Fast-growing Swindon construction firm Beard missed out on landing the region’s most coveted business accolades at an awards ceremony that resulted in Cornish firms winning the double.
Family-run Beard, which focuses on innovative building solutions and collaborative working styles across the west and central England, was up against five other firms in the large company category of the prestigious West of England Business of the Year Awards, sponsored by accountants PwC.
The awards have been recognising for the past 25 years the cream of the West’s dynamic companies. As well as the main award, there is an award for smaller businesses turning over £25m or less. Swindon Business News and its sister titles Bath Business News and Bristol Business News, along with the recently-launched WestBusinessNews magazine, were among the sponsors.
The larger business award (for companies with a turnover of £25m-plus or more than 100 employees) went to Falmouth based Watson Marlow, a worldwide peristaltic pump and tubing manufacturer with applications in the biopharma, food and chemical industries.
PwC tax partner and chair of the judges for this category, Nick Morgan, said: “Watson Marlow impressed the judges with its historic growth trends, the pride and passion its people have for what they do and its outlook based on continual investment in research and development and product innovation.”
The award for smaller business award went to fashion company Seasalt, also based in Falmouth.
PwC head of tax in the West, Tracey Bentham, who was also chair of the judges for this category, said: “2013 proved to be the toughest year so far for the judges, with four strong contenders for this award.
“Seasalt demonstrated to the judges, that despite the difficult economic climate particularly for retailers, their outstanding innovative clothing and accessory range continues to attract and keep their customers happy.”
The awards were presented at a gala dinner last Thursday at the Wills Memorial Building in Bristol.
The event supported the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.
Katharine Finn, office senior leader for PwC Bristol, added: “I would like to congratulate all the finalists and the winners. Their ability to stay ahead in the current climate and the significant contribution they make to the economic success and its region is rightly celebrated.”
