Halsteads singled out for their true grit

THE finance director of floorcoverings group James Halstead has nominated his chairman and chief executive for the North West Business Masters Awards.

Gordon Oliver has put chairman Geoffrey Halstead and his chief executive son Mark forward in the North West Grit category.

The £180m turnover company, based in Radcliffe, has achieved significant sales and profit growth in recent years despite the challenging economic environment. Recent projects include installing flooring at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, the Abu Dhabi Police Academy in the UAE, the new Big Brother house and Peel Group’s MediaCity development in Salford.

Mr Oliver said the company has been led with “confidence and grit” at a time when many new developments have been postponed or scrapped.

“When running a business that is 95% focused on supplying commercial floorings, with major exposure to new builds being deferred and a major loss of confidence, the chairman guided his company to its most successful trading year and the 34th consecutive year of dividend growth,” he said.

“For the sheer confidence and grit to understand the foundations of the business whilst having bank facilities undermined, credit insurance on export markets curtailed and shareholders concerned I nominate Geofrey Halstead. I would personally make it a joint nomination with his son, Mark Halstead.” He adds: “Record turnover, record profits, commercial flooring – grit.”

Made a difference? Defied the odds? Had a good year? You could be a winner. Nominations are now open for the first ever North West Business Masters. Click here for more information

Chris Barry, editor of TheBusinessDesk.com in the North West said: “We are receiving some excellent entries to the NW Business Masters. In what we all know have been really challenging economic times, there are some fantastic companies in this region doing really well.”

The North West Business Masters awards lunch will take place at The Point at Lancashire County Cricket Club on April 7 next year. All six categories are open to individuals or businesses based in the North West.

•North West Newcomer: Best new business initiative in the region
•North West Grit: Overcoming adversity and making a real difference
•North West Pride: Most meaningful philanthropic initiative by a business, organisation or leader
•North West Innovator: Most creative or original business thinking
•North West Ambassador: Greatest contribution to business in the North West
•North West Adviser: The best professional adviser working in the region.

Click here to book tickets for the North West Business Masters.