Vernacare adds to Queen’s Award accolade

BOLTON-based medical products specialist Vernacare added to its long list of achievements by carrying off the NW Business Masters Manufacturer (Large) Award.

After receiving the honour at y ceremony at Manchester’s Midland Hotel, the 50-year old £26.6m turnover company pledged to continue innovating to reach markets across the world.

The firm makes single-use bedpans, urinals, washbowls and other containers from renewable natural fibre, disposed of sustainably in Vernacare’s Vortex disposal machines.

International marketing manager Irm Saleem told a packed audience: “What we offer for patient dignity healthcare and associated infection reduction is something which we’re really proud of.

“One of biggest achievements recently has been helping patients in Sierra Leone and the Ebola outbreak. It’s great for us as a company in the North West to be having an impact.
 
“Innovation is very important to us – to continue to improve products for patients and also in terms of the global markets we are looking at.

“In order the meet the needs of markets internationally we have to constantly innovate.

“Flying the flag for Britain does make a big difference. We did some work in China recently and, along with other international markets, the fact that we’re British really does entice countries to approach us to do business.”

Vernacare won the Queen’s Award for Industry in 2011 for developing the world’s first disposable wash bowl. This is continuing with five new products due for launch in the UK and overseas in the next 18 months.

Having enjoyed long-term success in Australia and New Zealand markets,Vernacare is now striving to build on its platform in Singapore.

Other companies shortlisted were James Halstead, Silentnight Brands and The PJ Livesey Group.

The accolade of NW Business Masters Manufacturer (SME) Award went to Manchester-based Duo UK, a family-run maker of polythene and supplier of packing products.

The award was presented by Richard Jeffrey of award sponsor the Business Growth Hub.

Founded by David Brimelow in 1988, it has secured a position in the packaging industry as a trusted operator, delivering consistently high quality packaging products, exceptional customer service and expert advice.

The investment in machinery and R&D to develop products when internet shopping was in its infancy 15 years ago proved to be masterstroke by Brimelow.

Director Dale Brimelow said the company was currently developing a green product derived not from oil, but sugar cane.

“It’s a completely carbon neutral product trying to push and make it a sustainable product,” he said. “Plastic does get but it’s not a bad name in the industry, but it’s a material that is utilised in virtually every aspect of life.”

The gong for investing and bring on talent, however, went to a well-known company Cammell Laird, who were the winners of the NW Business Masters Apprentice Scheme Award.

Shipyard director Mike Moran eceived the prize from Angie Took of sponsor GM Skills Gateway.

Moran said: “We’ve now got a company that turns over £250m a year we have train 40 to 50 apprentices a year and it’s just a great business.

“We’re Hoping Liverpool will have a second maritime boom now that Liverpool Two (a deep water container channel) is under construction.”

The specialist marine and engineering services provider employs more than 1,500 people directly or indirectly at Birkenhead. Of those, 160 are apprentices or have graduated within the company’s apprenticeship schemes.

Other companies shortlisted were BNY Mellon, Manchester,Pennine Telecom and Silentnight Brands.