The Clever Fish Recruitment Ltd was founded in 2010 by husband and wife team, Adam and Victoria Dyson. Unfortunately, Victoria was made redundant at the back end of 2009, and being seven months pregnant at the time, Victoria knew it would be extremely difficult to secure a new role. Therefore, against all the odds, Adam and Victoria decided to take a huge leap of faith and start their own business.
Based from home and working very long hours, Adam and Victoria soon started to gather momentum and started to build a client base. With Adam’s background in industrial and engineering recruitment and Victoria’s in commercial recruitment, their combined experience and skills enabled them to be open to all opportunities and to recruit for all positions.
To help grow the business, they used every hour possible on the phone looking for new business. Evenings were spent sending out emails adding their company to free online business pages and doing everything they could to raise their profile and get their name out there. Five years later and the hard work has certainly paid off and The Clever Fish Recruitment is now in a position where it has a sustainable, respected and measurable business model.
The judging panel felt that The Clever Fish Recruitment should be commended for their hard work and determination of creating a new business that’s family friendly, honest, hands on and professional, and with continual growth in their five years of trading the future looks bright for this impressive small local business.
Director, Adam Dyson said: “both Victoria and myself would like to say a big thank you to all of our clients for supporting us and all the candidates we have placed in permanent jobs and those people who are currently working for us in temporary roles. We are delighted that we have won this award for the second time and appreciate the recognition for our hard work and efforts.”
Towndoor Limited is a company based in Meltham, Huddersfield, which specialises in the development and rental of commercial property.
Founded in 1988 by Stuart and Lucy Bamforth, The Bamforth Group were initially involved in the dismantling of the huge premises which formally housed Case Tractors. During this process 50% of the factory site was sold to the group in the name of Towndoor Ltd, and within 4 years the whole of this huge site had been developed into an industrial estate which was fully occupied by 38 individual companies providing over 400 new jobs.
Further gradual expansion followed over the years and now Towndoor have over 90 units throughout Huddersfield and Leeds spread across 7 sites. Having over 1 million sq ft of space in units of various sizes with properties including trade counters, garages, warehouses, offices, manufacturing spaces, apartments and even a reservoir.
The judging panel were most impressed with the year on year growth and increase in profits and the fact that the bulk of the profit is reinvested in the business to grow the stock and also to continually improve the quality of the premises. Also the company contributes where possible to local community initiatives, as an example they are completing a ¾ million pound safety project at Meltham Mill’s reservoir to protect local residents and businesses from possible flooding.
Towndoor Managing Director, Dan Bamforth said “We at Towndoor are constantly looking to expand and improve our portfolio. Previous work processes that proved to be problematic have been replaced radically transforming business applications across the company. This has resulted in a more transparent approach bringing together all aspects for measuring progress towards our business success”.
Lattitude7 is a company specialising in providing a variety of training and development services including, personal development, team building, ethics & integrity, coaching and business mentoring. The business was formed in September 2010 by the Managing Director Dr Martin Haigh, a Chartered Engineer by profession who had previously worked abroad for a large global company, much of it spent in Germany.
During 2009 with the world economy struggling Martin was not having the time to focus on his passion for working on developing people and so took the brave decision to set up his own business. Initially starting with some pro-bono work in Calderdale Martin started to win paid work for SME’s; providing services such as presentations skills, team building and business process improvement. The business made a profit in the first year of trading and has continued to grow steadily since. As a result of a number of high-value contracts, turnover and profit has increased significantly recently, with a number of projects for high-profile organisations including Manchester Metropolitan University, Calderdale Council, MYCCI, and The Manufacturing Institute among others. Martin has been supporting companies overseas and has recently secured a contract with Birmingham City Council.
The judging panel were most impressed by the courage Martin demonstrated in leaving his job during difficult economic times to set up his own business doing something he was very passionate about which deserves great credit. Although currently working for himself he uses a number of local contractors and associates when necessary and is very active in promoting the business within the local community with a great deal of pro-bono work for apprentices and schools.Lattitude7 owner, Martin Haigh said “I am absolutely delighted to be given this award. I work hard to support the local business community and it is really pleasing to be recognised by the professionals at Eaton Smith. I would like to thank all my clients for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to make a difference for them”.
Formed in September 2012, Crafty Praxis is an art and craft shop based in the Byram Arcade, Huddersfield and run by Elisa Etemad, a jeweler and graduate from the University of Huddersfield.
After her graduation Elisa had the drive and ambition to become self-employed and started out by selling her own designs and a range of arts and crafts from other designers. Initially Elisa was working with 30 designers out of a small retail outlet but growth has now demanded a move to larger premises again in the Byram Arcade resulting in her working with around 100 different local suppliers. Elisa has a passion for helping other small businesses too, not only those whom she supports directly from stocking their work, but also by organising a regular art and craft market where small business owners can come and have a stall for the day within the Byram Arcade.
The judging panel were impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication to the business showed by Elisa and the fact that she took the brave decision to start a small business during difficult economic times, with little or no financial backing to speak of at a time when people have less disposable income particularly for non-essential items such as crafts. Having achieved a steady growth in sales in the initial few months of trading the business has seen a very impressive 300% increase in sales since and with Elisa always looking for something new to sell which is usually from a local supplier, great credit needs to be given to this enterprising business which is certainly going in the right direction at this early stage.
Crafty Praxis owner, Elisa Etemad said “It is a great privilege to have my business win Business of the Month for February, the past 18 months, while tremendously enjoyable, have been hard work and it feels fantastic to get recognition from a panel of experts from the local business community.”
This long established business was originally started back in 1975, but was taken over in 2010 by the current Managing Director Gareth Hunt, and supplies printing equipment and print management software to SME’s across Yorkshire, to help clients reduce costs and increase the quality of their in-house printing services.
The company aspires to establish strong relationships with clients to get a thorough understanding of their business, so that they can provide a tailor made individual service that is right for them. They feel this gives them a competitive advantage over other companies in this relatively crowded marketplace. Copiserv provide a range of award winning equipment and solutions including desk-top printers, full colour photocopiers and more efficient ways of storing paperwork to a variety of client sectors, including professional service firms such as accountants, solicitors and estate agents; schools; print and design companies, charities and manufacturing companies.
The judging panel were impressed by the fact that the MD Gareth took over the business during a very difficult economic climate and from a standing start has managed to turn over a reasonable profit margin in the first year of trading. The panel were also impressed with the proactive way the business is promoted. With a business mission, marketing strategy and a focus on building relationships, they aim to ensure that every business within their target area is fully aware of the company within the next 12 months and so the future looks bright for this growing business.
Copiserv Managing Director, Gareth Hunt Said “We would like to thank Eaton Smith and the panel for awarding Copiserv the 'Business of the Month' award. We work hard to try to be a little bit different in our approach in such a crowded marketplace and are pleased that this has been recognised. Things are tough out there and to win this award is a great honour and it's also a great platform to work on moving forward.”
Based in Lockwood, Huddersfield, Absolute Media is a company who specialise in producing commercial radio advertising, booking of radio airtime and a variety other audio/visual work.
The business was formed in 1999 by Alex Mullen and his colleague Rick Fry and from small beginnings with an office in Aspley the business grew steadily to the point where additional space was needed, with a move into purpose built, high spec premises in Lockwood Park in August 2012, formally the home of Pennine FM.
This office move was quite a risk as it was well into the downturn of the UK economy, but fortunately since moving the firm has gone from strength to strength, with turnover increasing by 100% during the last 6 months over the whole of the previous year. Having invested heavily in the most advanced industry planning software available Absolute Media has the tools in place to deliver successful campaigns on a local, regional or on a national basis.
The judging panel were impressed by the way this company goes about its business; not many people will have heard of Absolute Media but many businesses have greatly increased their turnover because of what they do. Working with an impressive client list which includes Lidl Stores, Pendragon PLC, Harratts Motor Group, United Carpets and Beds, and Cumbria and Kirklees Council to name a few. With the business currently in talks to produce radio commercials for Kia, the leading Korean car manufacturer the future looks very promising for this enterprising local business.
Absolute Media director, Alex Mullen Said “It’s indeed an honour to be recognised. It’s an even bigger honour to be listened to”
Based in Marsh, Huddersfield, PopKidz is a purpose designed party venue for children aged 3-16, which includes a DJ booth, dance floor, bespoke seating, chandeliers, led lighting and a cocktail bar where parents can book a stylish, affordable and hassle free birthday party.
The business was formed by AJ & Victoria Allan who whilst working as a chartered tax advisor was disappointed with the choice available for a children’s party, and decided on a new business venture which became PopKidz. Opening in 2010 the business was slow to take off until the appointment of a full-time manager and additional investment during 2012 allowed the business to advertise and expand resulting in record bookings and much improved profits for 2013.
The judging panel were impressed by the application from PopKidz in that, beyond the obvious enthusiasm that shone out, PopKidz has clearly worked hard to listen to feedback from customers and they have adapted their business to offer exactly what customers are after. Their success has led to an ever increasing number of parties being hosted across their two ranges, these being PopKidz and Club Fusion. A large range of parties (including a variety of themed parties) and seasonal events has seen them more than triple their bookings over the last 12 months and they have also won the Netmums Best Children’s Party Venue (Yorkshire and Humberside Region) Award 2013. Expansion plans are in place with a further venue opening in Halifax in early 2014 and franchising opportunities are under way.
PopKidz director, AJ Said We have worked really hard over the last 3 years making sure that every child feels extra special on their birthday and it’s nice to see all our hard work been rewarded, we love what we do and you can see this it our parties!
Formed in 1994 by Lloyd Simpson, the business has grown steadily over the past 19 years to become one of the leading promotional merchandise companies in the UK and the largest of its kind in Yorkshire. LSi specialises in providing companies with promotional items to promote their products and services, personalising anything from pens and pencils through to umbrellas and corporate uniforms with company logos etc.
For the first few years the business grew steadily in line with most start-ups and after 5 years with the emergence of email and the internet the business rapidly expanded. This resulted in two office moves and as the business expanded a further move was made in January 2013 to new impressive offices, a warehouse and a state of the art showroom which is the largest of its kind in this country.
Over the past 19 years, LSi has employed in excess of 100 people, most living in the Kirklees area, and has also worked closely with many local companies to help promote and market their own brands including well-known names such as Mintex, Ronseal, Theakstons, Cummins Turbo Technologies to name a few, as well as many large and small companies around the UK.
The judging panel were impressed by the steady organic growth the company has demonstrated and the fact that LSi has experienced record breaking sales figures for this year so far, which is a trend that looks set to continue. With ambitious plans for growth over the next few years the future looks very bright for this fine local business.
Lloyd Simpson, Managing Director said “To win this award is the icing on the cake for 2013, we started the year with a move to our fantastic new offices, in February we won a national award from the BPMA, in October we opened what we believe to be the largest merchandise showroom in the UK, taken on 5 new members of staff this year and exceeded all our sales forecasts. To be recognised for our efforts is just reward for the talented and hard working team of 30 people we have here at LSi. This will give us great impetus for next year our 20th Anniversary.”
Established in 2008, the founding members who were running an international on-line retail business identified a niche in the market to offer high quality website design and digital services, ensuring excellent customer service was focussed on which was lacking in the industry at this time. The business has grown steadily by using this commercial opportunity to create a design, digital and marketing agency that was centred not only around excellent work, but great service as well, an ethos which remains the key to everything that Statement does.
Operating in the design, digital and marketing sector they provide a range of services to SME’s, education, voluntary and public sector organisations in Wakefield and across Yorkshire, including the MYCCI, Wakefield College, Peter Jones China, Unique Wakefield and the Ridings Shopping Centre among others. They are also actively involved in supporting a number of charities and digital related projects which contribute to the local community, including MYnetwork Wakefield; the Wakefield Digital & Creative Community, the Wakefield Literature Festival, and staff have even ran a marathon to raise funds for a local hospice.
The judging panel were impressed by the clear and honest ethos that the firm operates with and the impressive client list which they have grown and developed over the years, particularly over the past 18 months, and with ambitious future growth plans they are gaining a reputation as one the leading design, digital and marketing agencies in the region.
Dan Conboy, Client Services Director said “We were absolutely thrilled to hear that Statement had won the Business of the Month award for September! A big thank you to our team for all of their hard work and to our clients who provide us with fun and challenging briefs for their design, digital and marketing projects. We pride ourselves on getting involved with many great projects which are related to and contribute to the region, so to receive this award recognising that was a great honour."
Liquid Accounts Ltd is a Huddersfield company which helps local businesses save money on expensive and out of date accountancy software by providing a simple, easy to use accounting alternative. Their multi-award winning software is fully supported by all the main accreditation groups and unusually for an online package it offers additional features such as order processing, payroll & stock control, and passing on any new rules and regulations from the HMRC to all customers to ensure that they always follow the correct guidelines.
Having started out with two employees, the business has grown dramatically. It now has a team of IT developers to enhance the product, a technical support team to help customers and an account management and sales team, which has trebled the employee count over recent months in order to cope with the large growth in the users of the Liquid product. Geographically, Liquid covers the whole of the UK and with ambitious plans to expand into a number of European countries and America in the next 18 months, the future looks very promising for Liquid Accounts.
The judges were impressed by the product offering that Liquid Accounts makes available to its clients and were also impressed by the future plans that Liquid has in relation to its business. Clients of Liquid enjoy the fact that the service can be adapted to the needs of an individual business so that they only pay for what they need. Being cloud-based, the software is accessible anytime, anywhere, thereby promoting the flexibility of use for its clients and their business needs.
Colin Meakin, Chief Executive said “The Liquid team are overjoyed to have received this award. It’s a great honour to be acknowledged by the local business community as a robust provider of small to medium sized business accounting solutions. The big boys have had their own way for far too long! Our thanks extends to Eaton Smith, The Chamber of Commerce, the judges and the event organisers”
Andrew, an apprentice trained plumber, set up the business back in 1985 after being made redundant. Having been turned down by the banks for a loan to start the business, Andrew borrowed enough money from his mother to get it off the ground. Working initially with his mother as secretary, and then his wife and brother; the business has grown steadily over the years by reputation, word of mouth, hard work and long hours.
The business operates throughout Yorkshire and beyond on domestic and rented properties, also on a variety of commercial properties including schools and any business where a plumber or heating engineer may be needed. Working on everything from small contracts to sophisticated £1m schemes including the ‘Melting Point Apartments’ at Firth Street in Huddersfield. Andrew has also made the investment in a new bathroom showroom, Bathrooms by Design in Skelmanthorpe. By creating 44 display bays over two floors he has established a one-stop-shop for all bathroom and plumbing services that anyone would need, resulting in an impressive new outlet for the business.
The judges were impressed by the fact that Andrew’s business has grown steadily over the years from nothing to currently employing 18 staff whilst continuing to trade through what has been the longest slump in the building industry for many years, so great credit to Andrew for driving the business forward during these difficult times through hard work, good contacts and committed staff.
Andrew Locke, Managing Director said “we are very pleased and surprised to win this award, I often think the building trade does not get the reputation it deserves, I believe a thriving building trade is a thriving country. Times have been very tough in the last few years so to win the Business of the Month is a great achievement, we have managed to maintain a solid business and the award is for the whole team”
Checkmate Fire Solutions Ltd, a passive fire protection installer and consultancy based in Brighouse has been awarded the Business of the Month prize for June.
The business operates in the market of passive fire protection, meaning all the materials installed in a building which protects it from fire, and contains the harmful effects of fire and smoke.This would include materials to protect the steel structure from collapsing, fire walls and doors, and systems put in place to seal gaps which would otherwise allow fire and smoke to easily spread.
The present company which was registered in 2003 initially grew steadily working on some prestigious projects including the Channel Tunnel, Hong Kong Airport and the Millennium Dome. Working as a specialist sub-contractor within the construction industry resulted in problems in 2008, with the onset of recession and a sharp decline in business. A change of direction was needed focussing on moving away from new builds to developing and securing work on occupied buildings, which has given the company far more opportunities to secure profitable work with significant orders received from some high profile firms including Burberry, The NHS, University College London and the Australian High Commission.
The judges were impressed that this strategy change has resulted in a 10 fold growth rate in new business, securing employment for around 35 staff through what has been a very contracted industry in recent years, but Checkmate have bucked this trend making them well placed to take advantage of the predicted industry upturn from 2014 onwards.
Alan Oliver, Managing Director said “I am very pleased to accept the award on behalf of everyone at Checkmate in recognition of team effort and their acceptance of changes required to robustly survive what has been a long and sustained recession.”
Formed in 1994 by Lloyd Simpson, the business has grown steadily over the past 19 years to become one of the leading promotional merchandise companies in the UK and the largest of its kind in Yorkshire. LSi specialises in providing companies with promotional items to promote their products and services, personalising anything from pens and pencils through to umbrellas and corporate uniforms with company logos etc.
For the first few years the business grew steadily in line with most start-ups and after 5 years with the emergence of email and the internet the business rapidly expanded. This resulted in two office moves and as the business expanded a further move was made in January 2013 to new impressive offices, a warehouse and a state of the art showroom which is the largest of its kind in this country.
Over the past 19 years, LSi has employed in excess of 100 people, most living in the Kirklees area, and has also worked closely with many local companies to help promote and market their own brands including well-known names such as Mintex, Ronseal, Theakstons, Cummins Turbo Technologies to name a few, as well as many large and small companies around the UK.
The judging panel were impressed by the steady organic growth the company has demonstrated and the fact that LSi has experienced record breaking sales figures for this year so far, which is a trend that looks set to continue. With ambitious plans for growth over the next few years the future looks very bright for this fine local business.
Lloyd Simpson, Managing Director said “To win this award is the icing on the cake for 2013, we started the year with a move to our fantastic new offices, in February we won a national award from the BPMA, in October we opened what we believe to be the largest merchandise showroom in the UK, taken on 5 new members of staff this year and exceeded all our sales forecasts. To be recognised for our efforts is just reward for the talented and hard working team of 30 people we have here at LSi. This will give us great impetus for next year our 20th Anniversary.”
Towndoor Limited is a company based in Meltham, Huddersfield, which specialises in the development and rental of commercial property.
Founded in 1988 by Stuart and Lucy Bamforth, The Bamforth Group were initially involved in the dismantling of the huge premises which formally housed Case Tractors. During this process 50% of the factory site was sold to the group in the name of Towndoor Ltd, and within 4 years the whole of this huge site had been developed into an industrial estate which was fully occupied by 38 individual companies providing over 400 new jobs.
Further gradual expansion followed over the years and now Towndoor have over 90 units throughout Huddersfield and Leeds spread across 7 sites. Having over 1 million sq ft of space in units of various sizes with properties including trade counters, garages, warehouses, offices, manufacturing spaces, apartments and even a reservoir.
The judging panel were most impressed with the year on year growth and increase in profits and the fact that the bulk of the profit is reinvested in the business to grow the stock and also to continually improve the quality of the premises. Also the company contributes where possible to local community initiatives, as an example they are completing a ¾ million pound safety project at Meltham Mill’s reservoir to protect local residents and businesses from possible flooding.
Towndoor Managing Director, Dan Bamforth said “We at Towndoor are constantly looking to expand and improve our portfolio. Previous work processes that proved to be problematic have been replaced radically transforming business applications across the company. This has resulted in a more transparent approach bringing together all aspects for measuring progress towards our business success”.
Andrew, an apprentice trained plumber, set up the business back in 1985 after being made redundant. Having been turned down by the banks for a loan to start the business, Andrew borrowed enough money from his mother to get it off the ground. Working initially with his mother as secretary, and then his wife and brother; the business has grown steadily over the years by reputation, word of mouth, hard work and long hours.
The business operates throughout Yorkshire and beyond on domestic and rented properties, also on a variety of commercial properties including schools and any business where a plumber or heating engineer may be needed. Working on everything from small contracts to sophisticated £1m schemes including the ‘Melting Point Apartments’ at Firth Street in Huddersfield. Andrew has also made the investment in a new bathroom showroom, Bathrooms by Design in Skelmanthorpe. By creating 44 display bays over two floors he has established a one-stop-shop for all bathroom and plumbing services that anyone would need, resulting in an impressive new outlet for the business.
The judges were impressed by the fact that Andrew’s business has grown steadily over the years from nothing to currently employing 18 staff whilst continuing to trade through what has been the longest slump in the building industry for many years, so great credit to Andrew for driving the business forward during these difficult times through hard work, good contacts and committed staff.
Andrew Locke, Managing Director said “we are very pleased and surprised to win this award, I often think the building trade does not get the reputation it deserves, I believe a thriving building trade is a thriving country. Times have been very tough in the last few years so to win the Business of the Month is a great achievement, we have managed to maintain a solid business and the award is for the whole team”
