Bondholders crowned at Chamber Business Awards 2023

Bondholder companies have been recognised at the 2023 East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards.

Midland Lead was crowned Derbyshire Business of the Year at the awards ceremony held on Friday 10 November in association with headline partner Mazars.

The Swadlincote-based, family-run company – which produces more than 15,000 tonnes of lead per year – also won the Commitment to People Development category. It received the recognition after transforming company culture and making long-term investments in its 36-strong workforce.

Other Bondholder winners across the 13 categories include Derventio Housing Trust, Colleague Box, HSG UK, EMA Training, Ocean King and Bloc Digital.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The winners of our Business Awards are testament to the resilience, ingenuity and hunger for growth within the Derbyshire business community, which never ceases to amaze.

“Despite some of the relentless challenges that have been thrown their way, our region’s businesses continue to find new ways of succeeding and contributing to the communities in which they are based.”

Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by 350 people at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

The full list of winners of Derbyshire Business Awards 2023 is:

-Business of the Year – Midland Lead
– Business Improvement Through Technology – Coach Hire Comparison
– Community Impact – Derventio Housing Trust
– Outstanding Growth – EcoTech Engineers
– Excellence in Collaboration – Colleague Box and Blue Light Card
– Environmental Impact – HSG UK
– Commitment to People Development – Midland Lead
– Apprentice of the Year – Leah Bancroft – Longbow Bars & Restaurants
– Entrepreneur of the Year – Steven Thai – Ocean King
– Education and Business Partnership – EMA Training
– Excellence in Customer Service – Reformed IT
– Excellence in International Trade – Bloc Digital
– Small Business of the Year – Bloc Digital
– Excellence in Innovation – Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare

Scott Knowles continued: “It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Derbyshire. We know it’s a fantastic place to do business and these organisations are shining examples.”

On the night, a raffle was held to raise funds for the Chamber Charitable Fund, which comprises president Stuart Dawkins’ three chosen charities for this year – Foundation Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.