Arco Success At The Family Business United Awards

Arco won the Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award at the Family Business of the Year Awards recently.

They were up against 200+ national businesses, and feel incredibly honoured to have taken the top spot in the Yorkshire category. Arco’s entry outlined the company’s joined-up safety solution offering, company values, philanthropic activity, innovations in sustainability, and achievements from across the company’s 139 years in business.

The judges recognised the role which the Martin family has played and continue to play through their stewardship and investment in the business. Whether that be through being active members in the communities through charitable work or lobbying for change in parliament against non-compliant PPE, their passion, expertise and support is invaluable.

At a ceremony held in London, Charley Seward, Supplier Relationships and Transformation Manager and fifth-generation family member, and Becky Casson, Buying Director, proudly picked up the award on Arco’s behalf. Arco were also runners up in the Supreme Champion Award, the national title which they won in 2021.

Organised by Family Business United, these prestigious awards are now a firm fixture in the family business calendar and celebrate the very best of British family firms from all corners of the UK. Awards are given by region, sector and nationally in recognition of qualities such as entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, community engagement and ultimately one family business is crowned the Supreme Champions.

As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “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.”

Ben Fowler, Managing Director of Western Pension Solutions, sponsors of the Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award added, “Yorkshire was a tough category for the judges and there were some really strong contenders. However, the judges felt that one stood out. Arco are an outstanding family business that has strong governance, clear values and is a major supporter of the community in which they operate and the broader family business community around Hull too.”

“The decision was not an easy one, but one that will certainly make Hull proud as our winners and runners up both hail from Hull with Arco taking the title and the John Good Group being named runners up.”

“Arco is a family business that has a visionary approach to all aspects of safety and is a true inspiration to others and is a deserving winner of the Yorkshire title,” concludes Ben.

Charley Seward said: “I was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the 1600 members of the Arco family who make this business tick. As colleagues, we know we have something very special at Arco, but it’s wonderful to have this validated by Family Business United too.”

Guy Bruce, CEO, said: “It’s a privilege and honour to have our business recognised in this space and to be able to share in the celebrations with other family business of all sizes, generations and sectors who were also awarded on the night.”

“Congratulations to all colleagues on this achievement – you all play a part in making this business great.”

As Paul adds, “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 Arco 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 fantastic evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”

Find out more about Arco by visiting their website here