Teamwork makes the dream work at Ward

In the latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate magazine, we meet up with Donald Ward, operations director at metal recycling and waste management specialists Ward.

Earlier this year, this family-run business was recognised by her late majesty with a Queen’s Award for International Trade.

In our Q&A with Donald, he gives an insight into the secret behind the success of the firm, which is expanding at a rapid pace, both at home and overseas.

The business can trace its roots back more than 80 years, when it began with a single scrap metal site in Swadlincote.

The business initially handled scrap steel, predominantly from the coal industry and the electricity sector, working with several local power stations.

Now headquartered in Ilkeston, the firm employs more than 450 people at sites across the UK, collects more than a million tonnes of waste a year, and has an annual turnover in excess of £300 million.

Exports have proven pivotal to the growth of Ward, with the firm exporting metal all over the world.

And it was an extremely proud moment for Donald and his team when they found out they had received Royal recognition for their performance in the international marketplace.

According to Donald, continued investment and teamwork are cornerstones of the success of the business.

He told Innovate: “By investing heavily in our infrastructure, processes and employees, and prioritising the reinvestment of profits, Ward has built a sustainable business.

“It has consciously chosen not to seek external funding, such as private equity, to ensure that the core values and culture of the family-run business are retained.

“Overall, it has always been about the team effort, where every person’s contribution is vital to help the growth and success of the business.”

And with this in mind, when it comes to the Queen’s Award success, Donald is keen to stress that it was recognition for the efforts of the ‘team’, not any single individual.

He said: “Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade is a huge honour for the Ward team.

“It’s one of the most prestigious business awards available and recognises the whole team’s contribution to sustained success.”

To read the full interview in the latest Innovate magazine click here.