Business of the Year Awards: Thriving family businesses urged to enter
This year’s Business of the Year Awards will be celebrating the South West’s thriving family businesses that use the skills of different generations and have a long-term vision for sustainable success.
Last year’s winner, Gloucester’s Lanes Health, competed against Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Emerald Windows and Doors, Mike Martin Window Systems, SBL Services, and StudioHIVE.
Lanes Health is a thriving, long-established, and ambitious family-owned business with a rich history as a regional employer and prominent British manufacturer of health products.
The company’s story began over 90 years ago in 1930 with Gilbert Lane and his wife Grace, who founded the business. Gilbert was a true pioneer and passionate about improving health and quality of life through a good diet and supplementation, using carefully selected plants and nutrients.
Today, the business manufactures household brands such as Olbas, Kalms and ProPlus, and in 2007, acquired Jakemans, the popular soothing menthol lozenge brand based in Lincolnshire.
Even after 90 years, the Lane family continues to play a vital role in the company. Jonathan Groves (fourth generation) holds the position of executive chairman. Rachel Cox, Jonathan’s sister, along with their cousins Amy Power and Robin Sissons, are directors on the family board, representing the next generation as it enter its fourth generation of family leadership.
Supported by headline partners accountancy group PwC, law firm Michelmores and Partners&, the awards boast a rigorous judging process, with all companies entering visited by members of the judging panel.
There are 14 categories in total, designed to recognise and celebrate the whole range of businesses in the region, from exporters and innovators to those placing sustainability at their core.
Businesses going the extra mile to make a positive impact on their local community and those with exceptional reputations as good employers will also be championed.
Shortlisted companies will then on be invited to pitch, with the winners revealed at a high-profile black-tie awards evening on 13 November at the Harbour Hotel in Bristol.
The awards are free, simple and quick to enter – click here to visit the Business of the Awards website. The deadline for entries is Friday 2 May.
