Spenbeck named Professional Services Family Business of the Year

Nottingham-based property developer Spenbeck has been named Professional Services Family Business of the Year at a prestigious awards evening held at The Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park in London.

The Family Business of the Year Awards, organised by Family Business United, celebrate family firms from all corners of the UK. Awards are given by region, sector and nationally in recognition of qualities such as entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability and community engagement.

Paul Andrews, founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: “As an organisation we champion and celebrate family-owned businesses across the UK, recognising the contribution they make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation as well as the impact they have on the communities in which they operate.

“Since 2012 these awards have grown to become something really special, recognising family firms from all sectors, young and multi-generational family firms alike, large and small but all sharing the same underlying values, pride and passion for what they do and a strong desire to do business the right way. Each of the winners is a great business with a strong narrative and is a great ambassador for the broader family business community too.”

Spenbeck was founded by Mich Stevenson OBE DL and is run by his daughters Becky Valentine and Victoria Green. With a heritage firmly rooted in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, the company has earned an enviable reputation as a multi-award-winning first mover specialising in bespoke, sustainable and beautifully designed offices in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter.

The company also provides bespoke advisory services around sustainability, interior design and building health.

Becky and Victoria said: “Like almost everyone, lockdown afforded us time to reflect on how we wanted to move forward, both personally and professionally. A complex decision at the best of times, made harder for those in family businesses who have legacies and tradition to throw into the mix. It means everything to us that we have our parents’ full support in evolving Spenbeck, combining our passions and expertise with their legacy. To receive national recognition for this is the icing on the cake!”

Andrews added: “Spenbeck may be a smaller business compared to some of the other contenders but they make a big impact through their work and family is at the heart of what they do. Their family name is part of the brand and being a family business underlines everything they do, adding true authenticity to the business and their reputation.

“Place is important too and akin to the family values, the business has been built on a desire to preserve their local heritage for future generations and to use the business to benefit the broader local community. Drive and passion have made things happen and they are worthy winners of the 2023 Professional Services Family Business of the Year title.

“Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and these awards celebrate their contribution. It was great to bring the family business community back together in person to recognise the incredible family firms that operate throughout the UK and to crown some fantastic winners.

“Congratulations to Spenbeck on winning this award. It is fantastic recognition of what they do as a business and it was a pleasure to present them with the award during a tremendous evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”