An inspirational ‘live’ premiere on You Tube saw the culmination of the 2021 Family Business of the Year Awards where the winners were announced. Organised by Family Business United, the event was a celebration of the very best of British family businesses which brought together finalists from all over the UK at the end of what has, for many, been a very difficult year.

Acceptance speeches from the winners reflected their pride and passion for what they do, with family values, integrity and resilience shining through.  (Watch the show here)

As Paul Andrews, founder of FBU and organiser of the awards explains, “Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and these awards celebrate their contribution in terms of jobs provided, income generated and wealth created, not to forget the positive impact they have as a force for good in the communities in which they are based.  Our winners are all incredible businesses with a story to tell, solid governance and a desire to succeed.”

“We heard from some amazing families in business and their pride in winning an award was palpable.  Not least, Thomas Martin, Chairman of Arco, winners of the Yorkshire Family Business of the Year and overall Supreme Champions for 2021 who summed up what winning means to Arco.  “At the end of the most remarkable and humbling year that I have ever had in my 35 years in business, this award just caps it off! Our fifth generation family business is driven by a single purpose, to keep people safe at work. During the last 12 months, our crew have done amazing things to help the heroes and heroines on the front line, battling to build back better and help fight against this horrendous pandemic. They have been incredible and this award recognises their efforts.”

“We just strive to be the best that we can and to be a force for good wherever possible. These awards are an important reminder to those in government and in business of the importance of the family business sector and the contribution it makes. Family businesses are at the forefront of making the UK the best possible place it can be, to do business, to start a business and to thrive and these awards recognise this across the whole of the country,” adds Thomas.

“As for us, I am accepting these awards on behalf of over 1600 members of the Arco crew and, of course, the family. It is a great honour and we are thrilled with the recognition. Thank you very much indeed,” he concludes.

The evening saw some amazing family firms crowned as winners:

THE SECTOR AWARDS

• Property & Construction – Merritt & Fryers
• Manufacturing – The Adelphi Group of Companies
• Health & Welfare – CHD Living
• Hotel & Leisure – Grantley Hall
• Homes & Gardens – Caribbean Blinds UK Ltd
• Food & Drink – Stacey’s Bakery
• Retail – Colemans
• Transport & Logistics – Farrall’s Group
• Financial & Professional Services – Leadership Through Data

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

• Yorkshire – Bar Graphic Machinery
• Midlands & Central – Eco Maniax
• London & South East – Keith Jones Butchers
• East & East Anglia – Cambridge Juice Company
• Wales – Seventh Heaven
• North & Northern Ireland – Dunsters Farm
• Scotland – Macsween of Edinburgh
• South & South West – Island Roasted

THE REGIONAL AWARDS

• North & Northern Ireland – Farrall’s Group
• South & South West – Oltco
• Scotland – Arbikie
• Wales – A&R Cleaning Services
• Yorkshire – Arco
• London & South East – Ridgeview
• Midlands & Central – J-Flex
• East & East Anglia – Caribbean Blinds UK Ltd

THE NATIONAL AWARDS

• Entrepreneurship – Milly J Shoes
• People’s Choice – Keith Jones Butchers
• Community – Essence of Harris
• Innovation – Vitmedics
• Ones To Watch – Purdy & Figg, Two Brooks and Beans Coffee Club
• Small Family Business of the Year – K&S McKenzie
• Essence of Family Business – HMG Paints
• National Ambassador – William Lees-Jones, JW Lees Brewery
• Next Generation Ambassador – Rebecca Falder, HMG Paints
• Lifetime Achievement – Derrick Potter, Potter Space

SUPREME CHAMPIONS

• Arco

Some were surprised to have made it to the finals and to win was totally unexpected.  As Keith Jones from Keith Jones Butchers in Hitchin, winners of the National People’s Choice Award, making them the nation’s favourite commented, “Well tonight the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the most amazing moment I have witnessed since starting our family business happened.  Not not only did we win the South East and London People’s Choice but went on to take the overall National People’s Choice Award.  This was determined by a public vote and the voices of our supporters were greater than anywhere in the United Kingdom.  It is amazing to have won two awards. This recognition means the world to us and it is fantastic to bring this award back to our Hitchin based family business.”

As Paul concludes, “2021, more than ever before in the history of these prestigious awards was a real celebration, recognising the ongoing importance of family businesses to the nation.  With more than 6 million family firms across the UK employing around 13 million people, their importance should not go unnoticed. It is an honour to champion family firms across the UK and we know that as the nation recovers from the impact of the pandemic, they will be vital to the recovery too.  Last night was incredible, the energy amongst the winners palpable and their pride evident for everyone to see.  Congratulations to all of the finalists, the winners and a final mention for the Supreme Champions 2021, Arco.”