUNGBUSINESSOFTHE YEAR 2024

KILLCO TRADING

Aldridge-basedLogistics World, whichspecialises in transport of freightbyroad, hasbeengoing sinceApril 2019

Thebusinessbased in Birch House, BirchLane, nowemploys 10 andplaceshighimportanceon investingin itsstaff

Thecompany’s success has been basedonbuilding apassionate teamofpeople that not only enjoy providingclients with greatcustomerservice,but also enjoy going to workand theworkenvironment

Thereis always someone availableonthe otherend of thephone 24 hoursaday forcustomers

Membersofthe LogisticsWorld teamhaveeachbeencarefullyselected fortheir role to ensure the maximumcustomersatisfaction both in theoffice andout on the road

Last year LogisticsWorld won acontract whereitwas running

throughthe nightcollectingfrom areasincluding Northamptonand London anddeliveringtoGlasgow, Edinburgh, Norwich, Cardiffand Swansea.

LogisticsWorld proudlymaintainsinvestmentinthe business each year.

Itsstaff go throughforklift truck training, ADRdangerous goods by road andADR awarenesstraining, manual handling anddriver certificateofprofessionalcompetenece training.

In 2023 LogisticsWorld invested in its fleetofvehiclesreducing emissionsand making it more environmentallyfriendly.

It also swappedfromplastic pens to ‘eco’pensthattheysendtotheir customers, helpingreducethe carbonfootprint of thebusiness

LogisticsWorld schedulesquarterlymeetingsand checkincalls with itscustomers to ensure that

Killco Trading, whichtrades as Baga Bargain, wasformedinSeptember 2020

TheretailbusinessatGrove Business Park,North Street,Cannock,was startedbyJosephKilgallonwhenhe wasjust18-years-old.

It sellsstaplefood, drinkand household products at afractionof therecommendedretailprice

Thebusinesshas alreadymoved from aweekend market stalltakingaround£20,000 ayeartoashop with aturnover of almost £4 million

Josephdeferreduniversity due to lockdown,but with thehelpof family knowledge from market trading, wherehehad workedfrom theage of 11,hedecidedtostrike outand open hisown store.

Baga Bargainwas decidedover thefamilydinner tableafterbeingsuggested by Joseph’s younger brother.

He hasdoubled theturnoverand size of thestore year on year

As thefaceofthe business he is also runningregular LIVE @5 videos on Facebook on Thursdays whichhaveprovedextremely popular with well over 10,000 viewsa week

Thestore hasrun anumberof competitions forthe growingnumberoffansincluding a“supermarket sweep” prize.

Baga Bargainalso donatesregularly to localcharity events and localfundraisers

Thestaffing teamare abig happyfamilyand Joseph regularly takesthe team bowlingand on currynightstothank them forthe workand dedication to thebusiness

Most of theteamworking at Killco Tradingare actually familyor family friends.

Joseph,who is well known

theirneedsare beingmet andif thereare anyissuestheycan be resolved

At Christmasthe companysends aChristmas cardtoall of itscustomers as well as taking some presentstothe customerswho have shownthe most supportthroughoutthe year

Thebusinesshas theaim of achievingnet zero by 2040

It hasalso swappedtoseeded paperfor specificprojectssothat once acustomerisdonewiththe letter they canplant it and flowers will blossomreducingbothwaste andcreatinggreener spaces.

LogisticsWorld hasalso provided thetransport fora localrugby club so they coulddeliverdonationstoalocal food bank.

Managing director TimWilson hasalso takenpartinthe Three PeaksChallenge in order to raise moneyfor TheStanBowleyTrust

StaffordshirebusinessUKFire

Door Training is on course to top £1 million annual turnover

Thecompany,based at ModularCourt,Enterprise Drive, Four Ashes, wasstarted with amodest £10,000 investment

UK Fire Door Training,which employs five,sells online,classroom andpractical fire door trainingcourses.

It wasestablished underthe leadership of Andrew andPauline MillardinApril 2021 with day-todayoperationsmanaged by their sonJonny Millard.

At theheart of itssuccess has been effective leadership anda management ethosthatissteeped in collaboration andinformeddecision-making.

It hasrevolutionisedthe fire door trainingindustrybyreplacingoutdatedmethods with comprehensive courses that arede-

around thetown, is currentlyseekinga larger unit to grow thebusiness further.

Baga Bargainhas wonthe best independentstore in theCannock Chaseareaaward threeyears running

Joseph,who is now21, believes that thepotential to continue to grow thebusinessishuge.

To celebratedoublingthe size of thestore on the firstbirthday of trading, BagaBargain offered to donate £1 foreachsaletothe Ukraineappeal.

This resulted in raising£1,100 forthe cause.

Allofthe prices at BagaBargain arecarefullypitched at helping familiescopewiththe cost of livingand thestock changes in store everyday

Theaim is that everyitemis priced lower than allthe high street stores

signed with akeenunderstanding of varied learning styles

Marketinghas involved harnessingthe powerofGoogleads and e-mail marketing.

Thebusinesshas also invested heavilyinits ownstaff development with afocus on professional growth

It is nowdelivering around 1,000 courses ayearand planstodiversify into newtrainingareas such as retrofittrainingand extinguisher handling in thefuture.

UK Fire Door Training movedto itscurrent state-of-the-art trainingfacility near to Wolverhampton in October

Thebusinessisnow poisedfor thenextphase of growth with a clear vision to cement itsstatusas aleading trainingproviderfor the builtenvironment,bothinthe UK andinternationally UK Fire Door Training hasa

sense of prideinits past achievementsand an unyielding optimism forthe future

Itscommitmenttoexcellence is reflected in a4.8 Trustpilot rating, atestament to theefficacy and relevanceofits CPDapprovedand FireQual recognisedprogrammes. Turnover wasprojected to top£1 million in the2023-2024 financial year

Arecentforay into abespoke learning managementsystem marked apivotalstepinUKFire Door Training’s expansion plans. Aknowledge hubinitiative,offering free access to industry insights andwebinars, underscores itscommitmentto community engagement andindustryleadership.

Thecompany says itsjourney hasbeenmarkedbybotharelentless pursuitofexcellenceand adeep-rootedcommitmenttoits values

JoeKilgallonand hismotherJenny of Killco Trading,Cannock

JonnyMillard, Kyle Cowieand Dorian Telare

RhiannHughes, left,Colleen Fowling andTim Wilson of LogisticsWorld

FAMILY BUSINESSOFTHE YEAR 2024

CANNOCK CIDTOPGEAR TUNING

CannockCID waslaunched in 2017 by husband-andwife duoDarrenand Dionne Cooper

ThebusinessatHollies Business Park,Hollies Park Road, now employsa dozenin distributing ceilings,insulationand drywall products

Thefamily-runcompany’s customers include single independentplasterers, smalltomedium-sized building firms, main contractorsand sub-contractors working on newhousingsites andsmall to large commercialprojects.

Darren,who wasbornin Cannock, andhis Scottish wife Dionne decidedtoes-

tablishCannock CIDafter moving back to Staffordshire.

Darren hasmorethan40 yearsexperienceinthe industry andknewthatthere wasagap in themarket in theCannock area forthis type of specialistdistributor.

Paired with hisextensive productknowledge andnumerouscustomers andbusinessconnections it stood them in goodstead forsuccess

Thebusinesshas grown almost solely from wordof mouth. Since2020the company’s turnover hasmore than doubled,and pre-tax profitmorethantripled.

Just threeyears sinceits launch, Play @Lower DraytonFarmisestablished as oneofthe leadingfarmattractions in the Midlands

Theaward-winning Staffordshirebusinessisa familyowned andoperated farm park that is open all year around forfamiliesto enjoy.

Farmer RayBower has always been passionate aboutwelcoming thepublictohis workingbeefand arable farm at LowerDraytonLane, near Penkridge, helpingthemlearn about farming, understandwhere theirfood comesfromand seehow farmersworkwith

ERWIN HYMER CENTRE TRAVELWORLD

ErwinHymer Centre Travelworld’s storygoesback46years

Thethird generation familybusiness is nowbased at Creswell Park, Stafford andemploys 65

It stocks newand usedmotorhomesand caravans andisone of the most trusted andrespected names in theUKmotorhome industry

Theprogressive business offers exceptionalservice from theinitial purchasethrough to annual servicing. Travelworld’sheritagebegan when BobEdwards beganselling US-style recreational vehicle motorhomes. In thelastdecadeithas progressedtoexclusively sellspremium German vehicles from leading manufacturers Carado, Dethleffs, HYMER andNiesmann+Bischoff,plus

theItalian Laikabrand.Itmoved to itscurrent energy efficientsales centre backed by astate-of-the-art 1,000 sq metresworkshopinStafford in 2019 andsales have gone from strength to strength

Threegenerations of theEdwards familyare involved todaywithowner Bob’sson Ross Edwardsthe current managing director.April Marsden, Bob’sgranddaughter andRoss’s niece is themarketingmanager and herbrother Jake Macquarieissales manager. Ross said:“Thereare plenty of people whowill tell you not to mixbusinesswithpleasure– and certainlynot business with family Butit’snever been aproblem forus andwebelieve it’s actually oneof ourbiggeststrengths.”

thelandtoprovide ahome fornature.

This sowed theseed for avisiontocreatea permanent visitorattraction that wouldprovide families with afun dayout while also beingeducational.As part of thefarm’sdiversification programmeRay andhis partnerVal opened asmall outdoorattraction offering an outdoorplay area,farmanimalpens andawoodlandwalkinthe spring andsummer.Asthe attractiongrew, seasonal events includingbonfire night, pumpkin picking andaWinter Wonderland with Santa’sgrottowere addedtothe calendar

TopgearTuning, ledby ownerDanielKirk, offers engine controlunit enhancingsoftwareand equipment forvehicle performance optimisation

Thecompany is committed to innovationand dedicatedtodelivering customersatisfactionand communitysupport

Thefamily-runbusiness at PlanetaryIndustrial Estate,Willenhall,was launched in 2015 andnow employsseven

Success is not solely measured in financial termsbut also in theharmonious balancebetween familyand business Daniel is supportedby

several familymembers includinghis mother and wife with theteamoperatingasacohesiveunit.

Thefamilyheritage helpsinspire innovation andagility

Thecompany is saidto embrace tradition whileeagerlyembracing emerging opportunitiesand technologies. Daniel spearheads strategicinitiativestocapitalise on market opportunities.Topgear Tuning also aims to give back to the communityand supports charitiesincluding ComptonCare. TopgearTuning haspledged to donate 50p from everysoftware file processed.

WE PROUDLYWAVETHE FLAG FOR FLAGSHIP GERMAN DESIGN

THE LARGESTSELECTION OF ERWIN HYMER GROUP MOTORHOMES AND CAMPER VANS IN THE UK

We offer the largestrange of Carado,Dethleffs, Laika, HYMER and Niesmann + Bischoff motorhomes in the UK. Nothing can quiteprepareyou forthe heightof German motorhome engineering. From thepremium build and luxurious design to the intelligenttouches that deliver sheer joyonthe open road, only by getting up close and personal can the qualitytruly be appreciated. Come and visit our showroom todaytoviewour full range of newand used motorhomes and camper vans.

ERWIN HYMERCENTRE Travelworld Creswell Park, ValleyDrive, M6 Junction 14, Stafford, ST16 1NZ

Darren Cooper,MarthaHoneyfordand DionneCooper

Familymembers from Topgear Tuning in Willenhall

Claire,Richard &Alexander Bower, ValJames, RayBower

Thefamilyteam at ErwinHymer CentreTravelworld,Stafford

BUSINESSOFTHE YEAR 2024

Building Exceptional Partnerships &Community Through People.

Wearestrongertogether.Inthewaythatwe unlockland,inthewaywedesign,inthewaythatwebuild... Throughstrategicpartnershipswithtenleadinghousing associations,wearedeliveringmorethan500affordable homesacrosstheWestMidlandsoverthenexttwelvemonths.

Thisisn’tjustbricksandmortar,thesearecommunitieswhere peoplewillcallhomeandwheretheywillstartcreatin brighterfutureforthemselvesandtheirfamilies.

Learnmore:keonhomes.co.uk

KEON HOMES

Keon Homesisone of thefastest growingproviders of affordable housing andExtra Care schemesin theMidlands.

INCO CONTRACTS

Fast-growing Inco Contractshas made incredible progress sincea management buyoutin2020.

Theprincipal contractor,based at Dunston Business Village, near Stafford,delivershundredsofturnkey commercialrefurbishment schemes acrossthe UK each year

Apprentices getinvolved in all areas of the business including IT,tool making, structural design, sales, maintenance, pro�ect engineering, pro�le manipulation, customroll forming, quality and so much more.

Under the guidance of industry expertsRichard Williams, Warren Bolton andNoelSweeney,the Burntwood-basedcompany spottedanopportunityfor anew approach to delivering ambitious projects that place ‘community’attheir heart.

Collaborationisthe key. Building strong relationshipswithmorethan 10 housing associationstounlock disusedsites or solvecriticalhousing stockhas seen Keon completeover 400essential plots, with afurther 850under wayorabout to start.

Thecompany at St Joseph’s House, High Street,employs 50 andhas grownfrombeing astart-upbusiness in2019.

VOESTALPINEMETSEC

Oldbury’s voestalpineMetsecgrew turnover from £121 million to £137m andincreased itsworkforce from 375 to 398 in thelastyear.

Thecoldrolledsteelforming company in Broadwell Road provides specialistdesignand manufactureof engineered solutionsfor construction andmanufacturing applications At theheart of everything it does is thedesiretodothingsrightfor customers, itsworkforce,community,environment,business and shareholders.Alsointhe last year thecompany hasadopted newconstructionindustrystandards forthe accuracy of productinformation and introducedMetsecDecarb, anew steelwithreduced carbon emissions. Metsecpridesitselfonbeing early adopters of keyindustryinitiatives, particularly thoseaimed at improvingstandards in productspecification andperformance

When Dave Cotterill andSam Nortoncompleted theMBO,the company employed13and revenueswere £12million

Both hadspent several yearsas contractsmanagersprior to thedeal, supporting former managing directorChris Ingram.Led by thepassion,tenacityand youthful energy of thenew managementteam, Inco Contractshas posted record-breaking£36msales,drivenbynew offices in theNorth West andthe Southgivingnationwidecoverage.

JJXLOGISTICS

JJXLogistics,based in Kingswinford

Theyear2023was ayearlikenoother forKingswinford’sJJX Logistics. Therewereseveral newand excitingbusinessinitiatives with promisinggrowthdelivered acrossthe board, roundedoff by asecondconsecutive record year of saleswhich surpassed£9million

ThebusinessonPensnettTrading Estate offers transport andwarehouse logisticsand specialises in the high valuemarket anddangerous goods

JJXwon severalmajor international contractsoverthe past 12 months in theaerospace,automotive andtechnologysectors

Thebusinessisled by founderand managing director JohnDonovan,a charteredmember of theInstitute of Logisticsand Transportwho is celebrating27years sincestartingJJX

Thecompany works closelywith several localand national charities.

Industryexperts at Keon Homes

Former apprentices areonthe team

Thejudging team with Inco staff

BUSINESSPERSONOFTHE YEAR 2024

JohnDonovan,managing director of JJXLogistics, is describedasa visionary leader.Heset up thetransport andwarehouse logistics companyatPensnett TradingEstate, Kingswinford,in1997, andithas growntoemploy65.

He is praisedfor hisdedicated leadership,entrepreneurialspiritand innovative thinking alongwitha commitment to excellence 2023 wasayearlikeno otherfor JJXLogistics with several brandnew andexciting business initiatives

with promisinggrowth acrossthe board, rounded offbya second consecutive record year of sales JJXbecameone of only seven companiesinthe UK to hold TAPA TSRlevel 1 certification,the highest globalstandardfor transport security.Innovation hashelpedthe company breakintothe high value goods market andwin several majorinternational contractsoverthe past 12 monthsinthe aerospace, automotive andtechnology sectors.

Thefounder andchief executiveofWolverhampton’sSchoolofCoding, MannyAthwal, hasbeen responsiblefor itssuccessfulbusinessdevelopment andgrowthstrategy

School of Coding is believed to be theUK’slargestcodingand computer scienceeducator.

It teaches STEM and digitalskillstochildren andadultsacrossthe UK andEurope.

Thecompany at Pendeford BusinessParkwas established10years agoand

hasgrown to employ 38 people.

Mr Athwalalso specialises in GCSEand A-Level intervention programmes forschools

He is also agifted motivational speaker, business coach andmentor.

He hastaken SoCfrom beinga‘bedroombusiness’ sixyearsago to acompany that is turning over £1 million andhedid it allwithoutany external funding.

SoChas doubled itssize year-on-year for five years in arow

Chiefexecutive Jonathan Smithhas been at thehelm of TheAPC forthe past nine years.

TheAlternative Parcels Companyhas itsnational centre,atKingswood Lakeside,Cannock

Mr Smithheadthe 725-strong workforce of the 30-year-oldindependent parcel deliverynetwork, whichhas more than 100 independentlocal delivery andcollectionspecialists

When thebusiness hired him, theboard waslooking forsomeone with industry

clout, whounderstood the challenges thesectorfaced, andthe importance of valuing itspeopleasanumber onepriority. Sincejoining,MrSmith hasfaced thechallenges posed by thewider industryand business environmenthead-on andhas transformed TheAPC into an employerofchoicefor awiderange of employees from allbackgrounds and experience levels andcreated an environmentwhere people cangrowand progress.

JOHN DONOVANJONATHAN SMITH MANNYATHWAL

JJXLogistics’managing directorJohnDonovanAPC

overnightchief executiveJonathan Smith

Manny Athwal, Wolverhampton SchoolofCodingfounder

APPRENTICE OF THEYEAR2024

NATASHAPARBHAKAR

Software engineeringapprenticeNatasha Parbhakarhas made abig impression in a shortspace of time with School of Coding

Sincejoining thedigital educationbusiness at PendefordBusinessPark, Wolverhampton, herpotential to inspirefuture generationsofprofessionals hasbeenrecognised.

Sheissaidtobeofincrediblevalue within thecompany

As well as technicalskill shehas the qualitiesofpassion,adaptability andacommitmenttopersonaland professional development

School of Coding sayshe hasmadeexceptional progress in both herskillsdevelopment andher studies.

Shehas consistently appliedtheoreticalknowledge to real-world problems and excelled within her firsttechnical focused module,creatingatechnological solution within a team, that showed her critical thinking,problem-solving, andcontinuous learning within theprogramme

GURJOT KAUR SOPHIE CHESTER

Apprentice Sophie Chesterjoinedthe family teamatASSAABLOY OpeningSolutions in Willenhall in October2022.

Herpositiveimpactonthe business since hasbeenoutstanding

Sheisdescribedasa rising star and leader of thefuture. From theoutset, Sophie hasexhibited an unparalleled drive, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to herprofessionalgrowthand thesuccess of theteam. Sophie’s role is exceptionally important, as sheisoften oneofthe first contactpointsfor customers.

Sheoffers firstlinesupport to thesales, fieldand technical teams andabove allis always seekingopportunitiestoexpandher knowledge base.Sophieapproachesany challenges with enthusiasm andaninfectiouscan-doattitudethatinspiresthose in herteam, butitisher versatilitythat makes her an exceptional member of the team. Herenthusiasmfor acquiringknowledge in everyfacet of customerservice is describedascommendable.

Apprentice Gurjot Kaur haddisplayeda passionfor innovationsince joiningSchool of Coding in Wolverhampton.

Sheissaidtohavedisplayed asteadfast commitment to personal andprofessional growth at thecodingand computer science educator at PendefordBusinessPark.

Hercontributions as asoftwareengineering apprentice aredescribedasoutstanding.

Gurjot’s passionfor software engineering is evident in everyaspectofher work.

What sets herapart is notjusther technicalproficiency buther innate ability to adaptswiftly to thedynamic landscapeof thesoftwareengineering field. In arapidly evolving industry,Gurjot’sagility andenthusiasm arethe drivingforcesbehindher ability to navigate complexproblemsand deliver innovativesolutions

Gurjot actively seeksfeedback,embraces challenges as opportunitiesfor learning andconsistentlypushesher boundaries to achieveexcellence

EMPLOYEE OF THEYEAR2024

Generalmanager Matthew Randle hasmadeahuge contribution to thesuccess of independentbed retailer Dreamland, in Mill Street, Brierley Hill.Following his promotion from business developmentmanager, he hasled thebusinessto achieverecognition as one of thebestindependentbed stores in thecountry

Throughhis strategic initiatives, thebedding centre madeittothe final of theNationalBed Federation’ssmall retail champion of theyearaward Hisunwaveringdedication,outstanding performance,and steadfast commitment to ethical

MatthewRandlehas risentothe position of generalmanager whileundertaking aLevel 7senior leader apprenticeship with Dreamland in Mill Street, Brierley Hill. He is working towardsobtaining charteredmanager status

“Thisapprenticeshipcombines practical, on-the-job learning with formal education, of an MBA. Embracingthisdualapproach hasprovidedmewithacomprehensive skill setand knowledge base,equipping me to excelinleadershiproles andmakesignificant contributionstomy organisation,” said Mr Randle.“Iamdeeplypassionateabout my role as an apprentice andthe opportunity to make ameaningfulimpactwithinmy organisation andthe widerenvironment.I am gratefulfor thesupport Ihavereceived throughout my journey, andIamcommitted to continuing my pursuitofexcellenceand contributing to thesuccess of thebusiness.” In addition to his academic achievements, he is proudtoplaya pivotalroleinthe strategicadvancement of thebedsretailer.

business practices, particularlyinthe realmofcorporate social responsibility, have sethim apartas an invaluable assettothe team.Heissaidtohaveexceptionalsocialskillsand a remarkable ability to foster collaboration Mr Randleconsistently encourages open communication andteamwork, ensuring that everyteam member’s voiceisheard andvalued. He actively engages with organisations such as Dudley CVSand Brierley Community Forum, whereherepresents thebusinessand aims to make apositive change to thelocal environment.

Carlie Shilvock joined the six-strong teamatWombourne’s FreshCoffeeShop at theend of 2020

OwnerMartyn Jones said that shehas sincebecome his“rightarm”atthe business,inSchoolRoad, whichhas been goingsince 2017 Shewas originallytaken on throughthe Kickstart scheme that washelping youngpeopleintowork.

Mr Jones saidshe had workedher wayupand proven herworth making it to assistantmanager

“PersonallyI have workedin hospitalitysince theage of 16,sonow having been in ahospitality role

almost 25 yearsyou work with andhavemanywork foryou.Ican honestly say Ihavenever seen someone with as much enthusiasm, initiative,passion,and care forajob

“Carliecares as much aboutmybusiness as Ido andworks tirelessly to maintain andeven better ourhighstandards of hospitality.Carlieismyright armand Iwould be lost withouther.”

Aftermaternity leave shewill be returningasa keypartofthe team.She helpswithtrainingnew staffand keepsupstandards andprocedures on a dailybasis

TheAPC’s LydiaHopley joined theindependent parcel deliverynetwork in 2019.Overthe last five yearsshe hassupported multipleareas of thebusiness before moving into the quality, health andsafety team at thenationalcentre in Cannock.

Shebegan herjourney at TheAPC as part of the networkservicesteamproviding valuable support to depots andcustomers, maintainingThe APC’s high standardsofservice During this role,Lydia quicklyestablished her strong listeningskillsand theability to workmethodically.Throughouther time

in thecustomerrelations team, Lydiadeveloped her passionfor helpingothers andinJune2020, sheappliedfor anew role within TheAPC’s quality, health andsafetyteamashealth andsafetyadministrator, whichgaveher theopportunitytofurther develop herskillsand turned her passionfor helpingothers into areality.Her outstanding workethic was recognisedbyher peers andAPC’s senior leadership team, andshe waspromotedtothe role of quality, health andsafetyadviser. Shehas been instrumentalindriving best-practice acrosshealthand safety

LYDIAHOPLEY

CARLIE SHILVOCK

MatthewRandle, from Dreamland BeddingCentre

APCOvernight’sLydia Hopley at the firm’s Cannock HQ

Carlie Shilvock at FreshCoffeeShop in Wombourne

‘Incredible value’ –Natasha Parbhakar

GurjotKaurispassionateabouther role

Sophie Chesterjoined in October2022

MatthewRandlewords for Dreamland

HOSPITALITY, LEISURE&RETAIL

TheannualRAF Cosford AirShow is thelargest one-dayoutdoor eventin theWestMidlands.

Theeventatthe airbase near Albrighton attracts many thousandsofvisitors each year andisa major contributertotourism in thearea. It is theonlyRAF airshowand theteambehind itscontinually strives forexcellence in allareas

Theshowhas an exceptionallyhighrateof customersatisfactionand drew capacity crowds of more than 55,000 in both 2022 and2023. Theteam

is committed to enhancing thecustomerexperience. They recognisedstruggles that effect theelderlyor thosewithadditionalneeds andcustomers that may notbecomputerliterateby offering telephonebooking servicesand assistingcustomers with online transactions.

Thecreationofbespoke hospitalitypackages

Thepost-show survey afterthe 2023 RAFCosford AirShow foundthat31.4 percentofvisitorswere inspired to explorea career in theRoyal AirForce

TheMount Hotelhas a track record of continuing innovationinthe hospitalityand leisureindustry.

Thebusiness, whichemploys144,now also hasa golf andcountry club as well as themainhotel,at Mount Road,Tettenhall whichisa luxuriouswedding venue.

TheMount Golf &CountryClubPertonrepresents a£5millioninvestmentand is adding an 18-holegolf course,minigolf, sports barand drivingrange

Followingthe acquisition of Perton Park thegolf

course is beingimproved andthe club housemodernised.

Theadventureminigolf hasbeenrefurbished back to howitwas when created andprovidesaleisure attractionthatsaw 40,000 visitors last year.Withinput from TheMount it now provides afull food and beverage experience and full dayout forthe family

TheMount wasacquired in 2011 andturnedover £1.8 million in itslast financialyear. With theaddition of thegolfclubthat will be nearer £5.2m.

Dudley Canal&Tunnel Trust’sboattrips have been operatingfor more than 60 years.

Thetrust is nowaleadingBlack Countryvisitor attraction.

It operates from itsbase at ThePortalonBirminghamNew Road offering guided,educational and informativetrips into caverns that are425 million yearsold through tunnels andwaterwaysdatingfrom theIndustrialRevolution.

Thetrust,which employs 30,has invested in beinga vibrantpartofthe area as

well as beinganambassadorfor tourismfor thewider region

It hasbuiltnew tunnels to create saferand more engaging interpretations androutesand adapted its fleetof five oats to be more environmentallyfriendly, accessible andsafebybeing batterypowered

Recently thetrust has undertaken a3Dlaser scan of theenvironment,aboveground,below-groundand underwater to help it better understand thestructuralintegrity of thecaverns andtunnels.

Cosford’sPaul Rowley,GeorgiePhillips, Adam FreemanThe Dudley Canal&TunnelTrustteam

SarahSwan, Neil Wyatt, ScottBernard andRoy Bernard

GROWTH&INNOVATIONAWARD 2024

CannockCID,which distributesceilings, insulation anddrywall products, has grown year on year since its formation in 2017

Thefamily-runcompany at Hollies Business Park,Hollies Park Road, employsa dozen.

Since2020its turnover hasmorethan doubled andpre-tax profitmorethantripled

Customers includesingleindependent plasterers,small to medium-sized builders, main contractorsand sub-contractors constructing newhousing sitesand also smalltolarge commercialprojects.

Darren Cooper,who wasbornin Cannock,and hisScottish wife Dionne decided to take theplungein2017and establish CIDaftermovingbacktoStaffordshire

Darren hasmorethan40years experience in theindustryand knew that there wasa gapinthe market in theCannock area forthistypeofspecialist distributor.

This paired with hisextensive product knowledge andnumerouscustomers and business connectionsstood them in good steadfor success

Thebusinessopensat 6am, whichisthe busiesttimeofday at thetradecounter andmeans that itscustomers areableto access materialsbeforetravelling to jobs

CannockCID hasgrown almost solely from wordofmouth, whichisa testament to theservice that it deliversand therelationshipsthathavebeenbuilt with customers

Back in 2017,CID wasmadeupofDarrenand Dionne in theoffice/tradecounter, ayardmanager andthenanexternallorry anddriverwhich wasonaweeklyhire basis.

CannockCID aims to continue with its high levelsofstaff retentionand continue to expand

It nowoccupiesthree unitsonthe business park whereitislocated andoncethe leaseisupfor aneighbour it will also be expandingintoafourth.

Thebusinessisalso focusedondevelopingits people andanumberofstaff memberare specialistsonsome products

Theirexpertise hasbeendeveloped througharranging additional training with suppliers, visits to manufacturersand regularface-to-faceand Zoom catch-ups.

LITTLE DESSERT SHOP

Franchise business LittleDessert Shop (MSZ Brands)iscontinuingits growth with atargetofreaching100 shopsby 2027

Thebusiness, headquarteredatGorsebrookRoad, Wolverhampton, started in 2014 andopenedits firstshopthe following year in thecityofferingdessert only dining, whichwas anew andexcitingconcept

Within twoyears, furtheroutlets were opened inWednesfieldand West Bromwich to cope with theoverwhelming demand.As aresultofthissuccess andwishing to develop theconcept acrossthe UK,in2016 they decidedtoexpandthe brandbyway of franchising, investingtimedeveloping theinternalsystems, procedures anddocumentation required to supporteachfranchise partnerinthe dailyoperation of their store.

LittleDessert Shop’s interior,handmade gelatos, cakes, cheesecakes, cookie dough, sorbetsand bakesalong with theirunparalleledmarketing andbrand partnerships with thelikes of Dreamworks andWarner Brothers haspushedthemtothe topinbecoming UK’s most viraldessert brand.

Amidst thetumultuousCOVID-19pandemic, Little DessertShoprosetothe challengebystrategicallyventuring into the deliverymarket,a move that haspropelled them forwardever since.

Sincethe outsetofthe pandemic LittleDessert Shop hasopenedafurther 25 stores

LittleDessertShophas grownto45

METELEC

stores nationwide includingeightcompany-ownedsites with aa target of 60 stores by theend of this year and100 by 2027.

MSZ Brands hasalsointroducedBetsy’s, auniqueand distinctive franchise concept that amalgamatesthe burger andchicken markets.

In 2023, MSZ Brands introduced the ground-breakingXModel (Betsy’sx Little DessertShop),a firstofits kind fusion of twoelite brands in LittleDessertShopand Betsy’screatinga novelfast-food anddessert franchise concept.

Over thepast36months, the business hasexperienced significant growth in both itsorganisationand profits

LittleDessertShopisalso edgingtowardsanimminentinternational expansion with strong interest from around the globe.

Metelec, oneofthe UK’s leading manufacturersand distributors of specialistcopperproducts, is based atHiltonCrossBusinessPark, Featherstone,nearWolverhampton

It hashad along-standing presence in theWestMidlandsasa metal stockholder butthe last year has seen thebusinessmove to thenext level, developingas asupplychain solution provider to theelectrical industry andasamanufacturerof addedvalue components

Asizeableincreaseinvolumeof business has seen turnover consolidatetomorethan£30 million for theUK andIreland

In thelast12monthsthe company movedits Irishbusinesstonew premises, launched an eye-catching newbrand andmovedthe UK business andheadquartersfromWalsall to ahigh-tech47,973sqftoffice and distribution centre,

Thelargerheadquartershas allowedMetelec to maintain industry-leadingstock levels, while adding spacefor thenew machineryneededfor future manufacturing.

Thenew building offers first-class facilities,including multi-functional roomsfor staffevents, high specification showersand modernamenities

Outstandingservice throughinnovation

Metelecis atrusted supply chain partnertoagrowing number of switchgearspecialists, servinga wide varietyofsectors

Thebusinessalso serves thehigh growth areasofdatacentresand electric vehiclecharginginfrastructure andemergingopportunities in wide-scale electrification,and infrastructureassociatedwiththe green energy transition.

Jasmin Saini from Little DessertShop

Darren Cooper,MarthaHoneyfordand Dionne Cooper of CannockCID

InsideMetelec’s base in Featherstone,near Wolverhampton

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS& EXCELLENCEAWARD 2024

Wolverhampton-basedNantisforward-thinkingwater safety companycommitted to ensuring sustainable growth of thebusinessfor thecollective benefitofall colleagues, customers andthe community. Employeewellbeing,development and inclusivitysitsatthe heartofthe business andits coaching andleadershipstyle ensure allits 55 staffgrowand develop Nant,which celebrates its30thanniversary this year,invested in newpremises at WolverhamptonScience Park in 2022 to significantly improve theworkplace environmentfor colleagues.The site offers brand-newfacilities andhas been specially fitted outtomeetstaff needs.The team is nowabletoworktogetherinone open-plan office

Pallet-Track continuestobuildonits 20year record of focusing on itsgreatestasset –its people

Thepalletised networkhas itsbaseat TitanDistributionCentre,Millfields Road, Ettingshall, where180 areemployed.

Pallet-Track hasastrong retentionrecord,withmanyofthe staffcelebrating long-termworkanniversaries.Morethan a fifthofthe workforce have more than 10 years’ servicewiththe logisticsbusiness.

Chiefexecutive Stuart Godman proudly leadsthe business with apeople-centric agenda andnon-hierarchicalstructure,where everyone from theexecutives on theboard,tothe teaminthe warehouse, hasthe exactsameimportanceand respect.

Willenhall’s ASSA ABLOYOpening Solutionsseespeopleasits greatest asset.

Thebusinessisthe market leader in the door hardware andopening solutionsmarket.Some of theteammembers at itsPortobelloWorks in School Street,Willenhall, have been with thebusinessfor morethan half acentury

As alarge employerithas an extremely diverse workforce andvaluesofempowerment,integrity andinnovationare always at theheart of everything it does with inclusivity at thecore

An Internal Culture andCommunicationsplatformhas been createdtooffer an inclusive two-waycommunication forum, utilising e-mail,intranetand digitalcommunication boards

Employee wellbeingisacriticalcomponent of ahealthy working environmentat ComptonCareand is definedasthe overall mental,physical, emotional,and economic health foreveryone Hours, payand workplace safety also have asignificant impact on wellbeing andWolverhampton’sCompton Care takes prideinsupportingits staffwithall these factors. ComptonCareiscommitted to offering flexible,modernemployment practices, whichrecognise asensiblebalance betweencolleagues’ home andworklife. ComptonCarevaluesdiversity andaninclusive cultureisparamount.It also invests in learning anddevelopment andthere is adedicated team to supportclinicaland non-clinical skills

Theteam at NantinWolverhampton

Sandeep Pawarand LauraJohnson ColleaguesatCompton Care

StuartGodman, CEOatPalletTrack

MANUFACTURING CHAMPION OF THEYEAR2024

Apprentices getinvolved in all areas of the business including IT,tool making, structural design, sales, maintenance, pro�ect engineering, pro�le manipulation, customroll forming, quality and so much more.

voestalpine Metsec plc www.metsec.com

01384262022 alloywire.com

VOESTALPINEMETSEC

Cold-rolledsteelforming company

Voestalpine Metsec has grown to employ 398 in Oldbury

Thebusiness, in BroadwellRoad, provides specialist design andmanufacture of engineered solutionsfor construction andmanufacturing applications.Itisthe largestspecialist roll formingcompany in theUK.

Itscorevaluesare focusedondesign excellence,high quality, technicalexpertise,customerservice and environmentalresponsibility

Designing, producingand deliveringconsistentlyhigh-qualityproducts is at theheart of voestalpine Metsec’soperations

Each stageofthe pre-sales, design,productionand deliveryprocesses is gearedtowards creating a positive customerexperience

Thecompany is unswerving in its pursuitoftechnical performance standardsand accreditations that arerelevanttoitscustomers, such as fire resistance,acousticperfor-

target requires afocused effort within ourcompany together with theco-operation of suppliersand others in thevalue chain.

To date,thisinitiative hasseen thebusinessmoveits electricityrequirements to 100per cent renewablesources,which hasresultedina 67 percentreduction in itscarbon footprint.

ALLOYWIREINTERNATIONAL

AlloyWireInternational is the UK’s leadingmanufacturerofround, flat andprofile wire in more than60exotic alloys

Thecompany in NarrowboatWay, HurstBusinessPark, Brierley Hill, wasformedin1999 andemploys 33 AWIhas growntohavea 6,000-strong global customerbase spanning18different markets.

It recognisedthe need to expand itsemployeeownership status when themostrecentmanagementbuyout waswas completedbyTom Mander, Adam Shaw andAndrewDuPlessis

Many staffwerealready shareholdersinthe company, butitwanted to go astage furtherand commit to make sure everyemployeehas avested interest in promoting the AWIculture andimproving itsoperationaland commercialperformance

‘Manufacturing quality–deliveringreliability’isthe company’s

mantra andthisisstrengthened by accreditations, includingAS:9100 (Aerospace), ISO:9001(Quality), ISO:13485(Medical),ISO:14001 (Environmental)and ISO:45001 (Healthand Safety). AWIalso specialisesinthe manufactureofwire rope andstraight bars in nickel-basedalloys, oftenreferredtoas ‘high performance’ or ‘exotic’ alloys

ADDFIELD ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

AddfieldEnvironmental Systems hasstepped up investment in its manufacturingcapabilities at its Staffordshirebase.

Thecompany,based at Burntwood Business Park,makes incineratorsand crematorsand develops wastetoenergysolutions

It designsand installs andmaintainsits products in 150countries around theworld

Therehas been freshinvestment in thefactory to utilise space,improve conditions forworkers with investmentintoelectricforktrucks andmoreenergyefficientspray booths

It hasalso invested in another 16,000 sq ft factorythatis creating moreemploymentopportunitiesat thebusiness.

Therehas also been more investment in training andcollaborations with MakeUK whichhas allowed Addfieldtoreviewits systems with factorytours of some of theleading

manufacturerssuchascar maker JLR. By doingitcan adoptsystems whichreducewaste andimprove communicationwithsuppliers to support‘just in time manufacturing’ Regionally,Addfieldsources 80 percentofits goods within a50-mile radius of Burntwood

VoestalpineMetsec’s: RajanNatt, Adam Leddingtonand John

Burntwood

Front:Mark Venables,Tom Mander, Adam Shaw,Andrew Du Plessis