21 Dynamic Growth
Pitmans LLP sponsored by
Far left: Howard Clarke and Nigel Clarke, founder and CEO respectively, of winning company Morgan Innovation & Technology
Above: Sean Kelly of sponsor Pitmans (second left) presents James Wilson (third left) of Southern Communications with second place
Legal firm Pitmans, itself experiencing dynamic growth having acquired Lamport Bassitt in Southampton in 2014 and now operating across the central south with offices in Reading and the City of London, was sponsoring this category.
Six highly-successful companies had been selected as inaugural year finalists: Croydex, Garner Group, Morgan Innovation & Technology, NA Curtain Walling, Southern Communications and Winchester Motor Company.
Two of them - Morgan Innovation & Technology and NA Curtain Walling – had been finalists for the SME of the Year Award. An obvious question rumoured around the room. Would either take the prized SBA Dynamic Growth title this time? Expectancy mounted as Pitmans partner Sean Kelly approached the stage to reveal the results.
Third-placed was NA Curtain Wallling founded in 1997, and director Robbie Welch accepted a commemorative trophy for his company that has gained an enviable reputation within its sector through professionalism combined with controlled growth.
Second place went to Southern Communications, a Dummer- based company with over 50 years' experience of providing outstanding customer service to businesses through its communications product range spanning voice, data, mobile and cloud-based solutions.
Sally Taylor added to the audience conjecture by providing the judging panel’s comments: “Our winner is a highly-dynamic company which encourages innovation by investing 20% of turnover in SMEs, individuals and organisations such as hospitals, universities and medical schools. It has established products and cutting-edge R&D to launch various new projects such as developing tests for pre-eclampsia and foetal distress, as well as devices for stroke rehabilitation and anti-snoring.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – NOVEMBER 2015
Left: Robbie Welch (left) and Nick Carter of NA Curtain Walling in third
“The company has doubled turnover since 2012 by expanding into new products, new ideas and new markets with joint venture partners. It has continuously increased staff numbers since 2012 and has well-regarded apprenticeship and graduate trainee schemes.”
Sean Kelly then announced the Dynamic Growth Award winner’s name – Morgan Innovation & Technology.
Howard Clarke, founder of MI&T, spoke proudly afterwards: “The number one reason for our company success is the staff. There is nothing like having a team that all pull in the same direction.”
And what drives dynamic growth? “Passion throughout the company, from top to bottom, for what we want to do and what our whole team wants to achieve,” answered son Nigel, the company CEO.
With 93% of sales going abroad MI&T has previously gained a Queen’s Award for International Trade, and this year’s Solent Business Award was “another tremendous achievement and recognition for the staff,” added Howard.
Highly Commended went to Croydex, founded in 1919 and now designing and manufacturing innovative yet practical bathroom solutions for multi-national buyers across the world; the Cosham- based Garner Group, which runs Portsbridge Service Station, opened in 1968 and now a modern convenience store and petrol forecourt recognised by its industry as Forecourt of the Year in 2014; and Winchester Motor Company a family-owned business currently celebrating 50 years as one of the longest-serving Volkswagen agents in the country.
www.businessmag.co.uk
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