Chris Snelson, fleet and asset director, says the win reflects decades of growth from a tiny depot into a national operation.
He says: “I’m 28 years in the business. NRG started out from one depot in Kirkby with two or three people in an office. There was a fleet of 20 vehicles and they were trying to build a business.
“What we had on day one was a caring and can-do attitude. The right service of support was implemented and had people answering the phone 24/7.”
That attitude still runs through the company today.
The operation has expanded to 16 sites, employing 350 people - 110 of which are in Lancashire – and a fleet of 2,650 specialist vehicles.
The last 30 years have seen competitors rise and fall, but Riverside’s strategy of steady investment has kept it moving forward.
Chris adds: “In 30 years we have seen a lot of companies, bigger companies, come and go while we’ve continued to grow year on year every year.”
Despite its national footprint, Anthony Glorman, head of operations North West, says winning an award with their Lancashire roots is even more special.
He adds: “Our centre of excellence is in Lancashire. We might employ people down south or across the country but it all starts in Lancashire. If they need ad-hoc training they come here. It is our area and this is our home.”
The Skelmersdale head office, secured on a 10-year lease, anchors its support, training and aftercare operations.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
There is a huge commitment to the workforce and the local community. There is a demonstration to continued growth and investment in people
Sophie Penman EQHS coordinator
There’s a genuine open-door policy here. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here two months or twenty years, everyone is treated the same. Whether you’re a director or an administrator, you can speak to anyone and feel supported. I’ve recently progressed within the business, and that’s down to the support here.
Awards 2026
Adam Lawton fleet and asset controller
It is a very proud achievement for everyone and for the company. There are lots of opportunities for progression and everyone here is involved. There is a close dynamic. Everyone can talk to each other so you don’t feel like you are on your own.
Amber shares Anthony’s joy that winning in the Red Rose county holds particular significance.
She says: “Our head office is in Skelmersdale. Who wouldn’t want to win the flagship award for the area?”
The company is in the fast lane for growth and expects £110m turnover this year whilst preparing for major expansion.
“Our aim is to double in size within the next four to five years, so we are ever investing in fleet,” Amber says.
“Last year alone, we spent around £45m on new fleet for our short-term hire offering, keeping the age profile of the refuse collection fleet young and reliable.”
That investment must be matched by investment in people, Chris adds.
“Our growth can only come if we invest in
the right people and we have done that successfully in the past 30 years.”
Apprenticeships and development are front and centre.
“We are very proud to be part of The 5% club where five per cent of our employees are in an apprenticeship scheme,” Amber says.
“We know that the next however many years is about attracting that young talent and giving career development opportunities.”
And with the next 30 years in mind, the mission is clear. “The plan is to double the business over the next five years and the funding and infrastructure is in place to do that. We are not looking to re-invent the wheel,” Amber adds.
For a company whose award ended the night under the covers, the sentiment is unmistakable: the Red Rose win wasn’t simply a moment – it was a milestone.
Venue: Park Hall Resort and Spa
Date: Friday
October 16 2026 Entries open soon
Sub36 is the platform for emerging business talent aged under 36
Anthony Glorman head of operations – North West
I have been here for over 20 years and I have seen a lot of change. There is a strong family feel. Ordinarily the bigger a company goes it the more likely it is to lose that personal touch, but it’s the opposite here and it has grown stronger. We have not lost that culture and ethos. Even though there are so many different departments, we are all one big team, and all cogs have to move in the correct direction. It is in our best interests to work together.
Experts In Specialist Fleet
nrgriverside.com 0333 200 0460
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
entering and nominating Find out more here
about sponsoring,
75
RED ROSE AWARDS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
