Metal manufacturer seizing international opportunities wins Global Player
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, Metalfacture, a manufacturing business based in Leicester, has won the Global Player award thanks to its ambitious global expansion strategy
The awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. The Global Player award recognises the work of a business that has demonstrated significant and sustained growth internationally through harnessing the opportunity of overseas markets, proving that exporting can power business growth.
Metalfacture, a member of the East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), has achieved remarkable growth in sales and profitability during an exceptionally difficult period for businesses, due to a strategy of diversification and significant international growth. They supply to markets globally, and to date have delivered to over 56 countries.
Their export sales equate to approximately 45% of total sales, with significant growth over the past three years. The business experienced a remarkable 8000% growth in one year alone, highlighting the opportunities on offer from international trade.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“The success of Metalfacture’s bold export strategy is a prime example of the growth that can be achieved by taking advantage of the global market. They have demonstrated a thorough understanding of overseas markets and requirements and have proved that borders are not a barrier to trade. The fact that they pursued their ambitious trade agenda during the height of the pandemic only further highlights this businesses’ ingenuity and resilience.
“Interestingly, Metalfacture focused on harnessing the power of social media during their global expansion. They grew their online presence and discovered that social media was the easiest way of expanding their overseas customer base. They found new customers, and now have over 20,000 worldwide followers.”
Family farm producing renewable energy wins Problem Solver award
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, a fourth-generation family farm in Warwickshire is celebrating after winning the Problem Solver award, sponsored by Cisco.
The awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. The Problem Solver award recognises the work of a business that has transformed the market that they operate in with their product, in order to gain a strong position in their market.
J C Channing and Sons, a family farm producing renewable energy, is paving the way for the future of the agricultural sector as it took the decision to pivot away from traditional farming and invest in an anaerobic digester, which can ‘digest’ anything from manure to food waste and turn it into electricity.
The business, a member of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, generates 499kw per hour from the digestor, feeding energy back into the national grid as well as powering the family farmhouse. They plan to expand this by an extra 1MW and sell energy direct to businesses in the local area as well as creating a micro battery charging centre on site for a regional transport operator.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Channing and Sons has a long history of evolution, with their latest diversification arising out of the changes to traditional farming and the need for sustainability. Many family farms are facing challenges in today’s environment, but Channing and Sons has proven that with creative thinking and investment, the future is bright for the agricultural sector.”
Áine Rogers, Director of SMB UKI at Cisco, said:
“There has never been a more prevalent time to look at how we can become more resourceful and sustainable in our energy consumption methods. J C Channing and Sons demonstrate real ingenuity with their anaerobic digester. The fact that the Channing family are not only contributing back into the national grid, but also minimising waste and supporting other local farmers shows real ‘big picture’ thinking. They have driven true transformation in the farming industry and positioned themselves as key players in the renewable energy market.”
TODD Architects wins Workforce Developer
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, a firm dedicated to enhancing the Northern Ireland architecture industry has won this year’s Workforce Developer award.
The awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. To recognise the particular challenges of the last 12 months, three new categories have been introduced to the Chamber Business Awards Programme 2022, including the Workforce Developer award.
The Workforce Developer award recognises the work of a business that has demonstrated how their approach to the learning and development of their team has enhanced their business performance.
TODD Architects, a member of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is the largest home-grown architectural practice in Northern Ireland.
Through their support for students and investment in training, the firm produces qualified architects every year, contributing to a strong architecture industry across Northern Ireland.
The business has created a career pathway programme for its team, which includes supports from secondments and a digital training programme, to mentoring and opportunities to work on large-scale, multi-sectoral projects.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“TODD’s sheer dedication to developing and nurturing a new generation of architects is hugely impressive. With the firm providing bursaries to staff, alongside a range of other supports, they are putting their money where their mouth is and actively contributing to the growth of new talent.
“The firm’s structured, ‘long-term investment’ approach to developing and retaining talent is also good for business. Their focus on learning and development allows TODD to enhance performance year on year, retaining its place as an industry and best practice leader.”
Fibre broadband company wins Rapid Riser award
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, a telecommunications company whose annual turnover increased over eight-fold in just two years has been awarded the Rapid Riser award.
The awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity across the UK. The Rapid Riser award recognises the work of an organisation that has demonstrated exceptional levels of growth with a strong plan for sustainable financial performance.
Viberoptix, a fibre broadband business, was founded just two months before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite this, the company has experienced extraordinary growth since January 2020; employee numbers have increased from 20 to 315 direct staff, while annual turnover has grown over eight-fold in the two-year period from 2020 to 2022.
The business, a member of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also has a bold vision for continued growth over the coming years, with significant growth across the UK market planned.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Viberoptix is a perfect example of a rapid riser – employees, turnover, and projects have all grown beyond belief during a very short and immensely challenging period of time. A cornerstone of their community, their ambitious expansion is continuing to provide secure employment and valuable upskilling opportunities for workers in the locality.”
UK’s oldest renewable energy company wins Planet Saver award
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, Marlec Engineering, the UK’s longest established renewable energy company, has won the Planet Saver award.
The awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. The Planet Saver award recognises the work of an organisation with sustainability at the heart of their business. They are fully committed to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place.
Marlec Engineering, a member of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, has been crowned the Green Business of the Year for their commitment to the fight against climate action. Not only do they have sustainability at the heart of what they do, they are creating environmentally friendly alternative solutions for other businesses across industries and sectors.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Marlec Engineering has been making our local economies and communities greener places to live and work for over four decades. Specialising in the manufacturing and development of wind and solar solutions, they help power infrastructure from street lighting and CCTV, to sailing ships and environmental monitoring equipment.
“This business practices what they preach, paving the way for other firms to follow. All company vehicles are powered using 100% renewable energy, their office and factory lights are sourced from highly efficient LED lighting, and even the paper in the office is shredded and recycled. This is a business truly committed to sustainability, having earned their gold-star reputation over 44 years of promoting the planet.”
Shropshire Festivals wins Game Changer award
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, Beth Heath’s winning combination of entrepreneurial drive and community spirit bagged her the Game Changer award, sponsored by Meta.
The Game Changer award recognises an individual who has transformed an idea into a successful, sustainable business by understanding their market’s key challenges, customers and the competitive landscape.
Beth Heath, owner of Shropshire Festivals, has just done this, turning her love of food and festivals into a hugely successful events business. Shropshire Festivals, a member of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, provides community-based days out at price points accessible to all ages and backgrounds. Attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond, Beth’s business has a hugely positive impact on Shropshire tourism.
The business faced a significant challenge when the pandemic hit, but Beth overcame many hurdles and pivoted the business to ensure its survival. She launched a series of drive-in events, as well as a new hamper business, online marketplace for local businesses and a national campaign to unite isolated communities.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Beth’s company highlights the positive ripple effects successful businesses can have on their local economies. By going above and beyond to ensure her customers enjoy unforgettable experiences, people flock from far and wide to attend Beth’s events. Not only is Beth passionate about her local area, she is also raising its profile and welcomes a whopping 90,000 visitors to the Shropshire region every year.”
Sinead O’Grada, Head of Small Business Marketing for EMEA at Meta, said:
“Shropshire Festivals is an award-winning business with a company ethos to provide the local community with best-in-class events, along with enticing visitors from across the UK and beyond. Beth and her team are an inspirational example of adaptability in the face of challenging times. With the events industry being significantly impacted over recent years, Beth’s resilience and agility to pivot her business is remarkable and truly a game changer.”
Herts Inclusive Theatre wins Equality Trailblazer award
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2022, Herts Inclusive Theatre has won this year’s Equality Trailblazer award, sponsored by the British Business Bank.
The awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. The Equality Trailblazer award recognises the work of an organisation that champions diversity and promotes inclusion – in their workforce, their customers and any community outreach work.
At its core, Herts Inclusive Theatre, a member of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, aims to improve the well-being of disadvantaged and disabled people, using the arts to build confidence and develop skills in an inclusive space.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:
“Herts Inclusive Theatre welcomes people of all abilities, from all backgrounds and walks of life. It provides a programme of theatre activities for the disabled and disadvantaged, from age five up. This is a small organisation that packs a punch and promotes diversity and inclusivity throughout all levels. From trustees to staff and volunteers, Herts Inclusive Theatre unites people from a range of socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.”
Shanika Amarasekara, Chief Impact Officer, British Business Bank said:
“This year’s winner of the Equality Trailblazer award, Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT), has wholeheartedly demonstrated its collaborative, creative and inclusive culture in an organisation where everyone can be their true selves at work.
“The fact that HIT is staffed from within the community of people it serves is a great example of representation and true visibility in an organisation, with participants encouraged to apply for volunteer roles and other positions within the theatre such as workshop assistants, co-ordinators and leadership roles.
“This is further strengthened by their young trustee programme for 18–30-year-olds and its creation of a ‘working inclusively’ manual, given to all staff on induction. This increases that bond with its staff and its participants right from the start.
“The British Business Bank champions diversity within the industry because it’s the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. Evidence shows that diversity of background, thought and experience is beneficial for businesses and investors alike. We are always keen to support and empower businesses and entrepreneurs who share these values to prosper and grow. For this reason, we are delighted to be the headline sponsor for the BCC awards.”