After a record number of entries were received, 50+ family businesses from around the Midlands were shortlisted across nine categories including Sustainability, Property & Construction Excellence, Digital & Tech Innovation, Service Excellence, Young Director and Employer of the Year, as well as Best Small Business, Fastest Growing and the much-coveted Family Business of the Year.

Ward submitted an entry in conjunction with marketing agency, Cite, for their collaboration on an innovative digital tool, The Carbon Report.

Donald Ward, Operations Director from Ward said: “We’ve been first to market with several digital innovations such as our online skip hire tool and our WARDrobe locator. This time we were looking for a way that we could share with our customers their carbon usage data, to help them identify effective waste management solutions. We teamed up with Cite to enhance the functionality of our customer portal and add a digital carbon reporting tool. This gives our customers data about carbon emissions from waste, at the touch of button, so they can make informed, sustainable decisions benefiting us all.”

Amie Masserella, Account Director at Cite, added: “We took the waste management information we were already collecting through the portal and using the methodology provided by the Government on Greenhouse Glass Reporting – Conversion factors we created an online report. The report takes into account the type of waste and whether it can be recycled or not. It also factors in the transport figures from the collection point to the Ward waste recycling centre which it has been taken. This is all at the click of a button and was achieved by our tech team doing all the calculations in the back end of the portal but presenting them online to the user in a clear and easy to understand way.”
Organised by third generation family business, The Wilson Organisation, which specialises in insurance and financial services and supported by a range of high-profile sponsors, the Midlands Family Business Awards gives family businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, the opportunity to recognised for the huge contribution they make to the region.

Charlotte Perkins, Group Managing Director of The Wilson Organisation said: “The standard of entries has been exceptionally high this year and we are so pleased that so many family businesses have taken the time to showcase their achievements. We received such strong entries in Best Small Family Business and Service Excellence categories that we’ve taken the decision to shortlist extra finalists, for the first time ever.”

The non-profit awards are made possible through a range of sponsors. Alongside MHR is family business community Family Business Futures, also created by founders Wilson’s; creative agency Stencil; Buckles Solicitors; professional services firm PwC; property maintenance business, The Handy Family Company; legal advisers Shakespeare Martineau; home care and mobility services provider, Premier Community and Streets Chartered Accountants.

The finalists in each category will meet with their judging panels during June. All Finalists are now eligible for the ‘People’s Choice’ award, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, which is determined by a public vote throughout September. Winners will be revealed in an Award Ceremony on 3 October 2024 at Athena in Leicester.

The full shortlist in the Midlands Family Business Awards 2024 can be found here: https://www.familybusinessawards.co.uk/news/our-2024-finalists-revealed

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Sharewear has community franchises across the country and aims to tackle clothing poverty by providing emergency clothing, shoes and bedding to people experiencing personal difficulties or facing poverty. Ward has supported the charity for several years by providing textile banks for clothing donations and helping to promote various nationwide campaigns.

To celebrate Sharewear’s birthday milestone, Ward sponsored a table where members of team Ward had the chance to meet many of the charity’s incredible volunteers who have worked so tirelessly over the years.

Clare Harby, Head of Textiles and Waste Brokerage at Ward, said: “We were delighted to join Sharewear to celebrate their journey over the past 10 years where they have supported 1000s of people to prevent clothing poverty in the region.

It was heart-warming to see their fantastic volunteers honoured, who each donate their time to giving new homes for clothing to those most in need. Sharewear has a strong ethos in driving recycling of unwanted clothes that may otherwise find their way to landfill – we are proud to work closely with such an amazing charity.”

For more information on Sharewear, visit www.sharewearclothingscheme.org

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Donald will be lacing up his running shoes in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support, via the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), while Dan is donning his running vest for MS Society. To support them with their fundraising efforts, Ward will match every pound raised by Donald and Dan.

This year’s Marathon takes place on Sunday 23^rd April, and will see around 42,000 take to the 26.2-mile track for various good causes.

Donald said: “Running isn’t something that comes naturally to me, so my journey to the Marathon has been about getting fit enough to take part and reach the finish line. I was inspired by a friend who participated in a previous London Marathon and decided I needed to do my bit for a good cause.

“The NFDC is proud to support several local and national charities through fundraising, and MacMillan Cancer Support is such a worthy one, as affiliate members, they were good enough to give me their charity place. Any money I raise will help fund their vital services and give people affected by cancer the support they need to live a better life.”

Dan said: “My Marathon journey began with a photo, back in 2021 that sparked a desire to get fit and improve my wellbeing, I haven’t looked back since.

“I never dreamt I’d be running in a Marathon but I’ve slowly built up to this point, and am proud to be supporting the MS Society, as they’ve done so much to support my family over the last few years.”

Donald and Dan’s Marathon efforts support Ward’s wider campaign to ‘Smash Some Goals’ year-long campaign which is aiming to raise £60,000 for local charities. The initiative comprises a programme of activities to build the team, boost positivity, improve fitness and wellbeing while supporting some great charitable causes.

To follow Donald’s London Marathon journey and donate, visit: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/donald-ward-2517b, and for Dan, visit https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/daniel-egner.

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On Saturday 18 June, the Nottinghamshire Down Syndrome community came together to attempt a Guinness World Record for wearing Odd Socks and play the 5th annual Footprints Cup charity football match, raising £6,700 in support of Nottingham charity, Footprints.

Over 1,000 people joined the family fun day at Ilkeston Town FC, despite the rain in support of Footprints. Things kicked off in the morning with a children’s charity football tournament and Nottingham Down Syndrome Support Group took to the pitch to practice their skills.

At 3pm before the whistle blew for the main Footprints Cup, there was an official count from the Guinness Book of World Records to try and break the record of most people wearing odd socks in one place. With a standing record of 933 in the US, the attempt was to raise awareness of Down Syndrome, as the extra chromosome has been compared to an odd sock. Due to strict rules around displaying socks and knees for a full 5 minutes, many people were excluded from the count as they couldn’t roll up their skinny jeans! However, it didn’t stop the group setting an unofficial British record of 756 people all wearing odd socks in one place.

Two celebrity teams including TikTok sensation Cal “The Dragon”, footballers Matt Tootle and Eugene Bopp and Hollyoak’s David Bennett played in the charity match, which ended up in an 8-4 win to the home team. The Greatest Dancer star, Adam Self, also scooped man of the match for two goals, a personal best after leaving last year’s challenge without scoring.

The Greatest Dancer winner and Man of the Match, Andrew Self, lifts the Footprints Cup 2022

Paul Brooks, player and organiser of the charity tournament said:

“It was a fantastic day. Naturally we are disappointed that we didn’t make the World record, but it’s amazing how many people turned out on a soggy Saturday to support us. There’s a great team spirit and we’re so grateful to all the players, stewards, volunteers and sponsors who have helped us exceed the amount we raised last year by well over £1,000. A huge thank you to everyone.”

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ilkeston based firm, Ward, said:

“As a local business we are really proud to be able to support the great work that Paul and the Footprints team do to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and raise funds to support families. The services provided by Footprints and the positive impact on the lives of children with motor learning difficulties, motor delay and Down Syndrome and their families is incredible.”

Footprints Conductive Education Centre is a small Nottingham-based charity that supports babies and pre-school children with conditions such as cerebral palsy that cause motor disorders or motor development delay. Its mission is to provide Conductive Education and other services to help children with mobility and communication problems develop the skills they need to thrive and achieve their potential.

Footprints Manager, Andrea Kelly, concludes:

“This year’s Footprints Cup has raised a record amount of money for us, even if we didn’t quite make the world record for odd socks. It makes so much difference to Footprints and our ability to help families in Nottingham and the East Midlands. Thank you to everyone who supported us on the day and continues to do so. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.” 

To find out more about the work of Footprints or if you and your family need support, visit: https://www.footprintscec.org/.

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The Chit Chat social club meets everything Thursday between 1:30pm and 3:30pm and offers members of the local community an opportunity to have ‘a natter over a cup of tea or coffee’, meet friends and play bingo.

Each club member pays £1 per week to cover the cost of refreshments. The weekly room hire was previously subsidised by not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation The Loundsley Green Community Trust, yet due to economic difficulties resulting from COVID-19, the community development trust needed to start charging room hire.

Providing a lifeline for many people during isolating times, the group fear loneliness more than the virus. Members include many older people, some with disabilities, who have overwhelmingly agreed that they want to keep the club going. 

Sheila, 87 said “I may only have a few years left and I don’t want to be in the house seeing no-one, so I will risk the virus.” Daphne, 92 agreed, adding “The thoughts of being on my own is more frightening than catching the virus.”

Members Judith and Pat who both live with disabilities, shared their sentiment saying: “What would I do if I could not see my friends?”, and, “If I have to go, I want to go smiling so can I keep coming?”.

Kathleen Goodwin, club organiser said: “Everyone is so passionate about keeping the group going. Members were happy to contribute £2 per week to cover the costs as our usual fundraising activities have been curbed by recent events.

“The response was an overwhelming ‘no’ when we suggested closing. We have a large room so we can keep a safe distance from each other. We sanitise everywhere many times during our sessions and everyone wears masks, many funny ones. It is really important to people to keep meeting up. We’re so grateful for the support from Ward.”

Ward has supported the club for a number of years through its #Tweetforatreat Easter Egg scheme, so on hearing of the developments at the Chit Chat club, the local firm wanted to do what it could assist. 

It has donated the cost of six month’s rent so that the community gathering can take place for the foreseeable and any additional monies raised amongst the group can be used to treat the members, either at a Christmas fuddle or another suitable occasion. 

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward, said: “This is an extremely challenging time for people, particularly those who may live alone or have limited family to rely on. Supporting the local community is really important to us and as a local business we have a duty to provide assistance where we can to support mental health and well-being of each other.”

You can keep up to date with the Chit Chat Club here: https://www.lgct.org.uk/regular-activities/thursday-chit-chat-club/.

For more information on Ward’s metal recycling and waste management capabilities visit www.ward.com.

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The Awards, hosted by letsrecycle.com who celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, champion innovation, dedication and success across the waste management and recycling sectors.

The Metals Recycling Business of the Year category, sponsored by Liebherr Group, aims to recognise the work done by a metals recycling company in providing a thorough and consistent service for its customers, while exemplifying innovation, ongoing investment, good practice and contributing to a circular economy.

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward, said:

“It is a huge honour to be recognised for such a distinguished award among our industry peers. It’s a real team effort and this goes a long way to reward the hard work and dedication by everyone within the Ward business. This has been a very challenging year for all businesses, but this event demonstrates the resilience of our industry and the continued investment and good practice by all the finalists of the Awards for Excellence during these difficult times. We’d like to thank letsrecycle.com for hosting the virtual awards and continuing to make events like this possible.”

The firm’s growing number of metal and waste processing sites and investment in machinery, plant and equipment at Immingham Dock contributed to the judges decision to award them the top prize for metal recycling.

As one of the most prestigious events in the environmental calendar, the Awards, usually held at London’s The Landmark Hotel, allow organisations a unique opportunity to gain industry recognition for their achievements and efforts in recycling, reuse and waste reduction. Although this year the awards were run via a virtual platform, it aimed to recreate an immersive environment which promoted networking and helped recognise the success still happening in the waste and recycling industry.

As a multi-award winning, independent fourth generation family business, Ward strives to be at the forefront of the bulk metal recycling and waste industry. An ISO accredited business, it provides safe, reliable and responsible handling of waste including metals, wood, plastic, soils, aggregates, food, textiles, glass and mixed materials.

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Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has been awarded FORS Silver accreditation for its 120 strong fleet of modern vehicles and drivers.

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators which aims to raise the level of quality within transport operations and to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency and environmental protection.

Having had Bronze accreditation since 2017, Ward has now been awarded the Silver standard after spending significant time on driver safety training and investing in excess of £2million on expanding and upgrading its fleet with new, environmentally-efficient artic lorries, wheeled tippers, plus bin and skip lorries vehicles and a food waste collection truck.

Silver FORS accreditation confirms that the Ward team employs good practice, has achieved the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard and demonstrated that it is compliant with the CLOCS Standard for Construction Logistics and with TfL’s WRRR (Work Related Road Risk).

Min Bawa, Transport Manager at Ward, said: “We are very proud to have achieved FORS silver recognition. Being able to show other businesses and the public that we care about safety and our environmental impact is a great achievement. Being a recycling firm means we already do so much to make sure our footprint as a business has a positive impact, but this demonstrates how important it is to us across all aspects of our business.

“We want people to know that when they choose Ward as their supplier they are guaranteed a low carbon footprint, high standards of safety and great level of service. When tendering for work these are all key aspects that businesses look for. It enables us to provide our expertise and skills to bigger projects.”

To achieve the accreditation, Ward drivers have undergone multiple online training courses on driver safety, security and terrorism, as well as emissions. In addition, all Ward drivers have completed the Safe Urban driving CPC course – a full day course which combines going out on a bicycle with classroom learning, so they understand what cyclists have to contend with on the roads. Ward’s fleet also has many safety features in place on its vehicles to protect the driver, motorists, cyclists.

The metal and waste management specialist also had to demonstrate fuel usage records and provide documentation that its fleet has Euro 6 and Euro 5 vehicles, proving the vehicles are safety compliant and have low emissions. Ward also had to show evidence of all vehicle registrations, noise control policies and air quality practices, incident tracking procedures, toolbox talks and information sharing processes, plus provide notifications of any accidents, fines and motor convictions.

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Multi-award winning, metal and waste recycling specialist, Ward, has become the latest Derbyshire business to sign up to Marketing Derby’s Bondholder business community.

The Ward team has joined 350 other dynamic Derby and Derbyshire businesses who benefit from being part of the Bondholder network. The scheme exists to help encourage inward investment, promote local business collaboration and provide support to all sizes of organisations from sole-traders to some of the region’s largest firms in both the city and county.

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward, said: “As an independent fourth generation family business based in Derbyshire, we are always keen to work closely with local businesses and explore new opportunities. Becoming a Marketing Derby Bondholder brings us even closer to organisations on our doorstep, as well as giving us access to great events, networking opportunities and introductions to new business partners.”

Over the past decade, Ward has seen its metal, recycling and waste management facilities significantly expand to new sites at Immingham, Chesterfield and Ilkeston, as well as maintaining its original site at Swadlincote. The team has also doubled in size to 400 employees, making it one of the biggest employers in Derbyshire.

Lindsey Hatfield, Commercial Development Manager at Marketing Derby, said: “Our Bondholder community is a vast and vibrant collection of what makes Derby great. Together, we provide a vibrant network of support and contacts, celebrate local achievements share good new stories and shape our place. We’re excited to welcome Ward to the community and look forward to the opportunities that this presents for all our members.”

Marketing Derby has attracted a capital investment of £359 million in the last three years, attracted 1,354 jobs to the city and continues to support investment into the city and county. Being a Bondholder gives businesses the opportunity to be part of the team that helps showcase Derby and Derbyshire’s commercial offer through research, business support, regular events from breakfast socials through to VIP tours and policy discussions.

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Multi-award winning, metal and waste recycling specialist, Ward, has joined successful family businesses across the UK and become the latest members of Family Business United – the innovative membership organisation for the family business sector.

Family Business United (FBU) was created in 2011 by Paul Andrews who has worked in the sector for over 20 years. It is a membership organisation and unique platform to champion the family business sector, recognising the contribution that family firms make to the global economy and providing a forum to bring together the best resources for those working in and with family businesses.

Over the past decade, Ward has seen metal, recycling and waste management facilities significantly expand to new sites at Immingham, Chesterfield and Ilkeston, as well as maintaining its original site at Swadlincote. The team has also doubled in size to 400 employees, making it one of the biggest employers in Derbyshire. Over 10% of Ward’s workforce are either directly from or have married into the Ward family, plus another 20% are family members in their own right including fathers and sons, brothers, husband and wife teams, so family values and hard work are embedded within #TeamWARD.

Donald Ward, Commercial Manager at Ward, said: “As a fourth generation family business and the largest independent metal, recycling and waste firm in the Midlands we are keen to grow and invest, while maintaining our core family values. This can be challenging at times. The FBU team is passionate about championing family businesses in all sectors and of all sizes and can help us to work with advisory firms and organisations globally, to help us achieve our future goals.”

Family businesses across the UK benefit from membership of FBU who champion the sector, share insights, news and research as well as hosting events for families in business to learn from each other.  As founder Paul Andrews explains: “We are delighted to welcome Ward as the latest members to join our innovative family business community.  Ward is a fantastic example of an innovative family firm that continue to grow, invest and plan for the future and we look forward to learning more about the business in the years to come.”

FBU hosts a number of innovative events throughout the year, publishes insights, news, research and much more besides on the online portal, www.familybusinessunited.com, publishes a bespoke magazine. It runs the Family Business of the Year Awards, of which Ward were winners in 2019 of the Central and Midlands Region and also coordinates The Family Business Road Trip, plus is engaged in multiple activities to promote the sector and support its 250 members across the UK. These include household names like Walkers Shortbread, JW Lees Brewery, Johnstons of Elgin, Sturgess Motor Group and Balsons the Bridport based butchers who date back 26 generations to 1515 and are the oldest family firm in the UK.

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Based at Ward’s Griffon Road site at Ilkeston, Dr Dimitrios Kosmidis has joined Ward’s contracting division, Ward Special Projects (SP), working on sites throughout the UK in the construction, demolition and industrial sectors. Dimitrios is part of the team delivering one-off and ongoing contracts providing site services such as material management, deconstruction, asset removal, remediation and contamination removal as well as the bulk processing of metals, minerals and waste. He will work with Ward’s existing in-house chemist and the wider team of environmental specialists, providing hazardous waste and materials anlaysis and advice.

After almost five years as a PhD Researcher at Loughborough University, Dimitrios joined Ward SP to be able apply his technical expertise in a commercial environment, he comments: “Ward has given me the opportunity to develop my commercial skills and be part of an exciting and friendly team. Now I’m working with clients such as Air Liquide, Network Rail Infrastructure and BD Cargo and my main responsibilities include on-site soil sampling, analysis and preparation of timely and accurate waste classification reporting and consultancy. I’m responsible for all inbound soil waste enquiries, client and supplier liaison, plus I ensure the regulatory compliance of all laboratory testing for soil and other various materials for acceptance to Ward’s authorised waste processing facilities.”

David Ward Jnr commented: “Dimitrios is a great addition to the Ward SP team. Having someone with his level of expertise in-house is a huge benefit to us for carrying out site assessments, being responsive to client’s needs – often at short notice – and ensuring that we demonstrate a duty of care to the highest level when working on site clearance and land remediation projects, particularly where hazardous waste might be present.”

Ward SP was established in 2017 and is part of the multi-award winning, fourth generation family Ward.com who was named the fastest growing family business at the Midlands Family Business awards. It now employs over 400 people in Derbyshire and North Lincolnshire across its six waste management and metal recycling sites.

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