The Clock Struck Gold For Midlands Based Smith Of Derby

Smith of Derby scooped three awards at the Family Business of the Year Awards (‘FBOTY’) organised by Family Business United (‘FBU’), including the golden globe, Supreme Family Business of the Year 2020.

FBU celebrates family owned businesses across the UK, recognising the contribution they make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation. In the ‘virtual’ awards ceremony held live online, Smith of Derby took the Manufacturing Family Business of the Year title which was promptly followed by the Midlands Family Business of the Year award and then the ultimate triumph, they were crowned Supreme Champions for 2020.

For this Derby based company, in family ownership since its beginning in 1856, and now under the leadership of the fifth and sixth generation of the family, the evening was filled with emotion. Smith of Derby are true ambassadors for the family business sector and have really helped to put Derby on the map, celebrating their journey and even creating a film about their heritage.

The film celebrates the life and times of this award-winning family company and is a fitting tribute to the their leader for many decades, Mr Nicholas Smith.

As Bob Betts, Managing Director of Smith of Derby explains, “He was fondly known at the works as ‘Mr Nick,’ following the Midlands manufacturing tradition. Nick died just over two years ago, having served the family company since childhood, and these awards are a fitting recognition of all of his hard work in bringing the company safely into the 21st century.”

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of FBU adds, “Smith of Derby are worthy winners of these awards and sit firmly at the top of the podium this year. As Supreme Champions they beat off some incredible competition to take the title, recognised for their values and ethos as a family business, commitment to manufacturing and their local community and have an incredible story to tell that weaves its way throughout the business.”

Ben Fowler, Managing Director at Western Pension Solutions and one of the judges for the awards sums up why they are worthy winners, “Smith of Derby represent the true essence of an internationally successful family business. It feels almost as though they are the guardians of time itself whilst at the same time embodying a sense of timelessness. Committed to exceptional quality, craftsmanship and heritage, they take a long term view of their business and continue to invest heavily to prepare them for the years to come.”

Natalie Wright, Head of Family Business at Mazars, a fellow judge and sponsor of the Manufacturing Family Business of the Year Award added that “this is a family business full of pride and passion for what they do. They are great British manufacturers and a fantastic ambassador for the family business sector too. Family is at the heart of what they do and they fully deserve all the accolades that winning these awards will bring them.”

On winning the treble, Heather Whitworth, Mr Nick’s daughter and director of the family firm added: “This is such a special moment for the company. It is a fitting tribute to the whole team who have worked incredibly hard, not just in 2020 but over the decades. The team have worked tirelessly to maintain and develop the company,. and to continue to cherish our customers and win new friends across the world. These awards are accepted on behalf of the whole team who deserve all the recognition and our thanks.”

As Paul concludes, “Smith of Derby are a fantastic business that have truly stood the test of time! They are innovative and entrepreneurial and continue to evolve, with an eye on the future, strong family values at their core and undertake work in the public realm that really does make places better.”

“This business is all about beautiful, accurate clocks that are the heartbeat of the community and everyone involved at Smith of Derby have a role in keeping them ticking. Fantastic winners of these awards and it really does feel that they are the guardians of time for the nation.”

“We look forward to the continuing journey of our incredible Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year, Smith of Derby,” he concludes.