Wedding Venue Lighting was established by Matt Butcher, a former wedding DJ. The company was inspired by his passion for the technical side of weddings and offers a range of products such as starlight dance floors, illuminated letters, festoon lights, hanging lanterns and flower walls, complete with multi-coloured lighting to suits any occasion or colour scheme. Although primarily wedding focused the company also offers its services to other events.
Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award was established in 1995 and is open to any business operating within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. Wedding Venue Lighting is the 12th winner of the 2016/17 Business of the Month awards and the final company to go forward to the Business of the Year Award 2017 which takes place on 30th June 2017.
A celebratory networking lunch, where Wedding Venue Lighting were presented with their award and able to meet with the Eaton Smith judging panel, took place on 8th June 2017.
Mike Webb, Senior Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel said; “The judges were impressed with the company’s commitment to keeping up to date with the latest trends and dedication to customer service. This business operates in a highly competitive marketplace but demonstrates financial success and ambitious growth plans which make it a worthy winner of our Business of the Month Award.”
Matt Butcher, founder and managing director of Wedding Venue Lighting commented; “We are very proud to receive the award which is a testament to our hard-work and achievements over the last twelve months. We have worked incredibly hard to build a business based on outstanding customer service and the best quality product and look forward to what the future holds for Wedding Venue Lighting.”
Website: www.wedding-venue-lighting.co.uk
The Bigger Boat was founded in 2010 by Doug Main, Lee Boothroyd & Andy McCaul who had all previously worked together in another agency. The agency outgrew its original office in Brighouse and moved to Mirfield in 2015. They have an impressive client list of companies such as Xbox one game developers, Microsoft Studios and the toy manufacturers, Little Tikes. Furthermore, they demonstrate a remarkable work ethos which is why so much of their work comes through client recommendations.
Phil Clarke, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel said; “The judges were impressed with The Bigger Boat because not only have they gained financial success but they have also invested in their staff through training and development. The company works hard to recruit talented individuals by offering a quality working environment and development programmes.”
Commenting on their win Andy McCaul said; “We are very proud to receive the Business of the Month Award. We have a fantastic team of people here at The Bigger Boat who work hard to make the business a success. We have ambitious growth plans and are excited about the future of the company”.
The Bigger Boat will now go forward to the Business of the Year judging panel. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 30th June 2017.
Website: www.thebiggerboat.co.uk
Juice Personnel was founded in 2003 in Huddersfield, with a view to bringing a fresh approach to the recruitment industry. The company was built on the core values of mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality which enabled them to establish client and candidate loyalty. Juice Personnel quickly outgrew their office in Huddersfield which prompted a move to bigger premises in Wakefield town centre.
Kate Booth, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel said: “They were a clear winner in a strong field. The entrepreneurial start and steady growth is impressive, they are ambitious and have changed and grown in response to the recession and are continuing to set challenges for themselves including the automotive side and placing candidates overseas. The financials were impressive and the judges valued their contribution to local community including Wakefield Hospice and Wakefield Trinity.”
Kelly Smith, co-owner of Juice Personnel commented on their win “We are delighted to have been recognised and receive this award. We have a fantastic team here at Juice Personnel who are all dedicated to providing an excellent service to our clients and candidates. We are really proud of our business and are excited about the future.”
Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award was established in 1995 and is open to any business operating within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. All monthly winners are automatically entered into the Business of the Year Awards which take place at the end of June.
Website: www.juicepersonnel.co.uk
In 2013 three friends, Damian Blackburn, Ian Agnew and Paul Meikle-Janney, joined forces to create the kind of coffee business they all wanted to work for. The owners had all previously had significant experience in the industry ranging from working for one of the world’s leading coffee consultancies to a position as a master coffee roaster, an international coffee quality judge and a charity worker supporting coffee farmers in Africa. Together they created not only a wholesale roaster but also a barista training centre and a pop up café and shop for the public.
Chris Taylor, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel said; “Dark Woods Coffee is an impressive business. The training centre attracts baristas and coffee professionals from across the UK and Europe, while the coffee is traded across the UK, primarily to speciality coffee shops but also to Michelin Star restaurants. The business has seen impressive growth with similar projections for the coming year. Their knowledge of coffee and the industry is outstanding.”
Paul Meikle-Janney, co-owner of Dark Woods Coffee commented on winning the award “We have created a business that we all love to work in, we’re enthusiastic and ambitious about the future and winning this award is testament to the passion and hard work we have put into the business over the last four years.”
Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award was established in 1995 and is open to any business operating within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. All monthly winners are automatically entered into the Business of the Year Awards which take place in July.
Website: www.darkwoodscoffee.co.uk
The Directors formed the business after becoming increasingly frustrated with cheap and sub-standard lighting products being sold onto the UK market. Since 2013 the company has grown from having a very small product range to a full suite of solutions with a market leading warranty package.
Alison Palmer, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel said; “Lumilow Lighting has a strong emphasis on offering bespoke, high quality lighting solutions. It has achieved a niche position in the marketplace through innovative solutions coupled with good quality standards. The judging panel were impressed with the company’s commitment to investment in its people, with a generous training programme and an inspirational working environment.”
Andy Chell, Managing Director of Lumilow Lighting, commented; “We’re very proud of our business and it is fantastic that our achievements have been recognised by the judging panel of this award. We have a great team here at Lumilow who are all working hard to fulfil our very ambitious plans for the future.”
Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award was established in 1995 and is open to any business operating within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. All monthly winners are automatically entered into the Business of the Year Awards which take place at the end of June.
Website: www.lumilow.com
Asparagus Green was established just less than two years ago and has certainly hit the ground running. Within one month of setting up, the company won its first major contract at one of Yorkshire’s most popular museums – the National Coal Mining Museum. More recently they have secured a contract with a second museum, Pontefract Castle. Using only the freshest produce sourced from Yorkshire, Anthony Hegney, the Managing Director, is determined to support local businesses and employ local people.
Deborah Melluish, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel commented; “Asparagus Green are a worthy winner of the Business of the Month award due to their remarkable growth and commitment to the local community. The judging panel were particularly impressed with the drive and determination shown by Anthony and his team and their commitment to high standards of customer service”.
Commenting on the award, Anthony Hegney said; “We’re very proud to receive this award and are delighted that the company has been recognised in this way. We have very ambitious growth plans for Asparagus Green and I am very lucky to have such a driven and determined team of people working with me.”
Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award was established in 1995 and is open to any business operating within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. All monthly winners are automatically entered into the Business of the Year Awards which take place in July.
Website: asparagusgreencatering.co.uk
Distinct Disposables originally started life as a one woman company called TDS Supplies based in owner, Diane Storer’s garage in Meltham. Although the set up was quite primitive, the business flourished. However, due to other business ventures, Diane decided to sell the business on. She found a buyer for the company, but the new owner did not take up the reigns of the business and Diane found herself receiving calls from her old customers. Not one to disappoint her customers, Diane established a new company, Distinct Disposables Limited, in 1987.
The company continued to grow, supplying the local area of West Yorkshire, but Diane wanted to extend her little empire and in 2001 she bought Sheffield based company, Globe Paper Systems and began to stretch into South Yorkshire. In 2005, Globe Paper Systems, under the Distinct Disposables flagship, opened a branch in Oswestry covering the Shropshire area. The business has shown year on year growth and made a huge growth on turnover in 2008 due to securing an account with the University of Huddersfield to install the Bay West range within every washroom environment throughout the campus, as well as supplying some chemical products. Distinct Disposables’ objectives for the future are to continue to grow and mature as a commercially successful local business. The company itself is built on strong values which are; supplying quality products, providing a large portfolio of products to suit customers’ requirements, to have a strong and consistent team and offer first-class quality service.
On receiving her award, Diane said: “Winning the award has made me feel proud, not just for myself but the whole of my team, who all work hard in order to achieve our main aim to provide a first class service to our customers.”
Website: www.distinctdisposables.co.uk
Yorkshire Payments was formed by James Howard in 2013 and, since then, has grown from two members of staff to 27 full time employees with the aim to recruit a further seven before the end of the year. James’ vision has remained the same since he started the company, which is to provide safe, secure and efficient payment solutions to a range of businesses across the county. Yorkshire Payments boasts the position as the only independent retailer of card payment solutions in the region.
Alison Palmer commented;
“The judging panel were impressed with the financial success of the business and its emphasis on investing in its people. Yorkshire Payments aims to be regarded as a great employer, investing in training its people and rewarding hard work with progression. The company has championed apprenticeship schemes, with the objective of recruiting at least one new apprentice every year while also offering work experience to students from their local high school. The investment in its people and the business, alongside ambitious growth plans based on sound financial plans makes Yorkshire Payments a worthy winner of Business of the Month Award”.
James Howard, founder and managing director of Yorkshire Payments added;
“It is an honour to have picked up the award for business of the month. We are a young but fast-growing business and I have ambitious plans to continue our growth and to reward my team for helping to drive our success.”
Website: yorkshirepayments.com
A company which provides compressed air solutions in the UK has become the latest winner of Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award. Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) was established in 1991 with the aim of offering customers a refreshing new approach. The company now employs 51 staff and serves customers throughout Yorkshire, the north of England and elsewhere in the UK.
Chris Taylor, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel commented; “PPS not only offers exceptional customer service but also demonstrates a strong commitment to the welfare of its own staff, several of whom have been with the company for over 20 years. This, combined with its contribution to the region and financial performance made it a worthy winner of Business of the Month Award.”
Gary Whitaker, Managing Director of PPS said; “Our company is very much about the people and this award is down to a fantastic team effort. We look after our staff and they, in turn, work hard to look after our customers. This is an exciting time for PPS as we look to grow further and offer more services. “
Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award was established in 1995 and is open to any business operating within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. All monthly winners are automatically entered into the Business of the Year Awards which take place in July.
Website: www.pennine-pneumatic.co.uk
Orchard Facilities Management is the latest winner of Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award.
After launching as two separate businesses in 2005 the creation of the Orchard Facilities Management brand in early 2015 brought together waste management company Orchard Environmental and IT managed services provider Orchard Networks.
Orchard specialises in delivering tailored facilities management solutions to business of all sizes, working with clients to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency by being more efficient, effective and environmentally responsible. Services include data and IT support, pest control, PAT testing, building services and all types of waste management, including clinical, hazardous and washroom services.
The firm now employs 30 people in Elland and recently picked up its first public sector facilities management contract. Plans were recently announced to create 18 new jobs over the next three years and relocate to larger premises following the success of a £55K rebrand.
Pre-tax profits rose by 80 per cent last year and Orchard is to invest £80K in new software systems over the next 12 months.
Deborah Melluish, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel commented, “Orchard Facilities Management shows a clear commitment to growth through internal investment in both people and infrastructure and through a clear business strategy. The judging panel were also impressed by their commitment to the local community through donations of profits to good causes and partnering with local charities. The future looks very positive for this business.”
Gareth Henderson, Managing Director at Orchard Facilities Management, commented on winning the award, “We are fortunate to have a highly committed and enthusiastic team of people and a strong brand which positively sets us apart from other companies and is helping us grow. Everyone at Orchard has worked very hard to build such a successful business and it is fantastic to be recognised in this way.”
Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award was established in 1995 and is open to any business operating within the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. All monthly winners are automatically entered into the Business of the Year Awards which take place at the end of June.
Website: www.orchard-fm.com/
Founded in 2008 by Allison Whitmarsh, Propermaid has grown from one person baking at home with one customer to a business that employs 33 staff and distributes both nationally and internationally. ProperMaid is known for its innovative recipes that are Yorkshire inspired such as the award winning Dandelion and Burdock cake.
Deborah Melluish, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel commented: “We were very impressed with the speed with which ProperMaid has grown, which is testament to Allison’s determination and work ethic. The company is very proud of its Yorkshire heritage and uses local suppliers wherever possible; coupled with its strategy of collaborations with national brands such as Pret a Manger and Ocado, the future looks very positive for ProperMaid.”
Commenting on winning the award Allison Whitmarsh said “I am delighted that ProperMaid has been recognised as a winner of Business of the Month Award. We have a great team and it is their team work and commitment to the growth of the business that has made it a success. We have ambitious plans for the future and we are all looking forward to taking the business further forward.”
KC Communications, a marketing and communications business from Lindley, is the latest winner of the Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award.
KC Communications provides marketing, PR and social media solutions to businesses within both the Yorkshire region and nationally. The business was set up in 2014 by Katrina Cliffe, an experienced marketer who noticed a gap in the market for an integrated marketing consultancy outside of Leeds.
The Business of the Month judges were impressed with the development of the business within a short time and the drive that Katrina has demonstrated in growing her business, contributing to the business community through supporting organisations such as the LEP and developing others through using apprentice and intern schemes, providing work experience and mentoring students.
Kate Booth, Partner at Eaton Smith and member of the judging panel said “We were also impressed that Katrina has recognised the benefit of using outside sources to improve efficiency within her business and establish a good business model that should stand her in good stead for the future.”
Katrina Cliffe, Founder and Managing Director of KC Communications commented: "Having founded KC Communications a little under two years ago, I have strived to create a business that contributes positively to the local economy through jobs creation and addressing the skills gap whilst providing our clients with the exceptional marketing, PR and social media support they require to support their own business growth. I am absolutely delighted that KC Communications have been recognised as a worthy winner of the Eaton Smith Business of the Month award”.
This Huddersfield based firm was founded in 2008 by Allison Whitmarsh who identified a gap in the market for her unique cakes. Allison worked tirelessly to build recognition for her brand and business concept which quickly grew from trading at local Farmers Markets, to supplying a diverse range of high end bistros, tea rooms, restaurants, prestigious venues and tourist attractions across the region. ProperMaid is known for its innovative recipes that are Yorkshire inspired such as Courgette and Lime, Beetroot and Chocolate, Liquorice, Rhubarb & Custard and the award winning Dandelion and Burdock Cake. ProperMaid is very proud of its Huddersfield roots and is determined to maintain its local brand profile and Yorkshire focus as it continues to grow.
Pennine Pneumatic Services was established in 1991 and has grown in size and stature to become one of the leading providers of compressed air solutions in the UK and an Atlas Copco premier distributor. After working in the compressed air business for many years Gary Whitaker founded the company with an aim to offer customers a refreshing new approach. Pennine Pneumatic Services has been built on solid foundations of hard work, determination, excellent customer service and response times. The business invests considerably in training at all levels and has many employees with very long service.
Website: www.pennine-pneumatic.co.uk
Yorkshire Payments was established in 2013 by James Howard whose vision was to provide independent payment solutions to a range of businesses across the Yorkshire region. This vision remains the same today and the company now supports thousands of businesses including some large, very well-known brands. The company’s strong commitment to high quality customer service has ensured it has grown at a phenomenal rate and continues to win market share through hard work, determination and recommendations.
Website: yorkshirepayments.com
